During this unprecedented year, when virtually every person in the world has suffered the effects of a global pandemic, there is nothing more important we can do this Christmas than to rivet our focus on the Savior and on the gift of what His life really means to each of us.
President Russell M. Nelson, "Divine Gifts", First Presidency Christmas Devotional, 2020
There's something inspiring, something special about this time of year, no matter what year it is. I don't know if it's a collective focus more on the Savior and His birth on His earth, or if it is just the power of God providing a season of peace on earth, good will toward man and woman.
I do think as a covenant people, we have access to that power and peace irregardless of the time of year. But those who know nothing of Christ or those that deny Him, feel that extra Christlike love and compassion because God is sending it as a reminder to the entire human race of His Son.
Given this interesting and often stressful and difficult year, we all need that love and compassion ever more in our lives. And only focusing on Him and His life, and example, will bring that love and compassion into our lives. The more we focus on Him, the more we feel that, despite whatever is happening in the world.
I truly believe that. And I know that life is not going to get easier. It is not going to go back to the way it was. So, that focus on Him is ever more imperative, not just now in this season, but forever more. He is how we will embrace with peace this ever changing world, with its ever increasing violence and loss of standards, its confusion and accompanying stresses, and its hardships and sorrows.
His words "peace, be still", are ringing a bit more true right now and will only ring louder as time goes on. So, let's answer that call.
