Scripture Reading 2 Nephi 29:11

For I command all men, both in the east and in the west, and in the north, and in the south, and in the islands of the sea, that they shall write the words which I speak unto them; for out of the books which shall be written I will judge the world, every man according to their works, according to that which is written.

Scripture Reading: D&C 50 (27:16-18)

“Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, having on the breastplate of righteousness, and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, which I have sent mine angels to commit unto you; Taking the shield of faith wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked; And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of my Spirit, which I will pour out upon you, and my word which I reveal unto you, and be agreed as touching all things whatsoever ye ask of me, and be faithful until I come, and ye shall be caught up, that where I am ye shall be also."
D&C 50 (27:16-18)

Christmas Message from the Prophet Matthew Gill

Today, people around the world are preparing for Christmas. Hopefully, all are preparing to celebrate on that special day the birth in a Bethlehem manger of the Prince of Peace the Redeemer of the world - Jesus the Christ. Let us remember that this season is full of promise and hope because of Jesus Christ. It is he whom we celebrate and it is he whom we love and serve as his disciples. We hope to bring all to the knowledge of his birth, earthly mission and message of eternal salvation during this time of beauty and promise.

Centuries before the birth of the Christ child, prophets proclaimed that Jesus would be born of a virgin.

The prophet Isaiah foretold and testified of the Savior’s divine mission and birth, saying, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”

The Prophet Nephi saw a vision of the Savior’s birth and ministry before and after the Lord’s Crucifixion:

“And I beheld the city of Nazareth; and in the city of Nazareth I beheld a virgin, and she was exceeding fair and white.”

And in the Book of Mosiah, King Benjamin testified of the coming of the Savior, saying:

“For behold, the time cometh, and is not far distant, that with power, the Lord omnipotent who reigneth, which was, and is from all eternity to all eternity, shall come down from Heaven, among the children of men… And he shall be called Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of Heaven and Earth, the creator of all things, from the beginning; and his mother shall be called Mary.”

Other prophets such as Daniel and Samuel the Lamanite described further details of His earthly ministry. Hosea foretold His sojourn into Egypt. The Lord sent John the Baptist, one of the noblest of prophets, to “prepare the way” for the earthly ministry of the Christ.

We learn in the Book of Jeraneck that Christ made himself known to Ancient Britons. The Prophet Sharaneck was told by Christ, “I am he who will be born to a virgin pure and clean.” (Jaraneck 5:17.)

And again, the Prophet Jeraneck reveals that he was shown a vision of the birth of the Saviour, “I saw a Virgin and she was pure and unspotted and she was moved upon by the Holy Spirit and she gave birth to a baby boy and this baby was the Lord of Heaven and she gave birth to him in a  stable built in to the rocks and she named him Jesus.” (16:41)

The ancient prophets, before the birth of Jesus, told of the glories of His atonement, the miracle of His resurrection. They foretold His coming to open the way for a literal resurrection for all humankind and for eternal life for those who merit that “greatest of all gifts.”

Yes, there were centuries of preparation for the coming of the Lord. We should, in turn, live in gratitude for these glorious revelation and live lives worthy of that inheritance.

Brothers and sisters, in the spirit of those ancient prophets, may we prepare for this year’s observance of His birth by saying,

“Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

- A message from Prophet, Seer and Revelator of the Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ, Matthew Gill. For more information on the Church, please visit www.latterdaychurch.co.uk

Scripture Reading: 2 Nephi Ch. 11 (25:22-23)

“Wherefore, these things shall go from generation to generation, as long as the earth shall stand; and they shall go according to the will and pleasure of God; and the nations shall possess them, shall be judged of them according to the words which are written; for we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all that we can do.”
- 2 Nephi Ch. 11 (25:22-23 Utah version)

Scripture Reading: 2 Nephi Chapter 12 (1830)

“Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.”
- 2 Nephi Ch. 12 (31:20 Utah version)

Scripture Reading: Book of Jeraneck, Records, 2:16

“My son, think upon virtue and do not turn your thoughts to sin, for man lives eternally and the things of the spirit are more greatly to be desired. Put out of your mind what is past and do not fret and worry about what has not yet come to pass.”
- from the Book of Jeraneck, Records of the Religious Practices of the People of Light, 2:16

Scripture Reading: D&C 43:4 (1835)

“And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me! Behold, you have my gospel before you, and my rock, and my salvation.”
- D&C 43:4 (18:16-17)