A Mormonism Christmas

Greetings readers!
Today I wish to speak on Christmas, as that is only a week away from today.  It is such a wonderful time!  For one, the music is different this time of year.  I am not talking about Jingle Bells or the like (although some enjoy those too), but I'm talking about the wonderful songs about Christ.  An example would be the Mormonism Hymn "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day."  My personal favorite this year, however, is the song "Carol of the Bells" as performed by the Steven Sharp Nelson.


Christmas is also one of my favorite times to read and reread The Gospels in the Bible - the life of Christ.  What better way to learn about Christmas than to read the origins of it?  The story of Christ's birth is often shared this season, and I will do so now as well.

The Birth of Jesus Christ
1. And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
2. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea  unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5. To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inns.
8. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them:  and they were sore afraid.
10. And the angel said unto them, Fear not:  for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
- Luke 2:1-14 -

But I think it is sad to stop the story there.  As the scripture says, "...unto you is born...a Savior."  His entire life was an example of what we need to do to be saved, and the ultimate act of the Savior was performed during the final days of his mortal life.  The Atonement!  In Gethsemane he took upon him all our afflictions and sins, that we may be granted forgiveness if we keep his commandments.  And in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea yet another great act of salvation was performed.  Christ was resurrected and broke the hold that death had upon all mankind.

It is the summary of all of these things that make this season so wonderful.  The birth of our Redeemer, the example of his life, the mercy found in the Atonement - All of this should be remembered during this wonderful Christmas season.

I leave you with another comic by Arie Van De Graaff:

Let us remember Christ in Christmas.

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Would you like to know more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormonism) or Jesus Christ and his Atonement?  The missionaries are ready to answer any of your questions.  Just ask them here!

History of Mormonism Hymns - I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

It is now the Christmas season.  Let us not forget what this time of celebration is all about - Christ!  And so, in my attempt to spread the Christmas cheer, I share the history of another hymn of Mormonism - I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.

The Story Behind the Hymn
In 1861 the Civil War broke out.  Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was one of the men living in New England at the time.  In July Henry's wife died, just a couple days before their anniversary.  Two years later his son was mortally wounded as a soldier in the war.  All of these were undoubtedly on his mind when he wrote the words: "For hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth, good will to men."
But Christmas did come even in the midst of great war, and the church bells rang out.  At this time the true meaning of Christmas must have struck home - "God is not dead nor doth he sleep."  Because of Christ's atonement that was made for the love of all men we can have hope even in the darkest of times.

When listening to this hymn the words of Elder Holland often come to mind:
"It is not possible for you to sink lower than the infinite light of Christ’s Atonement shines."
- The Laborers in the Vineyard, General Conference, April 2012 -

The Words of the Hymn

I heard the bells on Christmas day.  Their old familiar carols play, and wild and sweet the words repeat of peace on earth, good will to men.

I thought how, as the day had come, the belfries of all Christendom had rolled along the unbroken song of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head:  "There is no peace on earth," I said, "For hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth, good will to men."

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:  "God is not dead, nor doth he sleep; The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, with peace on earth, good will to men."

Till, ringing, singing, on its way, the world revolved from night to day.  A voice, a chime, a change sublime, of peace on earth, good will to men!

Let's remember this Christmas season the love of Christ and what he has done for us.  "For the Lord thy God is a merciful God; he will not forsake thee..." (Deuteronomy 4:31).

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Want More?
History of Mormonism - http://mormontopics.org/eng/christ
Listen to 'I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day - http://www.lds.org/music/library/...Longfellow
Question on Mormonism? - http://mormon.org/chat