Christ lives.

That's the message of the Gospel: that He was born to save us from sin and that we can rely on His merits to help us return to the Father. We strive to comprehend this gift and power in our lives, and then we do our best to teach our children how to take advantage of it as well. We believe Jesus Christ is who He claimed to be: the Messiah, the Son of God, our Savior. This has been the message of His Church from the beginning.

"... we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins." (2 Ne 20:26)

But what ABOUT Christ?  What was HIS message?

Jesus had many things to say, but one of His core messages was this:

• "Peace, be still."
• "Peace be unto you."
• "My peace I give unto you."

Even his two greatest commandments - to love God and love others - could be summed up with the one word: Peace. Making peace with God through repentance shows our love for Him, and to be a peacemaker with our fellowmen shows our love for them and Him.

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." (Matthew 5:9)
"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace." (John 16:33)
"If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men." (Romans 12:18)

His title named last in Isaiah's prophecy says it all:

"And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

So, while we're bringing ourselves and others to Jesus, Jesus is leading us all to PEACE.

Isn't it interesting how that one word encapsulates it all? He taught us to fear not (be at peace), trust the Lord (be at peace), love others (be peacemakers), and repent (that our hearts may return to peace). It's my hope and prayer that, this year, we may all experience more of what He desires for each of us:

"Peace on Earth, and good will toward men."