A New Look at the Christmas Story

By Eric B. Murdock

Church Magazines

We not only celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ—we celebrate the resurrected, living Christ.

Every Christmas we hear and share the story of Jesus Christ’s birth. This is a great thing to do! But the birth of Jesus Christ is infinitely significant because of what He was born to do.

President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008) taught, “There would be no Christmas if there had not been Easter. The babe Jesus of Bethlehem would be but another baby without the redeeming Christ of Gethsemane and Calvary, and the triumphant fact of the Resurrection.”

With that in mind, here’s a simple activity you can do with your family, friends, quorum, or class this Christmas season.

How It Works

Two readers take turns reading the following scriptures. One reads the scriptures about the Savior’s birth in the left column, and the other reads the scriptures about His Atonement and Resurrection on the right. Go back and forth until you reach the end.

The Savior’s Birth	The Savior’s Atonement and Resurrection
Luke 2:4	Mark 14:32
Luke 2:5	Mark 14:33
Luke 2:6	Mark 14:35
Luke 2:7	Mark 14:36
Luke 2:8	Luke 22:44
Luke 2:9	Mark 15:1
Luke 2:10	Mark 15:12–13
Luke 2:11	Mark 15:17–18
Luke 2:12	Mark 15:19–20
Luke 2:13–14	Luke 23:33–34
Luke 2:16–17	John 20:1
Matthew 2:1–2	John 20:15–16
Matthew 2:11	John 20:17

Some Things to Think About

As you read about Jesus Christ’s birth, Atonement, and Resurrection, were there other scriptures that came to your mind? Can you think of some from the Book of Mormon or Doctrine and Covenants? Consider adding them to this list and sharing them.

Take time to ponder what Jesus Christ’s birth, life, teachings, and Atonement mean to you. As you do, the Holy Ghost can witness that Jesus Christ was born for you and that He lived, “He suffered, he bled and died” for you because Heavenly Father sent Him. They love you. And He lives today to bring peace, hope, and joy to you.