Thinking on Christ

The Savior, Jesus Christ was born into the most humble of circumstances. Even though He is the King of kings and the Prince of peace, He was born in a manger and those who went to worship Him brought what gifts they had available to them.  Now more than two millennia later the celebration of His birth is still often remembered in humble circumstances and by those with limited means.   

The following three examples illustrate this point: I. Christmas in the Philippines, II. Christmas with my family in California and III. Christmas with Yelta.

I.

In the Philippines, Christmas is called “Pasko.”  Filipinos' love for Pasko is evident by the fact that the songs, decorations and caroling starts on September 1^st and can run all the way into February.  In a Filipino’s home you may find a very modest Christmas tree, if there is a tree at all and it will not likely be a member or the pine family.  The Filipinos' Christmas spirit however is undeterred by their economic condition.  They don't have much, but they do a lot with what they do have.

II.

On the other hand, Christmas in California is much more commercial.  For example, in our family we are big on gift giving and we open some gifts on Christmas Eve.  Last night my five-year-old niece Kaitlyn received a gift and excitedly exclaimed, “ Thhhweet nake-up (Sweet make-up).”

In an effort to help the grand kids capture more than just the commercial aspect of the season, Mom prepared a nativity play for all of them to participate in.  As you can imagine with nine grandchildren, ages ranging from 8 years to 3 months old, the result was pure pandemonium.

One of the three kings took off his costume and played his role in booties and a diaper, the shepherds got lost and Mary had a meltdown.  Our attempt at a reverent teaching moment turned into a comedy of errors.  When the chaos reached its peak, that is when Kaitlyn who played the angel then read her line, “ Thhear not. For behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11)

III.   

In my parents ward (church congregation) there is an elderly woman, Yelta who is in a convalescent home.   Mom went to visit Yelta on Christmas eve.  When we arrived Yelta was in her room, wrapped up in a blanket watching TV.  Her children live far away so she would be spending this Christmas alone.  Fortunately, however, we noticed that several different families in the ward had come by to visit with her and wish her a merry Christmas.  What's more, the home was run by Filipinos, so there was still a silver lining in this case.

In celebrating Jesus’ birth our means may be limited, you may not have much of Christmas tree or the children may be restless.  Some suffer significant heartbreak or loss and the Holidays can be a lonely time for them.  In one way or another our celebration may be less than “glorious.”  

There is also a sense of irony as the infinite is celebrated in finite ways; we remember the One Eternal Gift, which cannot be bought, by buying multiple gifts that are perishable and can be found at any Nordstrom or Best Buy.  Regardless, as we celebrate His birth the world over and bring what we can as imperfect and meager as it is, I am humbled and grateful for Him who is without equal:

“I am Alpha and Omega, Christ the Lord;

Yea, even I am he, the beginning and the end, the Redeemer of the world.” (D&C 19:1)

“The same which looked upon the wide expanse of eternity, and all the seraphic hosts of heaven, before the world was made;

The same that knoweth all things, for all things are present before mine eyes;

I am the same which spake, and the world was made, and all things came by me.” (D&C 38: 1-3)

“The light and the life of the world—a light that shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehendeth it not.” (D&C 45: 7)

Despite His infinite greatness He was born in the most lowly condition and instead of trying to elevate Himself, He spent His life lifting other and He extends to each of us the same invitation:

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matt 11: 28-29)

This entry is dedicated to Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, June 11, 1917 – Dec 1, 2008

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin served as an Apostle in the Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day Saints from 1986 up until his recent passing. 

At Elder Wirthlin’s funeral service on Friday, December 5th, his son made the following remarks; “Dad just never saw himself as anyone special.  When President Monson ordained him an Apostle, he prophetically declared to Dad, “Your humility will endure you to the people”, and so it has.  He thought so little of himself because he thought so much of others and their needs.  And when you were in his presence you felt important, loved and valued.”

When I was in the missionary training center, Elder Wirthlin came to meet and teach the missionaries.  That evening, 8/18/1998,  I wrote in my journal that Elder Wirthlin encouraged us to write neatly to our families so that our letters would actually be legible when our Mothers read them in relief society.  In addition, “the main focus of his talk was on being diligent and working really hard . . . he encouraged us to follow all the rules and to become very familiar with the sermon on the mount.”

Elder Wirthlin was a quiet apostle.  However, over the past couple of years his humble testimonies and sincere stories have rung out loud and clear.  About six months ago, one of my roommates, Doug and I discussed how recently Elder Wirthlin’s example and conference talks had really touched us and that there was something humble yet profound in the way he testifies about Jesus Christ.

This last Monday night I was reading Elder Wirthlin’s most recent conference address.  As I was thinking about the talk I felt a strong sense of gratitude for Elder Wirthlin.  The following morning I received a text that he had passed away the night before.

It is hard to pick a favorite talk he gave, but the last two are great examples of Elder Withlin’s wit, wisdom and love for others:

 “Jesus Christ is our greatest example. He was surrounded by multitudes and spoke to thousands, yet He always had concern for the one.”- April 2008 General Conference 

“Come what may and love it: The way we react to adversity can be a major factor in how happy and successful we can be in life.” -October 2008 General Conference. (These talks can be accessed at LDS.org, gospel library, general conference.)

Thank you Elder Wirthlin. You will be missed.