Merry Christmas!

One of my favorite things about this time of year is the peace and happiness that radiates throughout every man, woman, and child. Why is it that everyone seems to be so happy during the Christmas season? Of course there is the excitement of seeing all the presents under the tree, drinking as much hot chocolate as you want, and of course families coming together.
And why is it that we feel so inclined to help others during this time of year? Yes it makes us feel good but what is the driving force that motivates us to give others a helping hand?

It is "The light of Christ."
The light of Christ is "an influence for good in the lives of all people"
It is "the light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things."

Ether 4:12 states:  And whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do good is of me; for good cometh of none save it be of me. I am the same that leadeth men to all good; he that will not believe my words will not believe me—that I am; and he that will not believe me will not believe the Father who sent me. For behold, I am the Father, I am the light, and the life, and the truth of the world.

Why is it that we cling to this feeling and long to have it with us all year round? Because "men are that they might have joy!"
In the last general conference President Russell M. Nelson said "of all the words he (Lehi) could have used to describe the nature and purpose of our lives here in mortality he chose the word joy!"
He goes on to ask "What must we do to claim the joy that Heavenly Father has in store for us?"
We can start by looking unto Christ in every thought. We can recognize and be thankful for the blessings that He has given us.

We must also seek His joy. "As our Savior becomes more and more real to us and as we plead for His joy to be given to us, our joy will increase."
President Russell M. Nelson also taught "When the focus of our lives is on God's plan of salvation, and Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless what is happening in our lives. Joy comes from and because of Him, He is the source of all joy."

"Joy is powerful, and focusing on joy brings God's power into our lives. As in all things, Jesus Christ is our ultimate exemplar. "Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross." Think of that! In order for Him to endure the most excruciating experience ever endured on earth, our Savior focused on joy!
And what was the joy that was set before Him? Surely it involved the joy of cleansing, healing & strengthening us; the joy of paying for the sins of all who would repent. The joy of making it possible for you and me to return home...to live with our Heavenly parents & families."

I hope you can all have a merry Christmas this next week. I hope we can all remember the true meaning of Christmas. Also be of good cheer! The Lord invites us all to come to Him and find joy. May we all take the advice in 2 Nephi 5:27 and "live after the manner of happiness." The Lord loves you! He loves each and every one of us. "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." May we all find His peace this Christmas season, and always.

Merry Christmas!!!

Elder Furniss