Lessons from the Doctrine and Covenants 2021
Lesson No. Fifty

The Spirit Of Christmas Is Love Manifested By Giving

The love of the Father is manifested as He gave His Son.  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16, emphasis added).

The love of the Son is manifested when He gave his life to atone for our sins.  “And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which sayeth he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people” (Alma 7:11).  “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you” (John 15:13-14, emphasis added).  Those who keep His commandments are those He calls friends.  That He will consider us His friend should be our great desire.

Our love for the Lord is manifested as we give ourselves to Him and His work.  “And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit” (3 Nephi 9:20).  A humble heart and an obedient spirit is the only thing we have that is really ours to give.  Everything else is his already.  A humble heart and an obedient spirit are the only things He wants from us and yet He will never compel us to give them.  They must be given willingly.

Our Prayer for you at this Christmas time, and in the years to come, is that you will find true joy in the Lord and in His work. Moreover, that through the atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ and by making and keeping sacred temple covenants you will enjoy the blessing of enteral life with your loved ones.

We send our love and Christmas blessings to you and your family,

Susan and Larry Lunt