This Touched My Heart

I get emails from Deseret Book telling me about new books out, etc. Heavenly Father truly does answer our prayers even when our pleadings are such that we cannot articulate exactly what we need. I love and admire Elder Jeffrey R. Holland and have had many questions answered, spiritual wounds healed, and comfort received by talks he has given. This email came at the right time and I feel a measure of comfort.

Each of us must work out our salvation as an individual. Because I am me and you are you and we are different people, we will never learn or experience the same trial exactly the same, even if that trial may be shared. Our Heavenly Father knew this and in His infinite mercy provided a Savior, a Perfect Friend, who willingly and lovingly escorts us on the Path of Salvation back to Our Father. He paid the price so that I would not be alone, never need to be alone. He shares my burdens and either lifts them when they are too heavy or strengthens me to bear them a little longer.

This is the true meaning of Christmas to me. We celebrate the birth of an individual who willingly chose to do all that the Father asked and did it with exactness and perfect obedience. He is our example, our support, our guide, and our friend. Isaiah was truly a Prophet of God when he declared,

"And his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace."

May we remember why we celebrate Christmas and truly search our souls to make the necessary changes in our individuals lives to draw closer to Him and feel "the peace that passeth understanding," even when we are in the midst of trials and heartaches.