“Come unto Christ and Receive His Gifts,” Liahona, Dec. 2025.
Come unto Christ and Receive His Gifts
Through Christ, the greatest gift of all, we receive everything that truly matters—now and forever.
As a teenager, I eagerly anticipated an expensive gift for Christmas, often speaking of it without considering my parents’ financial situation.
When Christmas arrived, the gift I longed for was not under the tree. Initially, I felt disappointed, but soon my disappointment turned to embarrassment as I realized my parents were carrying heavy financial burdens—supporting my brother on a mission and my sister in college, as well as providing for me, their youngest.
As the morning progressed, I noticed there was little under the tree for them and much for me. In my selfishness, I had been blind to the love and sacrifice my parents had shown me all along.
Years later, after returning from my mission, I spent Christmas alone with my parents once again. They beamed with joy as they watched me open gifts from under the tree, and once more, nearly every gift was for me.
This time, I saw things differently. My teenage experience had taught me a valuable lesson. I wasn’t merely thankful for the presents—I was deeply touched by my parents’ love and the sacrifices they had willingly made for me.
The Most Valuable Gift
I have come to understand that some gifts are more valuable than others, and often, those gifts require sacrifice from the giver.
The Book of Mormon declares, “There is one thing which is of more importance than they all” (Alma 7:7), and that is the life and mission of Jesus Christ. Indeed, the greatest gift given to humankind is Jesus Christ—His birth, His perfect life, His atoning sacrifice, and His glorious Resurrection.
This gift came by great sacrifice, and every eternal blessing flows from Him. By accepting His invitation to “come unto [Him]” (Matthew 11:28), we unlock the gifts that truly matter.
Exercise Faith in Him
Faith is needed most when it appears to be working least. It can be difficult to maintain our faith during times of challenge. However, if we persevere, the Lord blesses us.
The faithful Nephites faced the threat of destruction if the signs of Christ’s birth did not appear. Despite their dire circumstances, they remained steadfast in their faith. (See Helaman 14:2–5; 3 Nephi 1:6–9.)
The prophet Nephi prayed earnestly, seeking deliverance for his people. In response, the Lord provided this comforting assurance: “Lift up your head and be of good cheer; … on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world” (3 Nephi 1:13).
That night, darkness did not come. The next day, a new star appeared in the sky, proclaiming the birth of Jesus Christ—“the light, the life, and the hope of the world.” Those who stood steadfast were blessed to understand that the prophesied Lord had come.
Faith Is a Gift
Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has explained that faith in Jesus Christ is a divine gift, granted as we choose to believe in Him and earnestly seek Him. In the Book of Mormon, Ether taught that as our faith grows, we can hope for a better world (see Ether 12:4).
Years ago, while on business in Brazil, I sat next to a man on a flight who had recently lost his only daughter in a car accident. He was heartbroken and without hope. When the moment was right, we spoke of sacred things that can bind families together for eternity. I shared my testimony that through Christ, he and his daughter could be reunited forever. His despair turned to hope, and he wept with this newfound knowledge.
I do not know if this man ever joined the Church, but in that moment, I know he found hope available only through the sacrifice and blessings of Jesus Christ.
Sacrifice Draws Us Close to Him
The greatest example of sacrifice is our Heavenly Father’s willingness to send His Son, Jesus Christ, into the world (see John 3:16). And Christ, in perfect obedience, sacrificed everything to submit to the Father’s will (see Matthew 26:39, 42).
If we truly love Christ, we will offer Him our own sacrifice—a humble heart and a willingness to follow Him (see Doctrine and Covenants 59:8).
The Apostle Paul taught that the law was a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ so we could be justified by faith. However, once we are justified, we are no longer under the schoolmaster, for we become children of God. (See Galatians 3:24–26.)
As we grow in faith, the commandments become part of our nature. They help us draw closer to the Savior, and He promises to draw near to us (see Doctrine and Covenants 88:63). Moreover, through obedience, we become more like Him. As we do, we prepare ourselves to receive the supreme gift of eternal life (see Doctrine and Covenants 14:7).
Bound to Him
The world is in turmoil, and Satan seeks to distract us with fear and uncertainty (see Doctrine and Covenants 45:26; Luke 21:26). However, the Father has provided a way to overcome: His Son, Jesus Christ.
Though life may present challenges, yoking ourselves to Christ through ordinances and covenants grants us access to His strength and redeeming power. President Russell M. Nelson has taught that covenant belonging binds us to the Lord “in a way that makes everything about life easier.” Easier, not easy. And power is available to those who are willing to make and keep sacred covenants. These, too, are among God’s great gifts to us, His children.
In this Christmas season, I testify that through Christ, the greatest gift of all, we receive everything that truly matters—now and forever.