Betty and I have seen many Christmas programs this year. They've been enjoyable, and they have been entertaining, but they fail to mention the very reason that we celebrate Christmas.
The scriptures say, in John 3: 16 "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." What greater gift could be given?
One of the movies that I enjoy every year at Christmas time is one called "The Fourth Wise Man" starring Martin Sheen. The main character, Arteban, spends his entire life searching for the Messiah. He carries with him precious gifts to give to the new king. As he encounters people in need during his life, the precious gifts are sold to help those in need. Arteban and his slave end up spending thirty years in a lepers' colony serving the people who suffer there. All the while, Arteban carries his most precious gift, a beautiful pearl.
The king is found and Arteban rushes to find him and present him with the precious pearl. He's always one step behind. A young girl is about to be sold into slaver to pay her father's debts, and this kind man spends his last gift to save her from slavery. As he is dying, he meets the Savior and is reminded that as he offered his gifts to each of these people, he gave them to the Lord.
I enjoy this story each time I see it. It is a reminder that we must follow the Savior's example and give ourselves to those around us. I am grateful for Jesus Christ and for his sacrifice for us.
2 comments:
I have heard of that story, but have never seen it.
I just finished being in a play. I played the part of Anna, a prophetess in the temple. It was done with a live baby and was an exciting part. at the end I was holding the baby for about 5 minutes. It felt so real that all day today I felt the spirit of the Lord so strong. I love the Lord and all that are a part of the spiritual "Christmas". The music is wonderful. What a great blessing to know these things and to feel them.
Our ward had it's yearly Christmas social last night. The theme was "A Night in Bethlehem". It was also done with a live nativity scene. I was one of the shepherds. It was a wonderful experience to kneel before the baby and contenplate what it might have been that first Christmas.
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