I found this advent calendar some years ago when I was on a mission for the LDS church in Colorado. I have always wanted to share this with my family and friends but never seemed to find the right way to do it.

I want to share this with all of you as part of my testimony of Jesus Christ.

This time of year seems to deviate further from the true meaning of Christmas as people become more focused on the worldly part of the holiday season. Myself included. I find myself engulfed in the stress of giving the right gift, trimming the tree and doing all those things that encompass this time of year, when our true focus should be on the birth and life of Jesus Christ.

Now, I'm not saying that St. Nick is a bad guy, he himself has explained what the symbols of Christmas mean (teach the children). We forget that the greatest gift we could have ever received was from God, Our Father in Heaven. That gift was Jesus Christ.

I'd like to think across every Christian religion it is common that we claim Christ as our Savior and Redeemer. It is through Him that we return to the loving arms of our Father in Heaven after this life.

It is through Christ's ministry that we learn how to lead our lives, how to BE CHRISTIANS. He was our greatest example of love, patience, charity, forgiveness and ultimately sacrifice.
Christ died so that we may live.

No matter what religion you are, or what beliefs you have, my hope is that you can use the teachings of Christ to epitomize how you lead your life.

I know that Jesus is my Savior. I am in need of His saving grace every day.

Take this advent calendar and use it. Not just this time of year but all year round. Become acquainted with Christ, not just as your Savior but as your brother, your friend. Speak to Him. He awaits your call. He's there to listen.

Friday 20 December 2013

December 20th

Some things are almost too painful to think about. To see our Savior mocked and murdered is one such thing. And yet, through the scriptures, we should visit Calvary from time to time. We must never forget Jesus died so that we might live and live more abundantly.

"They stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe.

“And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!

“And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head" (Matt. 27:28-30).

"And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him. …Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots" (Luke 23:33-34).

"And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, Save thyself, and come down from the cross.

“Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save. Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe"
(Mark 15:29-32).

Suggested Activity:
Read the accounts of the crucifixion in the four Gospels, and then write your feelings in your journal.

Song of the Day: 
"There Is a Green Hill Far Away," Hymns, no. 194.
http://www.lds.org/music/library/hymns/there-is-a-green-hill-far-away?lang=eng
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