December 24, 2014

To my friends and family,

Seeing as though today is Christmas Eve, my letter will focus solely on the Savior. Korean is great and fun, but I am not here to learn a language; I am here to testify of my Savior.

One of my favorite Christmas songs is "What Child is This?" The lyrics say something along the lines of "what child is this that lays on the hay?" Who was this child? Who was this child who kings traveled for months to bear their gifts? Who is this child who an angel came to announce the birth to shepherds in the fields of Bethlehem? Who is this child that was born of the humble Mary? Who is this child who has been promised since the beginning?

To find this answer, we need to look to the scriptures that describe his life. This child is one who called humble fishermen to gather his flock. This is the child who sat by a Samaritan and promised her eternal life if she believed on him. This is the child who fed the 5000 and walked on the water. This is the child who healed the sick, liberated the captive, and opened the eyes of the blind. This is the child who calmed the waves and raised three from the dead. This is the child who refused the praise of the world. This is the child who was condemned by his own and betrayed by his friends. This is the child who never reviled against those who spat on him. This is the child who was scourged and forced to wear a crown of thorns. This is the child who suffered for us all on the cross and in the garden so that we wouldn't have to suffer ourselves. This is the child who promised life everlasting and peace to anyone who believe on his name. This is the child who died so that all men could live.

This is the child that on the third day rose from the dead. This child is the redeemer of all men. This child is the son of God. This child is the Christ.

"For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever would believe in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life."

As a set apart witness of Jesus Christ, I bear my testimony that this child is the Christ. He was a prophet. He was a teacher. He was a humanitarian. But more importantly, he was a brother, a friend, and savior. He suffered death for all of our sins that we don't have to suffer. He took our sins upon himself. "He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes, we are healed." This child made it possible for all of us to feel peace, forgiveness, joy, and experience everlasting life.

This season, may we remember that without Christ there would be no Christmas. Without our Savior, there would be no peace and real joy in this life. May we remember Him this season. May we remember His sacrifice. May we remember the blood that was shed for us. But more importantly, may we share that love. May we sacrifice like He did. May we love like He did.

"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."

I love you all, and I testify that through the Savior, all can be made right. Go to Him. His arm is extended. He is truly the living water and He wants to give you that peace. I pray that we may all accept that invitation.

With Love,
Elder Coleman