What are the gifts Jesus Christ offers to you?
The Living Christ
The Testimony of the Apostles
As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ two millennia ago, we offer our testimony of the reality of His matchless life and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice. None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth.
He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament, the Messiah of the New. Under the direction of His Father, He was the creator of the earth. “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:3). Though sinless, He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. He “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38), yet was despised for it. His gospel was a message of peace and goodwill. He entreated all to follow His example. He walked the roads of Palestine, healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the dead. He taught the truths of eternity, the reality of our premortal existence, the purpose of our life on earth, and the potential for the sons and daughters of God in the life to come.
He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice. He was arrested and condemned on spurious charges, convicted to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary’s cross. He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. His was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth.
We solemnly testify that His life, which is central to all human history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary. He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world.
He rose from the grave to “become the firstfruits of them that slept” (1 Corinthians 15:20). As Risen Lord, He visited among those He had loved in life. He also ministered among His “other sheep” (John 10:16) in ancient America. In the modern world, He and His Father appeared to the boy Joseph Smith, ushering in the long-promised “dispensation of the fulness of times” (Ephesians 1:10).
Of the Living Christ, the Prophet Joseph wrote: “His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying:
“I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father” (D&C 110:3–4).
Of Him the Prophet also declared: “And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!
“For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—
“That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God” (D&C 76:22–24).
We declare in words of solemnity that His priesthood and His Church have been restored upon the earth—“built upon the foundation of … apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone” (Ephesians 2:20).
We testify that He will someday return to earth. “And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together” (Isaiah 40:5). He will rule as King of Kings and reign as Lord of Lords, and every knee shall bend and every tongue shall speak in worship before Him. Each of us will stand to be judged of Him according to our works and the desires of our hearts.
We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles—that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son. (The Living Christ, The Testimony of the Apostles, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints)
"Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." (John 8: 12)
"Therefore, hold up your light that it may shine unto the world. Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up—that which ye have seen me do. Behold ye see that I have prayed unto the Father, and ye all have witnessed." (3 Nephi 18: 24)
"That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day." (Doctrine and Covenants 50: 24)
"The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." (John 10: 10)
"19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming." (1 Corinthians 15: 19-23)
"Verily I say unto you, blessed are you for receiving mine everlasting covenant, even the fulness of my gospel, sent forth unto the children of men, that they might have life and be made partakers of the glories which are to be revealed in the last days, as it was written by the prophets and apostles in days of old." (Doctrine and Covenants 66: 2)
"24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it." (Romans 8: 24-25)
"And what is it that ye shall hope for? Behold I say unto you that ye shall have hope through the atonement of Christ and the power of his resurrection, to be raised unto life eternal, and this because of your faith in him according to the promise." (Moroni 7: 41)
And here's the commentary for this week's reading assignment: "December 22–28: The Matchless Gift of God’s Divine Son Christmas" :
"The Prophet Joseph Smith declared, “The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2011], 49). Over 160 years later, this statement inspired the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles to publish “The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles” in honor of the 2,000th anniversary of the Savior’s birth (see Russell M. Nelson, “Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2017, 40).
As Latter-day Saints, we rejoice in the blessing of continuing revelation through modern prophets and apostles. We are thankful for their inspired words of counsel, warning, and encouragement. But most of all, we are blessed by their powerful testimonies of Jesus Christ—at Christmastime and throughout the year. These are more than just stirring words of skilled writers or public speakers or insights from scriptural experts. They are the words of God’s chosen, called, and authorized “special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world” (Doctrine and Covenants 107:23).
“None other has had so profound an influence.”
What would you say in support of the statement that “none other has had so profound an influence [as Jesus Christ] upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth”? Look for passages in “The Living Christ” that testify of the Savior’s profound influence. How has He influenced you?
Suppose someone who is unfamiliar with Christianity asked you why you celebrate Christmas. How would you respond? Review “The Living Christ” with this question in mind, and consider writing down any thoughts or impressions that come to you.
See also “Why We Need a Savior” (video), Gospel Library.
“He rose from the grave.”
In “The Living Christ,” the Apostles testify of the Resurrection of the Savior, mentioning three appearances of the risen Lord (see paragraph 5). Consider reading some accounts of these visits in John 20; 3 Nephi 11; and Joseph Smith—History 1:14–20. What do you learn about the Savior from His words and actions during these appearances?
“His priesthood and His Church have been restored.”
During your study of the Doctrine and Covenants this year, you have had the opportunity to learn more about how the Savior’s “priesthood and His Church have been restored.” Which restored truths or principles have been especially meaningful to you? Consider reviewing some of the following scriptures that teach about the Restoration: Doctrine and Covenants 1:17–23; 13; 20:1–12; 65; 110; 112:30–32; 124:39–42; 128:19–21. Ponder how the truths of the restored gospel help you know and love Jesus Christ.
“He will someday return to earth.”
Christmas is a time to look back on the day Jesus Christ was born and to look forward to the day He will come again. What do you learn about His return from the second-to-last paragraph of “The Living Christ”? You might also consider reading, singing, or listening to Christmas hymns that teach about the Second Coming, such as “Joy to the World” or “It Came upon the Midnight Clear” (Hymns, nos. 201, 207).
“He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world.”
In the final paragraph of “The Living Christ,” note the attributes and titles given for the Savior. Consider spending time learning about some of them. For example:
Light: How is Jesus Christ like a light to you? You might consider drawing a picture or taking a photo that, to you, represents the light He gives you. What do you feel inspired to do to share His light? (See also John 8:12; 3 Nephi 18:24; Doctrine and Covenants 50:24.)
Life: Why do you think life is a good word to describe Jesus Christ? In what sense does He give you life? How would your life be different without Him and His gospel? (See also John 10:10; 1 Corinthians 15:19–23; Doctrine and Covenants 66:2.)
Hope: What do you hope for because of Jesus Christ and His gospel? Do you know someone who feels hopeless about the future? Ponder how you might share with that person the hope you feel in Jesus Christ. (See also Romans 8:24–25; Ether 12:4; Moroni 7:41.)
See also Topics and Questions, “Jesus Christ,” Gospel Library.
“God be thanked for [His] matchless gift.”
In “The Living Christ,” the Apostles refer to the Savior as a “gift” from our Heavenly Father. Based on what you find in “The Living Christ,” how would you complete this sentence: “Through Jesus Christ, God gives me the gifts of …” Ponder what you can do to receive these gifts more fully.
How has studying “The Living Christ” affected your faith in and love for the Savior?
See also Russell M. Nelson, “Four Gifts That Jesus Christ Offers to You” (First Presidency Christmas devotional, Dec. 2, 2018), Gospel Library; “Excerpts from ‘The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles’” (video), ChurchofJesusChrist.org."
For the week of Christmas 2025, I decided to write my blog for the entire week in this one post. I'm answering some of the questions from the commentary, so I'm sharing the questions along with my answers. Here we go:
Light: What do you feel inspired to do to share His light?
To share His light, I feel inspired to continue writing this blog despite the challenges I'm going through at the moment. I'll keep sharing what I'm learning from my scripture study through the Come, Follow Me program. I'll keep sharing my experiences and insights, especially about how the Lord is always guiding me, nudging and leading me gently, to keep me on the right path, so that I don't lose my way, and that I may be able to continue shining my own light, and that my light will always reflect His light.
Life: Why do you think life is a good word to describe Jesus Christ? In what sense does He give you life? How would your life be different without Him and His gospel?
Life is a good word to describe Jesus Christ because He is the giver of life. He gave me life both physically and spiritually. Even if I die physically, my physical body and my spirit will be reunited in resurrection and will become immortal because of what He did for me and for all mankind. Through my faith in Him being the giver or the source of life, and through looking unto Him in every thought, my life here on earth was literally extended during that time when my breath was fleeting, and there was the tendency for my physical body to turn into room temperature and go down six feet below the ground ahead of others. Through His grace and as I do my part, I will be qualified to inherit eternal life and live with Him and my Heavenly Parents again. Without the Lord Jesus Christ and His gospel, my life would be miserable because I wouldn't be able to find hope, peace, and joy in this earthly life, and I would be lost, not knowing what exactly the future holds for me and for my loved ones.
Hope: What do you hope for because of Jesus Christ and His gospel?
Because of Jesus Christ and His gospel, I have hope that all of God's promises will be fulfilled. I have hope that I will see my own earthly father again and live with him together with the rest of our family members forever. And I have hope that my marriage with my eternal companion will be eternal indeed.
Through Jesus Christ, God gives me the gifts of Light, Life, and Hope.
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