The Atonement

  Atonement. The word describes the setting “at one” of those who have been estranged, and denotes the reconciliation of man to God. Sin is the cause of the estrangement, and therefore the purpose of atonement is to correct or overcome the consequences of sin.

 Sin is a natural side effect of life, there are no perfect people nor could their be. As we learn and grow in this life we will make mistakes, and we will learn from them. Only Christ lived perfectly, and he died perfectly, and in doing so He prepared the way for us. He did everything our Father in Heaven asked him to do, and he paid for all the mistakes we will ever make.

 Jesus suffered for you. He suffered for everyone. The prophet Alma wrote of Christ: "And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities."*

  Jesus Christ understands you completely, he felt all the pain you will ever feel so that he can have compassion on you. He can help you through any problem in your life because He has already been there. As we rely on the Atonement of Jesus Christ, He can help us endure our trials, sicknesses, and pain. We can be filled with joy, peace, and consolation. All that is unfair about life can be made right through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. In paying the penalty for our sins, Jesus did not, however, eliminate our personal responsibility. We must show that we accept Him and that we will follow His commandments. Only through the gift of the Atonement can we return to live with God.

  We all depend on the Savior; none of us can be saved without Him. Christ’s Atonement is infinite and eternal. Forgiveness for our sins comes with conditions. We must repent, and we must be willing to forgive others. Jesus taught: “Forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not … [stands] condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin” and “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” -Dieter F. Uchtdorf

  I know that is is only through the atonement that my sins can be forgiven. But the atonement isn't just for the times when you feel guilty, or the times when you think you've messed up. The atonement is always there, it is always available, and it is always ready to help you. The atonement is there to be used, and all it takes is a sincere desire to follow the example of your Savior. Have faith in Jesus Christ, do your best to live like he did, repent when you mess up, and you will feel the atonement work in your life. I promise you.


*Alma 7:11-12

It's Christmas that we're waiting for, but we can wait a little more.

On window panes, the icy frost
Leaves feathered patterns, crissed & crossed,
But in our house the Christmas tree
is decorated festively
With tiny dots of colored light
That cozy up this Winter night.
Christmas songs, familiar slow,
Play softly on the radio.
Pops and hisses from the fire
Whistle with the bells and choir.
My tiger is now fast asleep
On his back and dreaming deep.
When the fire makes him hot,
he turns to warm whatever’s not.
Propped against him on the rug,
I give my friend a gentle hug.
Tomorrow’s what I’m waiting for,
But I can wait a little more.

  I love Calvin and Hobbes. This poem has always been a favorite of mine, it reminds me that there's more to Christmas than gifts and money. This is the time to celebrate the birth of our Savior, and to show others the love that he showed us. How often do we stop to think of others in this time of the year? What does Christmas mean to you?

  The poem helps me to think of my family and my friends, to remember the small things that make them great. It reminds me of the fun times we've had and those that we can look forward to. To show them that I care about them in simple but significant ways. Everyone has a poem or a book or a song, that helps them to feel that special spirit that Christmas brings. The spirit of Christmas, or the spirit of Christ, is always around when we put those around us first and it leaves a feeling of warmth and joy.

  President Thomas S. Monson once said "As we seek Christ, as we find Him, as we follow Him, we shall have the Christmas spirit, not for one fleeting day each year, but as a companion always. We shall learn to forget ourselves. We shall turn our thoughts to the greater benefit of others." That feeling of comfort and happiness that comes with the season doesn't have to leave. We can always feel the spirit of Christ, as we try to be more like Him.

  Show someone you care this Christmas. Perform a small act of kindness, and see the happiness you can bring to someone who needs it. Don't be so quick to chase away the feelings of this wonderful time of the year. Bring that spirit of Christ with you, and keep it. You will notice the difference in yourself and the ones you help, as you love them like our Savior does. It's Christmas that we're waiting for, but we can wait a little more.

  Merry Christmas!