The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, on December 25 each year. Groups of people and various organizations celebrate Jesus’ birth on December 25, some on other dates, and some do not celebrate the birth of Jesus at all. We claim the privilege of everyone worshipping according to the dictates of his/her own conscience and allow all men that same privilege.
We testify that Jesus Christ was born in the meridian of time to the Virgin Mary in the town of Bethlehem of Judea. He was born in a humble stable. Jesus is the Only Begotten Son of God the Father. Jesus’ birth was different from anyone else in that He has a mortal mother, Mary, and an immortal Father, Elohim or Heavenly Father.
Jesus’ divine sonship separates Him apart from all other births. His birth was foreseen by all true prophets throughout the ages. One such prophet was Alma. Let’s read Alma’s testimony and prophecy of the coming of Jesus into the world:
And behold, he shall be born of Mary, at Jerusalem which is the land of our forefathers, she being a virgin, a precious and chosen vessel, who shall be overshadowed and conceive by the power of the Holy Ghost, and bring forth a son, yea, even the Son of God [Alma 7:10, Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ].
As you can see, Mary was overshadowed by the Holy Ghost, and Jesus was conceived by this same power. Jesus is subject to a mortal mother-Mary, and to an immortal Father-Elohim, His biological father. Joseph was Mary’s espoused husband.
Another prophecy of Jesus’ birth is found in Isaiah of the Old Testament. Isaiah saw Jesus’ day and Jesus being born. He prophesied:
Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14).
Many other prophecies about Jesus’ birth were fulfilled, for we learn in Amos the role of prophets:
Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but He revealeth His secret to His servants the prophets (Amos 3:7).
Thus we see that God does reveal word and His will to His servant the prophets. As you know, there are many false prophets throughout the world, along with true prophets. How do you distinguish between true prophets and false prophets? Jesus himself gave the answer.
16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. (Matthew 7:16-20)
The Church of Jesus Christ uses the King James Version of the Bible; therefore, we accept the Christmas contained within the KJV. Let’s read the Christmas found in Luke 2:1-14
1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
