At the time of the Savior’s birth, a sacred miracle unfolded not only in Bethlehem but also among the people in the ancient Americas. As recorded in 3 Nephi 1, it was a season of “greater signs and greater miracles,” yet also a time of increasing wickedness and disbelief. The prophecy of Samuel the Lamanite, concerning the birth of Christ, seemed to have passed unfulfilled. Unbelievers mocked the faithful and, in their pride and anger, even set a day when all who believed would be put to death, unless the “sign should come to pass, which had been given by Samuel the prophet.” 

In this time of fear and uncertainty, the prophet Nephi “bowed himself down… and cried mightily to his God in behalf of his people.” In response to that earnest prayer, the voice of the Lord came, declaring:

“Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, and this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world.” (3 Nephi 1:13)

The Savior of the world, Jehovah, the God of Israel, spoke peace to a worried prophet on the very eve of His own humble birth. Before He came to redeem mankind, He first took time to bring peace to one anxious heart. His words, “Lift up your head and be of good cheer” was a reminder to Nephi, and all believers, that He is our true King of Kings, Prince of Peace, Savior, and Redeemer. That no pain, grief or stress compares to the joy and good cheer that can and will come because of Him.

That sacred night, the sign appeared; Christ was born. That night never darkened, and the lives of the faithful were preserved. Yet the fullness of joy became possible only through the perfect and sinless One who “descended below all things,” beginning in the Garden of Gethsemane and continuing until He “gave up the ghost” upon the cross, thereby fulfilling all that the Father had appointed Him to do. The divine power of that joy was manifested three days later when He rose from the dead, triumphing over both sin and death. And now, though life may at times be filled with trials and sorrow, He offers peace, healing, and everlasting joy to all who earnestly seek to follow Him.

Let us earnestly follow Him during this sacred Christmas season, as we remember His infinite and matchless love for each of us. May we seek out those whose hearts are heavy, that they too may “lift up their heads and be of good cheer.” Let us be His hands in lifting others, and His true disciples in bringing good cheer to all with whom we associate.

As Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf has counseled:

“Let us never forget that we are disciples and followers of Jesus Christ, the living Son of the living God. To truly honor His coming into the world, we must do as He did and reach out in compassion and mercy to our fellowmen. This we can do daily, by word and deed. Let this become our Christmas tradition, no matter where we are—to be a little kinder, more forgiving, less judging, more grateful, and more generous in sharing our abundance with those in need.”

May we, dear brothers and sisters of the Liberty Stake, take these words to heart. We testify that He lives—that even now He can speak peace to your soul, regardless of the challenges you may face. Truly, Christ is the answer to every trial and obstacle of this mortal life.

As we strive to follow Him with full purpose of heart, we shall be blessed with assurance, with peace, with power, and with joy. Learn of Him. Listen to His words. Walk in the meekness of His Spirit, and we shall have peace in Him.

May we each have a blessed and joyous Christmas—because of Him.