Many of us will, this next week, gather to celebrate Christmas. In this short post, I wanted to share a few suggestions that can make your Christmas more meaningful, and draw you closer to Christ. Then I'll close with a short video that I've shared before, but it's my favorite.
Favorite Traditions
One favorite I have is of course, on Christmas Eve, spending time in Luke 2, or watching the Nativity, or maybe this year watch the new Christmas movie put out by the Church. And the spirit of the Lord often is so strong. And especially as I look at this picture, and read the scriptures, I realize that Christ had a family, too. And he wants to preserve it and all of ours. And during this holiday time, maybe on Christmas Day, there is something you can add that can draw you closer to Christ, and your Family.
That little bit extra that adds the world
In the time you spend this Christmas, whether alone or with family and friends, I challenge you to take some time on the Family Tree Mobile App, or on the Family Search Website, and look at some of your ancestors' stories and histories, and maybe read some of their testimonies of the Savior, if recorded.
Or, if you don't have any stories, and you are with family, get your family talking about family stories, and their testimonies of the Savior. Then you can record them, and upload them.
You will feel even closer to your family, and especially closer to Christ this Christmas as you draw in those who have gone before. That baby in Bethlehem made it possible for families to be forever. In addition to feeling the spirit of the Lord, you may be able to feel the presence of your ancestors from beyond the veil. You will realize you are not alone, and that, as the scripture says, those who are with you are more than those against you.
For Families or for those who are alone
This can help, especially for those of us who feel alone, or sad, or in other ways have a difficult time at Christmas. And I have another suggestion that can be the icing on the cake.
Take another step
Then, take a moment to tap the "ancestors with tasks" section of the Mobile App, and try to discover new records of deceased relatives whose work hasn't been done. There is another post on this blog that help you know how to use that, as well as another post on how to discover an insider tip that reveals your family history work really hasn't been done. Hint, your work isn't already done-no one's is.
Go to the temple with your own names or others
As Christmas Day draws to a close, make a plan so that sometime this next month, maybe during your Christmas Break if your local temple is open, you take either your own names to the temple, or go to "Ordinances Ready" on the Family Tree Mobile App, and take some relative's names to the temple. It will be the perfect start to the new year, and can be the perfect close to this Christmas Season.
My testimony of this Work
As I have engaged in Family History and Temple work, I have felt the spirit draw near, and have experienced the heavens open, and blessings poured out upon me and my family.
I have drawn closer to the Savior. I have had miracles happen in my life, and I have felt the Love of God comfort my soul, and lift my burdens.
Now that doesn't mean that everything is made all right. There are still trials. But the Lord is there to help me through them.
What is most important is that my testimony of Christ, this church, and this work of salvation has increased. I testify that Christ is at the head of this work. One of the greatest joys of my life is to know I'm teaming with the Savior to help him in this vicarious work of Salvation, and that he magnifies my tiny little efforts.
My Greatest Hope is that others may feel of the Love of God. It's also why I write this little blog.
I wish you a very Merry Christmas, and I hope that some of these suggestions will help you draw closer to the Savior this Christmas. It's about him. I know he lives, I know he loves all of his children, and I pray that we all may feel of his love this Christmas.
Now here's the video promised
Start on the Family Tree Mobile App, or at the Family Search Website. You can also find many helpful articles on this blog.
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