Christmas Message 2011

This year has been one that has put a dent in the way that I look at life, not just as a missionary but as a Son of God. I have seen so many people from all over the world come unto the restored gospel. It is truly an amazing work that we as members of the church do. But that is not the thing that has made a dent in my life but is the Savior Jesus Christ and the love that he and our Heavenly Father have shown us. John 3:16 tells that “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son.” That truly is an act of love. Now as we come closer to this Christmas we start to think about the birth of that wonderful Son of God. Who died and suffered so that we can return to the presence of our Father. But just think about the type of place that he was born in; it was not in a hospital or a nice clean place, but in a stable that was filthy and smelled like barn animals. It was the most humble place to find a King that would give us all and is the only one that can save us from ourselves and the adversary. The path that He led was a long and painful one, mainly at the end of his life but He showed us how to live. And that is by giving of ourselves and helping our fellow beings. King Benjamin taught in Mosiah 2:17. I know that it is true! and as we follow those teachings we will find the joy that we are looking for in this life; for that is the best gift you can give to our King. I would encourage all to find someone that needs help this time of season and every day of your life and help them out. Just as the hymn says “Have I done any good in the world to day" that should be our motto for our lives. For service is truly the Best thing that we can do for our fellow brothers and sisters, in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Hey Friends, Family and who ever else will read this.

Life out here is going great and the work of the Lord Jesus Christ is moving forward. I'm so glad that I get to be a part of it. People here are a lot different but they are still really cool. I love the things that I get to learn out here. The biggest thing I have learned so far in the 10 months that I have been out. Is that the atonement of our Savior is for everyone and anyone can receive the blessings from this great act that Our Savior has done for us. There are three parts to the Atonement, First is in The Garden of Gethsemane, Second the Suffering and Dieing on the Cross, The Third and Final is the Resurrection. These three things that took place give us a way back to our Heavenly Father. Yet it is up to us to receive the full blessings that come from the Atonement or At-one-ment, which means to be one with God in all things that we do. We must remember that the Suffering in that Garden and on the Cross, was all for our sins so that Christ can help us in all of our trials that we will have. Then the Resurrection is given to all of us no matter who we are. Yet to receive all the blessing, we must have faith that Christ did do all the things that the Bible says he did and ask for Heavenly Fathers forgiveness when we sin. Then allow the spirit to work in us so that we can have a change of heart. We must remember that the Atonement was ment for us all, and everyone can receive the blessings from it but we must make the moves to have them. I love this gospel so much. I know that Joseph Smith did see God the Father and the Son Jesus Christ. The Church has been restored to its fullness and this Church will move forward and nothing will stop that. President Monson is a true and living prophet of God. He does guide the work of the Lord here on this earth. I know that the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. The things that it teaches are true. Those who say that it is not of God, either haven't read it or are just to bull headed to take the chance to find out whether or not it is true. I am proud to stand as a witness of this true and ever lasting gospel. In the name of our Savior Jesus Christ Amen.

I love you all very much and miss you all.

"Godspeed"

Love,

Tavin