Bishop's Office

Celebrating Peace Through Testimony
by Alan Andrus

As Christmas approaches we have much to celebrate. As we mark the beginning of our Savior's sojourn on earth we are mindful of how His life has shaped ours. Unfortunately, for many this year the spirit of the season will be dampened by worry and despair, by sadness, over present pain, and anxiety over what the future may hold. With so many caught in the grip of an economic crisis, unseen in our lifetimes, it can be difficult to find joy in the season.

President Gordon B. Hinckley said "It is not easy to be honest when all about you there are those who are interested only in making 'a fast buck.' It is not always easy to be temperate when all about you there are those who scoff at sobriety. It is not easy to be industrious when all about you there are those who do not believe in the value of work. It is not easy to be a man of integrity when all about you there are those who will forsake principles for expediency.

". . . but a man . . . has to live with his conscience. A man has to live with his principles. A man has to live with his convictions. A man has to live with his testimony. Unless he does so, he is miserable—dreadfully miserable. And while there may be thorns, while there may be disappointment, while there may be trouble and travail, heartache and heartbreak, and desperate loneliness, there will be peace and comfort and strength" (The Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, p. 265-266).

I like the perspective President Hinckley’s comments bring: without testimony a man is miserable, with a testimony there will be peace and comfort and strength.

Let us find joy as we increase our faith, let us increase our faith by feeding His sheep, let us be grateful for our testimonies of our Savior, whose birth and life we celebrate.