JESUS CHRIST THE SON OF GOD

The Nativity is foremost on most of our minds when we think of the Christmas season. The manger and the humble environment that introduced, in the flesh of birth, the Savior of the world. The Wise Men, the gifts, the animals and even King Herod has a significant role in the story. It is a story that has stood the test of time and shall always stand such a test so long as we remember it and give it's due honor.

It heralds the annunciation of the One who's ultimate ministry, considered by most of the Christian community, was for the benefit of all mankind and even all creation. Yet there are other signs that heralded such the induction that extended even beyond the Holy Land. As explained in 3 Nephi 1:4 many great wonders were witnessed as well as the coming to pass many prophecies born of old. In spite of these wonders there were many who lacked testimony and through up the walls of pride as they proclaimed the time of His coming had past. As explained in verse 9 the people went so far as to tempt the Lord as they set a date to execute the believers if the culminating sign had not been presented. In verse 15, however, the sign was given and that night as the sun went down there was no darkness. On the morrow according to prophecy and revelation – the Savior and Redeemer of the world was born. This account took place right here on the Americas.

Also on the Americas was a birth of a different kind – yet, the same. We know from Biblical account that at His death there were tempests and earthquakes which abounded as even the very creation lamented the ending result of the crucifixion. As stated before, though, the magnitude of the Christ was universal. Here on the Americas as the people (perhaps the ancient Mayans or Aztecs) ripened for destruction the time had come when natural upheavals of all types came forth to show their face as read in 3 Nephi 8:5-19. The aftermath, of which, produced conditions for three days which even fire could not be struck because of the thickness of the air and for this entire space of time was no light able to be seen (verse 20-23). The wicked needed certain destruction and the more righteous number of the survivors needed sufficient time to be humbled to the dust. Only then would they be ready for the personal introduction of the Maker of heaven and Earth. Eventually, after His ascension (Acts 1:9-11), He did visit the people on the Americas and not only ministered to them but organized and set up His ministry among them as He did in the Holy Land. This, of a different kind, was a birth to these people of the Savior Jesus Christ. It was their faith culmination which awarded them the privilege of seeing and touching the Savior in the flesh – now a perfected resurrected being.

As we contemplate the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas and all times of the year let us remember His universal magnitude and the immense caches of records yet undiscovered of His birth, ministry, death, resurrection and of His eternal advocacy on behalf of each and every one of us.