From the Mission Field
How My Mission Taught Me the Joy of Christmas
Before I joined the Church, Christmas didn’t mean much to me. Now I know it’s a time to receive—and share—the good news of my Savior.
Receiving a mission call to serve in the China Hong Kong Mission was so special for me—because I’m from Hong Kong!
Serving as a teaching missionary in my own country meant that I didn’t have to learn a new language or culture. But even though I didn’t have to adjust to new traditions, my mission helped me view one holiday—Christmas—in a completely new way.
Sharing the Good News
I joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints four years ago, and I’m the only member in my family. My parents, my brothers, and I weren’t raised as Christians, so while Christmas was a good excuse for us to travel or enjoy a nice meal, it didn’t mean very much to us.
But Heavenly Father prepared a path for me to learn His gospel and join His Church. As a missionary, my purpose was to help others come unto Christ. It was a unique opportunity for me to understand the true meaning of Christmas.
There are so many other people who think of Christmas in the way I used to. They may know it’s a holiday, but they don’t always know the meaning behind it. They may not even know who Jesus Christ is. But for me, Christmastime has become a season to share with everyone the good news that we have a Savior.
Elder S. Mark Palmer of the Seventy taught, “More precious than gold, frankincense, or myrrh, pure testimony of Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and Redeemer is the very center of all that we celebrate at Christmas.”
I’m so grateful that as a missionary I got to spend my Christmas not just celebrating my testimony of Jesus Christ but sharing my testimony with others.
The Joy of Focusing Outward
During a mission, you’re not focusing so much on yourself but on serving others. I feel like I think about others more now. That’s why Christmas has become so joyful for me.
Other people may be lonely, need help, or just feel spiritually cold at this time of year. But because of Jesus Christ, I have warm feelings of joy and love in my heart. Being a missionary gave me opportunities to help others feel the way I feel about my Savior.
Last Christmas, my companion and I visited the Church’s Giving Machine in Hong Kong. The Light the World service campaign is a wonderful opportunity to care about others and share the joy of the Savior with them.
Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles once said, “Christmas celebrates covenant belonging, communion, and community in Jesus Christ and each other.” We celebrate Christmas to help us remember Jesus Christ, who connects all of us. When we serve others, we come closer to each other and we come closer to Him.
Following the Savior’s Example
Despite all the joy of Christmastime and the joy that comes from sharing the gospel, holidays can be difficult while serving a mission. Homesickness or the fear of missing out on spending time with friends and family are real feelings.
But the Lord is asking you to do His work. If you’re feeling sad during your missionary Christmas, my advice is to think of Jesus Christ.
The Savior came to the world humbly. He left His heavenly home and came to the world to do His Father’s work. He sacrificed Himself to redeem us all. That may seem lonely, but Heavenly Father was with Him.
And it’s the same when you serve a mission. You’re not really alone. Even though you may be far away from your family, you still have your Father in Heaven and your Savior there with you. Through Them, you’ll receive strength to overcome your challenges.
As I served my mission, I felt so much love. My relationship with God and Jesus Christ is so much closer now. I know They are so proud of me for doing Their work. It’s the greatest work in the world.