Atonement of Jesus Christ

During the Christmas season, we might do well to ponder this quote from President Gordon B. Hinckley: “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.” Truly it is the other side of the manger scene that gives meaning to Christmas.

No wonder our dear prophet and Apostles in recent times have emphasized an equal celebration of Easter and the Atonement as a whole. Elder Gary E. Stevenson, in a recent General Conference, quoted New Testament scholar N. T. Wright: “We should be taking steps to celebrate Easter in creative new ways: in art, literature, children’s games, poetry, music, dance, festivals, bells, special concerts. … This is our greatest festival. Take Christmas away, and in biblical terms you lose two chapters at the front of Matthew and Luke, nothing else. Take Easter away, and you do not have a New Testament; you do not have a Christianity.”

So, though it is Christmas, I would like to take a moment and talk about the Atonement of Christ—His greatest act in the Garden of Gethsemane and His glorious Resurrection. In fact, Christmas must be a time to truly ponder and celebrate the birth of the Child who would bring about these sacred events.

My pondering of Christ’s Christmas in perspective of what He would accomplish for us reminds me that, in addition to the beautiful gifts the wise men gave, there were future gifts—symbolic gifts—wrapped and figuratively presented as well: the gift of a purple robe, a crown of thorns, and a Roman spear. Jesus Christ was Jehovah in the premortal life. When our Father presented the plan for us, a Redeemer was to be chosen who would execute the Father’s plan. Not an easy role, but nevertheless Jehovah stepped forward to be our Redeemer and gave all glory to the Father. Thus, He became the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. It is important for us to remember what Lehi taught: “Wherefore, redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah; for he is full of grace and truth. Behold, he offereth himself a sacrifice for sin, to answer the ends of the law, unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit” (Mosiah 2:6–7).

Our first parents offered the firstlings of their flocks as a sacrifice to remember this future greatest event. When an angel of the Lord appeared to Adam and Eve and asked why they offered sacrifice, they replied that they knew not, except that the Lord had commanded them to do so. The angel explained that this sacrifice was a type—a prefiguration—of the offering that would be made in their behalf by the Savior of the world who was to come. “This thing is a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father,” the angel said. “Wherefore, … thou shalt repent and call upon God in the name of the Son forevermore.”

In the meridian of time, that event took place as the Savior of humankind walked as a Lamb to the slaughter. Following His death, the Savior taught the Nephites: “Ye shall offer up unto me no more the shedding of blood. … Ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit. And whoso cometh unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, will I baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost. … Therefore repent, … and be saved.” These are not merely Old Testament or Book of Mormon stories—they continue today. It is for us. We are to offer ourselves—a broken heart and a contrite spirit—every day of our lives.

Elder Neil L. Andersen, in a recent General Conference, said: “Having a contrite spirit is humbly putting yourself in the hands of God; having a broken heart brings what the Apostle Paul described as ‘godly sorrow,’ a deep longing of the soul to return to Him whatever the cost.” With such a nature, the power of the Atonement of Christ flows into our lives. We have the hope of returning to where we started—with our Father—but with a glorified, immortal body, becoming like our Savior. We should also remember that the Atonement of Christ is more than helping us return to our Father. It strengthens us and enables us to go through the experiences of life that are essential for that final goal—eternal life. But we must seek the help that is available to us through the Atonement of Christ.

In conclusion, President Dallin H. Oaks has taught: “Because of His atoning experience in mortality, our Savior is able to comfort, heal, and strengthen all men and women everywhere, but I believe He does so only for those who seek Him and ask for His help. The Apostle James taught, ‘Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up’ (James 4:10). We qualify for that blessing when we believe in Him and pray for His help.”

This Christmas season, may we ponder and understand the true meaning of our celebration. May we seek the help that is available through the glorious act performed by our Lord. May we also take the opportunity to declare these truths to as many of Heavenly Father’s children as we can: “Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah” (2 Nephi 2:8). That is my prayer, as I testify of Jesus Christ—that He is our Redeemer and Savior. He will one day return to the earth, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together. Every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall speak in worship before Him. Each of us will stand before Him to be judged according to our work and the desires of our hearts. ■