This document discusses how Christmas is a time to rejoice in the birth of Jesus Christ and all that His life and mission represent. It describes how many ancient prophets, the shepherds, wise men, and others rejoiced at His first coming to earth. It also explains that Jesus brings joy to those suffering today through His gospel being restored, and that we can feel His love. We are encouraged to celebrate His birth and rejoice in the blessings of salvation He offers.

1. k i m b . c l a r k ◆ december 2012
r e j o i c e
I love Christmas and all the goodness it represents. It is one of the most this vast multitude waited and conversed, rejoicing in the hour of their
peaceful seasons on earth. Many families have rich traditions associated deliverance from the chains of death, the Son of God appeared, declaring
with Christmas that add brilliance and joy to the season. Each year our liberty to the captives who had been faithful” (D&C 138:18).
family reads the account of the Savior’s birth found in the New Testament.
We look forward to that occasion and the special time to rejoice together The good news of redemption continues today for individuals beyond
in the blessings of Jesus Christ’s birth. the veil. They rejoice because the Savior appeared to the Prophet
Joseph Smith in the latter days, restored
And we are grateful for so many others who priesthood keys to the earth, and opened the
have rejoiced in the greatest gift ever given to opportunity of salvation for the dead in holy
man – the Savior and Redeemer. temples – ultimately allowing each of us to be
participants in this great work.
Those who witnessed the Savior’s birth
surely rejoiced in the fulfillment of prophecy. Not only do we look back to the birth of the
Accounts found in Matthew and Luke tell of Savior with joy, knowing that He came and
an angel announcing the birth of Jesus Christ that He fulfilled His mission, but we also
to shepherds in the field, the heavenly choir rejoice knowing He will come again. Only
singing “Glory to God in the Highest,” and the this time, the second time, He will not come
Wise Men following the miraculous star. Both in a stable wrapped in swaddling clothes.
Simeon and Anna were in the temple when This time He will come in power and glory!
Mary and Joseph brought the Savior there He will come as the King of Kings, with all
as a little baby and saw their long-awaited power over all things, to rule and reign on
Redeemer in the flesh. the earth for a thousand years.
Many ancient prophets such as Enoch, Micah, However, we do not need to wait for Jesus
and Nephi rejoiced in their knowledge of the Christ’s return to enjoy the blessings of His
Messiah and looked forward to His coming. Isaiah specifically wrote millennial reign. Through the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ,
beautiful poetic and prophetic lines about Him: “For unto us a child we can rejoice in those blessings now. We can have Him for our king now.
is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his This is the same principle in which the ancients trusted when they looked
shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The forward to His birth: “And the Lord God hath sent his holy prophets
mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). among all the children of men, to declare these things to every kindred,
nation, and tongue, that thereby whosoever should believe that Christ
Jesus walked among men as the Prince of Peace, the Savior and Redeemer. should come, the same might receive remission of their sins, and rejoice
He reached out to all who labored and were heavy laden and bid them to with exceedingly great joy, even as though he had already come among
come to Him. He healed and comforted them physically and spiritually. them” (Mosiah 3:13, emphasis added).
There are many now who are “heavy laden” with great difficulty and
hardship in their lives. For some who are discouraged, the Christmas While reflecting on the remarkable mission of the Savior at this special
season can sharpen the pain, loss, and sorrow they feel. Yet, as John the time of year, we can each feel these words very powerfully:
Revelator wrote: “For the Lamb … shall feed them, and shall lead them
unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from Rejoice, the Lord is King!
their eyes” (Revelation 7:17). Your Lord and King adore!
Mortals, give thanks and sing
This same promise made by John long ago is available to all of us And triumph evermore.
today – especially to those who weep, who are discouraged, and who Lift up your heart! Lift up your voice!
grieve. Not only can we each feel of the Savior’s gentle love, but we can Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!
also be the ones who extend His love, His doctrine, His mercy, and His (“Rejoice, the Lord is King!” Hymns, 66)
grace to those who are suffering. When we act as Jesus Christ’s hands,
we make it possible for others to rejoice in His love and mercy. It is my prayer that as we celebrate Christmas this year, we will give
thanks for the blessings of Jesus Christ’s humble birth and matchless
Just as many rejoiced in the Savior’s advent upon the earth, there were life. His work continues today. Through His holy name there is joy and
others who waited intently in the Spirit World for His resurrection. happiness in the world and eternal life in the world to come. May we
President Joseph F. Smith saw this in a vision and recorded: “While rejoice in the Father’s gift of His beloved Son.