12 Days of Christmas: A daily study guide to bring the Savior into the season
By Danielle Christensen
December 13, 2022
Nice graphics are included here for each day’s study.
As a kid, I grew up loving the book The Twelve Days of Christmas by Anne Geddes. The book sat on a table in our living room, and even back then I recognized there wasn’t anything more adorable than a baby dressed up as a partridge or eight babies sitting in milk buckets with little ruffled caps on their heads.
Maybe you know “Twelve Days of Christmas” better through the classic holiday song, or you know of its roots in Christian theology where people celebrate the 12 days after Christmas. All of these versions are as festive as the next, but this year I thought it might be nice to use the 12 days of Christmas leading up to December 25 to focus on the Savior and the story of His birth. So I’ve come up with a study guide for the occasion. Here’s how it works:
For each day leading up to Christmas, there’s one topic to study. First, read through a brief summary of the verses to get yourself familiar with the context. Next is a quick look of what we can learn from those verses followed by a few extra resources to inspire you and help make your study a little more in depth. If you have the time, feel free to write down any thoughts or promptings you might have.
Don’t have time to read all 12 days? You can check in on whatever day you do have time for. The days aren’t specifically connected to one another—they simply highlight a verse or two from different chapters of scripture, so if you miss a day you don’t have to worry about catching up.
Whatever you are going through this Christmas season, and wherever you may be, it is my hope that these 12 days of Christmas bring a little more light into your life as you draw closer to the Savior and reflect on His birth. May it also give you the opportunity to reflect on your own testimony of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, who is the light, the life, and the hope of the world.
12 Days of Christmas
Day 1: ‘Fear not’
Day 2: ‘For with God nothing shall be impossible’
Day 3: ‘Joseph … did as the angel had bidden him’
Day 4: ‘Where is he that is born King of the Jews?’
Day 5: ‘Let us now go’
Day 6: ‘Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart’
Day 7: ‘He came by the Spirit into the temple’
Day 8: ‘She … departed not from the temple’
Day 9: ‘They did watch steadfastly’
Day 10: ‘He went out … and cried mightily to his God in behalf of his people’
Day 11: ‘It had come to pass, yea, all things, every whit’
Day 12: ‘Knowest thou the condescension of God?’
Day 1: ‘Fear Not’
In Luke 1–2 and Matthew 1, we read four stories of people who see an angel. Let’s start by taking a brief look at these stories and see what they have in common.
Zacharias (Luke 1:13)
First, there is Zacharias—a priest, who, along with his wife, Elisabeth, was “righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless” (verse 5).
Elisabeth wasn’t able to have children, and it seemed that it was too late for her to do so as both she and Zacharias were “now well stricken in years” (verse 7). And yet one day, while Zacharias was executing his priestly duties burning incense in the temple, an angel named Gabriel appeared to him. Understandably, Zacharias was troubled, and “fear fell upon him” (verse 12). Gabriel then said:
“Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John” (verse 13).
Mary (Luke 1:30)
Just sixth months into Elisabeth’s pregnancy (verse 24), Gabriel delivered a similar message to Mary, who lived in Nazareth. He called her “highly favoured” and “blessed … among women,” but Mary was troubled at his saying. Gabriel then said:
“Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God” (verse 30).
Joseph (Matthew 1:20)
When Mary was with child, Joseph did not want to make her a public example and “was minded to put her away privily” (verse 19). But “while he thought on these things” an angel appeared unto him in a dream (verse 20). He said:
“Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost” (verse 20).
The Shepherds (Luke 2:10)
The shepherds were watching over their flock by night and were sore afraid when an angel appeared to them. The angel said:
“Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people” (verse 30).
What can we learn from these verses?
God knows us by name: When Gabriel, an angel of the Lord, visited Zacharias, he called him and Elisabeth by name. He also addressed Mary by name when he visited her. When an angel appeared unto Joseph, he called him by name as well. From this, we can be assured that God is mindful of us and knows each of us by name (Luke 1:13, 30; Matthew 1:20).
God hears and answers our prayers: When Gabriel visited Zacharias, he told him his prayer was heard (Luke 1:13). However, Zacharias and Elisabeth, now stricken in age, had likely been praying a long time for a child—perhaps even decades. Maybe at times they wondered if God was listening to them. And yet their prayer was eventually answered. Their story can remind us that though it may seem at times like our prayers go unheard, God is listening to us and He will answer us in His time.
We don’t have to fear. Zacharias, Mary, Elisabeth, and the shepherds all faced different types of fear in their situations. But God comforted them in their fear. While He didn’t take away the responsibilities they had to bear, the angel quickly gave them a message of reassurance. Similarly, when we are afraid of a new challenge, feel inadequate, or are facing the unknown, we can seek comfort from the Spirit and “fear not.”
Quote: “There is much fear in the world today—of getting married, having children, making commitments, standing for the right, confronting peer pressure. There are fears of economic conditions and natural disasters. But the Lord’s counsel for us today is similar to that given to Mary and Joseph: ‘Be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you’” [Doctrine and Covenants 68:6; emphasis added] (Elder Tad R. Callister, “Fear Not”).
Ponder: What does “fear not” mean to me in my life?
Read: “Fear Not,” by Elder Tad R. Callister
Watch: “Inspiring Short: Fear Not: Good Tidings of Great Joy,” Lloyd D. Newell
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kOnMr6-4O8
Day 2: ‘For with God nothing shall be impossible’
The angel Gabriel tells Mary in Luke 1:28–37 that she would bring forth a son whose name would be Jesus. Afterward, Mary asks an important question:
“How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?” (verse 34)
In response, the angel answers that the “Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee” (verse 35). But Gabriel also explains that another miracle has just happened—“Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.”
The angel then finishes his message by saying, “For with God nothing shall be impossible.”
What can we learn from these verses?
God does not leave us alone. It’s clear from Mary’s question of “How shall this be?” that she was confused as to how she could bear the Son of God. She knew that physically, it ought to have been impossible. But Mary was not the only person who was in a seemingly impossible situation. She soon learned that her cousin Elisabeth was experiencing what should have been physically impossible as well.
When Mary left with haste to visit Elisabeth (verses 40–56), she could speak about things with her freely. These two women may have related to one another in a way that no one else could. Their experiences remind us that when we feel we are alone in a situation, God points us to other people who can understand what we are going through. And when that doesn’t seem to be true, we can still know that we are never alone because the Savior always understands what we are experiencing.
God understands what we cannot understand. There may be times when we, like Mary, don’t fully grasp how something could happen in our lives. With our earthly perspective, we can only see so far. But God has a greater understanding than we do, and we can trust in Him when we cannot see for ourselves what lies ahead.
Quote: “God did the impossible when Elisabeth conceived. Gabriel’s declaration is a reminder to disciples in every age that when we respond to God’s invitations, miracles can take place” (Gaye Strathearn, “Mary, the Mother of Jesus”).
Ponder: What seems impossible in my life, and how can I trust in God through it?
Read: “Mary, the Mother of Jesus,” by Gaye Strathearn, associate professor of ancient scripture at Brigham Young University
Watch: Calee Reed’s 5-Minute Fireside: “Like Mary”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKlkkPSR3eQ
Day 3: ‘Joseph … did as the angel had bidden him’
We discussed on day one that Joseph was told not to fear to take Mary to wife. In his dream, he is told that the baby Mary is carrying shall be named Jesus, and He would save people from their sins. Then in Matthew 1:24, we read this verse:
“Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife.”
What can we learn from this verse?
Joseph was a man of action. After his dream, he did not wait around to think on whether he should follow what the angel told him. He woke and did “what the Lord had bidden him.” We can follow Joseph’s example by also acting immediately on what the Lord commands us.
Joseph trusted his revelation. Joseph’s dream was clearly a powerful one. But he made the choice to follow the direction given to him all on his own, trusting in what he had seen and in what he had been told. Similarly, when we receive our own revelation—even when it may not seem significant—we can trust in that revelation and act on it the way Joseph did.
Revelation requires effort. Perhaps God could have told Joseph right away that Mary would be bearing His Son. If Joseph had known everything in advance, things likely would have been easier for him, and he wouldn’t have had to worry or question what to do. But instead, God let Joseph think through things for himself before the angel came to him in a dream (verse 20). This is a good reminder that often when we are faced with a difficult decision, God gives us time to work things out for ourselves. He will then guide us along our path.
Quote: “Getting out of our own way—overruling our personal desires, expectations, preferences, and lack of understanding in order to hear and feel the voice of the Spirit—is one of the great challenges of our mortal probation. But the task is not so much to persuade the Spirit to guide us as to recognize that He is and has been guiding us all along” (Elder David A. Bednar, The Spirit of Revelation).
Ponder: What’s one thing in my life I can more intentionally seek revelation about?
Read: “Why Elder Bednar says you can learn to stop worrying whether or not you’re receiving revelation” on LDS Living
Watch: The Chosen, “Joseph and Mary on the Road to Bethlehem”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ND6Uk2U_SIQ
Day 4: ‘Where is he that is born King of the Jews?’
When the wisemen came from the east to Jerusalem, they knew just who they were looking for. In Matthew 2:2, it says that they had “seen his star … and are come to worship him.”
Later, when Herod called the wise men, he “inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared” (verse 7). Finally, they found where the star “stood over where the young child was” (verse 9). In verse 10, we then read the following:
“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.”
What can we learn from this verse?
To find Christ, we must earnestly seek him. The wise men knew that Christ had come. They had, after all, observed the star in the east. Upon seeing that star, they could have simply observed it and prayed in gratitude, knowing that the Savior was born. But they didn’t just rejoice from afar—they made the journey to see Him. Similarly, if we are to find Christ in our lives, we must be willing to undertake our spiritual journey and come unto Him.
To find Christ, we must learn of Him. When the wise men came to Jerusalem, it says in verse 2 that they asked, “Where is he that is born King of the Jews?” It’s interesting to think about who the wise men asked that question to. Was it people in Jerusalem who they had met along the way? Was it scholars or someone in a position of power? Whoever it was, the scriptures don’t record that the wise men received an answer—and perhaps that’s because no one knew. Some, of course, like Herod’s chief priests and scribes, knew of the prophesy that a “Governor … shall rule my people Israel” (verse 6). But as they don’t say anything about him being the Savior, it seems they were missing the more important point.
Imagine it—being right there in the very city where Christ was born and completely missing the fulfillment of prophecy. But in contrast, the wise men were well aware of what was happening. They knew the stars, and they knew the prophecy that had been made about the new star that had risen in the sky. And they trusted in what they knew, following the star and going to great lengths when they arrived in Jerusalem to find where Christ was born. In fact, they seemed to know so much about the star that Herod even asked them in Matthew 1:7 “what time the star appeared.” The wise men are an example to us today of how searching deeply for the truth with real intent can bring us to the Savior.
Quote: “Nonbelievers must have also seen the star. They wouldn’t have been able to miss such a spectacular sight, but they certainly did not see it as a sign. They merely marveled at the oddity. It was only the wise men who recognized the star for what it was and let it guide them to the Savior” (Brad Wilcox, Because of the Messiah in a Manger).
Ponder: How can I better look for and learn of Christ?
Read: “How did the wise men know to look for a star?” on LDS Living by Brad Wilcox
Watch: “The Wise Men Seek Jesus”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhD8lG9VDVc
Day 5: ‘Let us now go’
After the angels told the shepherds that Jesus was born and they would find him wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger, a heavenly host praised God and then departed for heaven. In Luke 2:15, the shepherds then talked with one another, saying:
“Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which has come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.”
Then, after they found Mary, Joseph, and Jesus, they “made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child” (verse 17). When they returned, they were “glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen” (verse 20).
What can we learn from these verses?
The shepherds acted immediately. In these verses, it doesn’t say that the angels told the shepherds to go straight away to find Jesus. It seems that they made the decision themselves. Perhaps they could have waited until the morning when it was light, but they wanted to go find the Savior as soon as possible and went there with haste. From their example, we can learn to act immediately when the prophet invites us to strengthen our lives spiritually so we can come to the Savior rather than waiting for a time that is more convenient.
The shepherds shared the truth. After they had their experience, the shepherds shared the good news with others, making it “known abroad” what they were told about the baby Jesus. We can also share the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ by testifying of what we know to be true to others in appropriate ways.
The shepherds were grateful. The shepherds didn’t just have a miraculous experience and then move on with their lives. When they returned, they glorified and praised God for “all the things that they had heard and seen.” Similarly, we can glorify and praise God for our spiritual experiences—small or large—and the opportunity to draw closer to him.
Quote: “Many of the flocks near Bethlehem, which is only six miles from Jerusalem, were intended for temple sacrifices. … Jesus came as the Lamb of God, to die for the sins of the world, and it was perhaps to the keepers of temple flocks that his birth was first announced” (Eric D. Huntsman, Good Tidings of Great Joy: An Advent Celebration of the Savior’s Birth).
Ponder: How can I draw closer unto the Savior right here and now?
Read: “Why Shepherds were invited to witness Christ’s birth—and not somebody else” on LDS Living by Eric D. Huntsman
Watch: “Shepherds Learn of the Birth of Christ”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5Q5STibJUQ
Day 6: ‘Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart’
While the shepherds made it known abroad what had been told them about the Savior, Mary did the opposite. In Luke 2:19, it says that she “kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.”
The Topical Guide has a footnote for the word “pondered,” which says “Meditation, Meditate.” Some of these entries are from the book of Psalms, such as “I meditate on all thy works” (Psalms 143:5), which may give us perspective in regard to what Mary was pondering about.
What can we learn from this verse?
Mary recognized the depth of her spiritual experience. She, perhaps more than anyone, knew what it meant to have the Savior be born into the world. And she, more than anyone, would have recognized the miracle that had just taken place. Perhaps she would later share with others what she felt was appropriate to share about her son. But it seems she also recognized that some spiritual things should not be shared. Her response is a sweet reminder to us to treasure our spiritual experiences.
Quote: “I love that, after the eager shepherds left to spread the word that the newborn Savior was finally here, Mary was quiet; that she was still. I love that she pondered, and I have often wondered what she was thinking. I don’t know that any of us could possibly imagine the weight of the responsibility that she must have felt knowing she was holding the tiny Savior of the world in her arms. We can also only imagine her joy and the Spirit that must have been present with them in that sacred place” (Kim Rollins, “What We ‘Got’ For Christmas Last Year”).
Ponder: How can I take more time to be still and ponder about the Savior this Christmas?
Read: “What We ‘Got’ For Christmas Last Year” by Kim Rollins, BYU Women’s Conference
Listen: “Still, Still, Still,” from A Savior Is Born 2021 Christmas album
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=has8_R1It2U
Day 7: ‘He came by the Spirit into the temple’
It had been revealed to a devout and just man named Simeon by the power of the Holy Ghost that “he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ” (Luke 2:26). The scriptures then say that “he came by the Spirit into the temple” and took the baby Jesus in his arms when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus there “after the custom of the law” (verse 27).
Simeon blesses God and speaks to the Lord, saying, “now lettest thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel” (Luke 2:29–32).
What can we learn from these verses?
Simeon was prepared to meet Christ through the Spirit. Mary and Joseph were bringing Jesus to the temple because they were following the custom of the law. Simon was ready for this moment. Because he “came by the Spirit into the temple,” he was physically available to see Christ when the time came. But he also must have been spiritually ready to be able to recognize who this baby was. His example is a great reminder of the value of always being spiritually prepared so that we can offer our spiritual gifts to others whenever they are needed.
Simeon had to wait in faith. It’s not clear how long Simeon waited to see the baby Jesus, but in verse 29 when he asks the Lord to now let him now depart, it seems that he may have been waiting for some time and was now at peace. During that period of waiting, Simeon may not have had any idea of when Christ would come—he just had to trust that He would, eventually, come. His faithful patience can be a strength to us when we are waiting for blessings or answers in our lives because his story reminds us that no matter how long we wait, the Lord will fulfill his promises.
Quote: “We never know when this day is going to be our last day. … We should all be in the place of Simeon at the end of the each day and at the end of our life” (Eric D. Huntsman, “How Simeon can help us find peace amid grief of loved ones lost at Christmas”).
Ponder: How can I rely on the Spirit and on my faith when I am waiting for something?
Read: “How Simeon can help us find peace amid grief of loved ones lost at Christmas,” All In podcast excerpt
Watch: “The Christ Child Is Presented at the Temple”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mrhyc-Fbu_Y
Day 8: ‘She … departed not from the temple’
Anna, a prophetess, also recognized the Lord at the temple. According to the King James Version of the Bible, she had been a widow for four score and four years—or 84 years total—and is described as someone who “departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day” (Luke 2:37).
Verse 38 reads, “And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.”
What can we learn from these verses?
Anna gave her all to God. She clearly loved the Lord, spending all her time in the temple and making sure that she gave everything to God while she was there. She is an example of diligence and devotion that can inspire us in our worship. While it may not be possible for us to constantly be in the temple, her story is a reminder of how we can prioritize our temple worship and give all of our heart to God like she did.
Anna was rewarded for her dedication. Life was likely not easy for Anna—being a widow for 84 years must have been a lonely road for her to walk. But she dedicated her time and her heart to working in the temple. Because of that, she was already in the temple to see the baby Jesus when He was brought there. In fact, not only did her dedication enable her to be in the right place at the right time to physically see Jesus—it helped her spiritually recognize His divinity right away. Her dedication didn’t end there, either: afterward, she told everyone about Him.
We can follow Anna’s example by striving for that same dedication in our worship. Even though our efforts may sometimes feel small and the wait can feel lonely and long, if we dedicate ourselves to the Lord we will be blessed for our efforts and experience unique opportunities.
Quote: “I have often wondered … what the motivation was behind Anna’s constant and prolonged dedication to the temple. It surely couldn’t have been simply a job or an assignment. If that were the case, she would have retired or would have been released long before—but still she came. At her age, it couldn’t have been physically easy for her to get to the temple or to spend so much time there—but still she came. Perhaps she, unlike many of her contemporaries, saw beyond the outward manifestations of the temple ritual. Perhaps she understood the true purpose behind temple worship; and, for one day, that purpose became a reality as she came into the presence of God’s Only Begotten Son. Is it any wonder that this wonderful woman recognized Him immediately?” (Gaye Strathearn, “He That Hath the Scriptures, Let Him Search Them”).
Ponder: How can I increase my dedication to the Lord?
Read more about Anna in “He That Hath the Scriptures, Let Him Search Them” by Gaye Strathearn.
Listen to more about prophetesses in “Learning from Women in the Old Testament” with Camille Fronk Olson.
Day 9: ‘They did watch steadfastly’
At the beginning of 3 Nephi in the Book of Mormon, things are tense among the people because the words of Samuel the Lamanite had not yet been fulfilled. He had testified that in five years, Christ would be born. A sign of His birth would be that though the sun would rise and set, it would be as if “there were no night” for “one day and a night and a day” (see Helaman 14:4).
In 3 Nephi, chapter 1, some people began to say that it was past the time for the words to be fulfilled and they made “a great uproar throughout the land (see verses 6–7).
In contrast, those who believed “began to be very sorrowful, lest by any means those things which had been spoken might not come to pass” (verse 7). Despite this, we read that the believers “did watch steadfastly for that day and that night and that day which should be as one day as if there were no night” (verse 8).
What can we learn from these verses?
It is not always convenient to believe. When the unbelievers said the time was past for the signs to take place, they began to “rejoice over their brethren” (verse 6). Who were the unbelievers? It’s impossible to say, but perhaps some were people that the believers knew well—maybe even friends or family who once believed in Samuel the Lamanite’s prophesy, but who had experienced a change of heart. The unbelievers also seem to have had a voice of influence, as they created an uproar in the land. It must have been difficult for the believers to stay strong in their faith when so many voices that surrounded them were against them. But they continued to believe despite the other voices working against them.
The believers’ example can be a strength to us today when other voices say that we should not believe in the gospel or in Jesus Christ. When those voices become loud or overwhelming or even make us feel sorrowful, we can remember to still hold on to our faith.
We can be steadfast in our faith and still have doubts or questions. In verse 7, it says that the believers were very sorrowful “lest by any means those things which had been spoken might not come to pass.” Though they believed, it seems they had some question in their hearts—a question of whether Samuel the Lamanite’s prophecy would really be fulfilled.
Perhaps some believers even had significant doubts. Those doubts could have caused them to instead follow the unbelievers. However, in verse 8 it says, “But behold, they did watch steadfastly.” These people chose to believe despite the unknown, and they didn’t do so casually—they did so “steadfastly.” Similarly, we might have doubts or questions that are unresolved in our hearts, but we can choose to be steadfast and believe anyway.
Quote: “Doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith” (Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Come, Join with Us”).
Ponder: “How can I be steadfast in my faith?”
Read: “Come, Join with Us,” by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Watch: “Emily Belle Freeman 5-minute Fireside: God Will Be with You”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFG4nISkcak
Day 10: ‘He went out … and cried mightily to his God in behalf of his people’
Nephi’s “heart was exceedingly sorrowful” when he saw the wickedness of his people, who had set apart a day to put the believers to death unless the sign of Christ’s birth should come to pass (see 3 Nephi 1:9–10). In verse 11, we then read:
“And it came to pass that he went out and bowed himself down upon the earth, and cried mightily to his God in behalf of his people, yea, those who were about to be destroyed because of their faith in the tradition of their fathers.”
Nephi prayed all day. The voice of the Lord then came to him, saying, “Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfil all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets.”
What can we learn from these verses?
We should turn to God in our sorrows. Nephi must have felt that there was little he could do on his own at this point to save those who believed. He knew that the threat of the unbelievers was strong, and the sorrow he felt about the situation was deep. But he did not despair and decide not to reach out to God. Instead, he cried unto God all the day long. Sometimes in our sorrows, it might seem hard to turn to God. Prayer might be the very last thing we feel like doing. But Nephi’s example is a powerful reminder that no matter how difficult our circumstances, we can always turn to God and pour out our hearts to Him.
Our answers to prayer are not always immediate. Nephi didn’t pray for a few minutes; he prayed mightily the entire day. Perhaps there were even times previously that he had prayed for the sign to come, but for whatever reason the Lord didn’t answer him right away. However, He did eventually answer him.
Today, we may not be in as extreme as a situation as Nephi, or have the opportunity to pray the entire day to God the way he did. But his story can give us the assurance that our heartfelt prayers will always be answered in the Lord’s timing.
God has a greater perspective than we do. When Nephi heard the voice of the Lord, he was told to lift up his head and be of good cheer. The Lord knew what Nephi didn’t—that He would be coming into the world and there was no reason to fear. Sometimes in our challenges, it can be hard to have a perspective beyond here and now. But God knows what will happen tomorrow, and the next day, and forever after that. So when we can’t see what lies ahead for us, we can remember this story and trust that the Lord will never forsake us.
Quote: “In this mortal experience, we cannot control all that happens to us, but we have absolute control over how we respond to the changes in our lives. This does not imply that the challenges and trials we face are of no consequence and easily handled or dealt with. It does not imply that we will be free from pain or heartache. But it does mean that there is cause for hope and that due to the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can move forward and find better days—even days full of joy, light, and happiness” (Bishop W. Christopher Waddell, “Turn to the Lord”).
Ponder: How can I look to the Savior and rely on Him in my trials?
Read: “Turn to the Lord,” by Bishop W. Christopher Waddell
Watch: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” The Piano Guys
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugV6QGcafEE
Day 11: ‘It had come to pass, yea, all things, every whit’
The night without darkness that Samuel the Lamanite had spoken about had been fulfilled. Those who didn’t believe fell to the earth, and “all the people upon the face of the whole earth from the west to the east, both in the land north and in the land south, were so exceedingly astonished that they fell to the earth” (3 Nephi 1:16–17).
Then in verse 18, we read of the unbelievers’ fear. It reads: “For they knew that the prophets had testified of these things for many years, and that the sign which had been given was already at hand; and they began to fear because of their iniquity and their unbelief.”
Everything transpired just as it had been foretold. Verse 20–21 explains, “And it had come to pass, yea, all things, every whit, according to the words of the prophets. And it came to pass also that a new star did appear, according to the word.”
What do we learn from these verses?
If we follow the prophets, we need not fear. Everyone who saw the sign of Christ’s birth was so astonished that they fell to the earth. But those who didn’t believe began to fear because of their iniquity. This story reminds us that if we listen to—and follow—the prophet’s voice, we will be on the right course and do not ever have to be afraid.
The Lord fulfills His word through the prophets. Everything had come to pass just as the prophets had said they would. They weren’t partially correct or mostly correct. The scriptures say “all things, every whit” happened “according to the words of the prophets.” So when we are looking for direction in our own lives, we can study and apply the words of the prophets, knowing that all their words will come to pass. This will help us draw closer to the Savior and learn what His will is for us and for His children.
Quote: “I make you a promise. It’s a simple one, but it is true. If you will listen to the living prophet and the apostles and heed our counsel, you will not go astray” (Elder M. Russell Ballard, “Follow the Prophet”).
Ponder: What counsel from the prophet can I apply to my life?
Read: “Overcome the World and Find Rest,” President Russell M. Nelson, October 2022 general conference
Watch: “Why Do We Have Prophets?”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpFihmgP6iA
Day 12: ‘Knowest thou the condescension of God?’
In the beginning of the Book of Mormon, Nephi desires to see the things that his father Lehi had seen in a vision. In 1 Nephi 11, we read about how Nephi is caught away by the Spirit of the Lord into “an exceedingly high mountain” (verse 1). Nephi sees the tree of life. He also sees a woman that he describes to an angel as being “a virgin, most beautiful and fair above all other virgins” (verse 15). The angel then asks him an important question:
“Knowest thou the condescension of God?” (1 Nephi 11:16).
Nephi learns that the virgin is the mother of the Son of God, and after seeing her carried away by the Spirit he sees her holding a child in her arms. He also realizes that the meaning of the tree is “the love of God” (verse 25).
The angel then responds by saying, “Look and behold the condescension of God!”
Nephi sees many more things in the Savior’s life, including Christ’s baptism by John the Baptist, His ministry, and His atoning sacrifice.
What can we learn from these verses?
Christ’s birth was an act of love. Elder Bruce R. McConkie has stated that “The condescension of God (meaning the Father) consists in the fact that though He is an exalted, perfected, glorified Personage, He became the personal and literal Father of a mortal Offspring born of a mortal woman. … The condescension of God (meaning the Son) consists in the fact that though He himself is the Lord Omnipotent, the very Being who created the earth and all things in it are, yet being born of a mortal woman, he submitted to all the trials of mortality … finally being put to death in a most ignominious manner.”
Mary was prophesied about before her birth. Professor Gaye Strathearn writes that she is “one of the few women mentioned in scripture and the only one whose life and ministry were prophesied about centuries before her birth (see 1 Nephi 11:15, 18, Mosiah 3:8, Alma 7:10).” In fact, both scriptures in Mosiah and Alma mention Mary by name.
Nephi saw these things because of his desire and his belief. In verses 1–6, Nephi explains his desire, and that he was caught away in the Spirit while he was pondering in his heart. When the Spirit of the Lord speaks with him, Nephi says that he believes all the words which his father taught. The angel also recognizes in Nephi that “because thou believest in the Son of the most high God,” he would see what he desired and he would “bear record that it is the Son of God.”
We may not have a vision of Christ the way Nephi did. But his example of desire and his belief in the Savior is one we can learn from. If we take the time to ponder, grow our desires, and commune with the Spirit, we increase our potential to have a deeper relationship with Christ and have more truths revealed to us.
Quote: “We find it remarkable that the very Son of God, the great Jehovah of old, should be born into this mortal world in the humblest of circumstances. An inn would have been lowly enough, but it was not even an inn. Rather it was a stable, and the babe was laid on the hay of a manger where common animals fed. Even so, the greater condescension is that Jesus should have submitted to mortality at all, even if He were to be born in the best and most elegant of circumstances” (Elder D. Todd Christofferson, “The Condescension of God and of Man”).
Ponder: How can I more intentionally deepen my relationship with Christ?
Read: “The Condescension of God and of Man,” by Elder D. Todd Christofferson and “Christ, names of” in the Bible Dictionary.
Watch: “David Butler’s 5-Minute Fireside on Prayer”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJqBCthr7U0&t=25s
Bonus: Congratulations! You finished your 12 Days of Christmas studies. Watch “The Christ Child: A Nativity Story” to celebrate the Savior’s birth.
