Away in a manger, no crib for his bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head;
The stars in the heavens looked down where he lay,
The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay. (Hymn #206)

This beautiful Christmas carol describes the first Christmas some 2000 years ago “on a cold winter’s night that was so deep” (Hymn #207) in the city of Bethlehem, the scene of our Savior’s birth in a manger because “there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7) This humble circumstance has a great contrast with that of the modern time. Each year in this festive season, people whether of Christian belief or not, celebrate his birth in various manners. Creative ways to attract more customers are seen in shops and other commercial communities. Dazzling decorations are all around! These frequently distract us from the true meaning of Christmas. This is a good time of the year to review what Christmas truly means.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16). Our elder brother with an important mission, came to this world, born in a humble circumstance, but was cared for and raised by goodly parents preparing him for his great work. Joseph and Mary followed the law of the Lord. Every year, they went to Jerusalem where the Lord’s temple was. When Jesus was twelve, he went up to Jerusalem with his parents after the customs of the feast. On their return journey, they got separated. The parents were very worried and searched everywhere for Jesus. “After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them and asking them questions.” (Luke 2:46). In ancient time, the temple is a holy edifice for worshipping God, learning of his mystery, and to perform ordinances for the living.

The Savior has a noble mission to redeem all mankind, so that man will not be permanently separated from God because of Adam’s transgression. He proclaimed his gospel to the people and established his church on the earth during his 3-year ministry. Before he ascended to his father in heaven after his resurrection, he visited the spirit world and preached to those in the spirit prison (1 Peter 3:19) and started the work of redeeming the dead. He organized the righteous spirits to continue this sacred work (D&C 138:27,30).

Temple is a very unique feature of our church. The world so loved by God includes those who are living and have passed away. Through the saving ordinances received in the temple, both the living and the dead have the opportunity of returning to Heavenly Father’s presence.

In this Christmas season, apart from busily sending out greeting cards, gifts shopping and partying, we may wish to ponder on what his birth does mean to us personally. Instead of just gifts receiving, we may wish to present our Savior a gift for it is his birthday we celebrate. One of the best gifts is: Go to the temple and become Savior on Mount Zion. Like Jesus Christ, savior of mankind, we can help our ancestors to be saved and to have hope of returning to our Heavenly Father’s presence and to live with him there.

I testify that he is the holy infant born in a manger in Bethlehem. He is the only begotten son of our living Father in Heaven. He is the savior of our mankind. He lives. In his holy name, Amen.