Christmas – “He Shall Come into the World to Redeem His People”

December 21, 2020 to December 27, 2020

As we celebrate Christ’s coming to earth, let us recognize him as our Savior and Redeemer. 

“The Condescension of the Lamb of God,” S. Brent Farley, Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior 

Jesus condescended to be born and live in humble circumstances. To know of the condescension of God is to know of his love. This condescension still occurs in the present time, as every time God interacts with his children, it is a manifestation of his continuing condescension.  

“Why Did Samuel Make Such Chronologically Precise Prophecies?” Book of Mormon Central, KnoWhy 184 

Samuel makes two specific prophecies: that in four hundred years the people would fall, and that in five years the Son of God would be born. “Samuel the Lamanite may have been making a hotun [a five-year cycle] prophecy when he stated that in five years, signs would be given concerning the birth of Christ,” suggests Mark Wright. 

“The Holy and the Jolly,” John S. Tanner, Notes from an Amateur: A Disciple’s Life in the Academy

More than perhaps any other religious holiday, Christmas has a decidedly double rhythm of holy and jolly. Jesus was a man of sorrows but also of joy. Christmas reminds us that we embrace a gospel of good cheer. 

“Christmas and Childhood,” James R. Kearl, Religious Educator 2, no. 2 (2001)

The Christmas season is a wonderful season—one that gives us the opportunity to see once again what a beautiful and extraordinary world this is when seen through the eyes of children. Christmas is in its transcendent meaning also a celebration of Jesus’ mission of redemption.

“Isaiah and the Messiah,” Terry B. Ball, Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior

Isaiah knew and loved the Messiah. From Isaiah we learn that in contrast to the mortal Messiah’s humble and quiet birth and ministry, the millennial Messiah will bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations.