k i m b .

c l a r k december 2012

r e j o i c e
I love Christmas and all the goodness it represents. It is one of the most peaceful seasons on earth. Many families have rich traditions associated with Christmas that add brilliance and joy to the season. Each year our family reads the account of the Saviors birth found in the New Testament. We look forward to that occasion and the special time to rejoice together in the blessings of Jesus Christs birth. And we are grateful for so many others who have rejoiced in the greatest gift ever given to man the Savior and Redeemer. Those who witnessed the Saviors birth surely rejoiced in the fulfillment of prophecy. Accounts found in Matthew and Luke tell of an angel announcing the birth of Jesus Christ to shepherds in the field, the heavenly choir singing Glory to God in the Highest, and the Wise Men following the miraculous star. Both Simeon and Anna were in the temple when Mary and Joseph brought the Savior there as a little baby and saw their long-awaited Redeemer in the flesh. Many ancient prophets such as Enoch, Micah, and Nephi rejoiced in their knowledge of the Messiah and looked forward to His coming. Isaiah specifically wrote beautiful poetic and prophetic lines about Him: 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 (Isaiah 9:6). Jesus walked among men as the Prince of Peace, the Savior and Redeemer. He reached out to all who labored and were heavy laden and bid them to come to Him. He healed and comforted them physically and spiritually. There are many now who are heavy laden with great difficulty and hardship in their lives. For some who are discouraged, the Christmas season can sharpen the pain, loss, and sorrow they feel. Yet, as John the Revelator wrote: For the Lamb shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes (Revelation 7:17). This same promise made by John long ago is available to all of us today especially to those who weep, who are discouraged, and who grieve. Not only can we each feel of the Saviors gentle love, but we can also be the ones who extend His love, His doctrine, His mercy, and His grace to those who are suffering. When we act as Jesus Christs hands, we make it possible for others to rejoice in His love and mercy. Just as many rejoiced in the Saviors advent upon the earth, there were others who waited intently in the Spirit World for His resurrection. President Joseph F. Smith saw this in a vision and recorded: While this vast multitude waited and conversed, rejoicing in the hour of their deliverance from the chains of death, the Son of God appeared, declaring liberty to the captives who had been faithful (D&C 138:18). The good news of redemption continues today for individuals beyond the veil. They rejoice because the Savior appeared to the Prophet Joseph Smith in the latter days, restored priesthood keys to the earth, and opened the opportunity of salvation for the dead in holy temples ultimately allowing each of us to be participants in this great work. Not only do we look back to the birth of the Savior with joy, knowing that He came and that He fulfilled His mission, but we also rejoice knowing He will come again. Only this time, the second time, He will not come in a stable wrapped in swaddling clothes. This time He will come in power and glory! He will come as the King of Kings, with all power over all things, to rule and reign on the earth for a thousand years. However, we do not need to wait for Jesus Christs return to enjoy the blessings of His millennial reign. Through the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ, we can rejoice in those blessings now. We can have Him for our king now. This is the same principle in which the ancients trusted when they looked forward to His birth: And the Lord God hath sent his holy prophets among all the children of men, to declare these things to every kindred, nation, and tongue, that thereby whosoever should believe that Christ should come, the same might receive remission of their sins, and rejoice with exceedingly great joy, even as though he had already come among them (Mosiah 3:13, emphasis added). While reflecting on the remarkable mission of the Savior at this special time of year, we can each feel these words very powerfully: Rejoice, the Lord is King! Your Lord and King adore! Mortals, give thanks and sing And triumph evermore. Lift up your heart! Lift up your voice! Rejoice, again I say, rejoice! (Rejoice, the Lord is King! Hymns, 66) It is my prayer that as we celebrate Christmas this year, we will give thanks for the blessings of Jesus Christs humble birth and matchless life. His work continues today. Through His holy name there is joy and happiness in the world and eternal life in the world to come. May we rejoice in the Fathers gift of His beloved Son.