Our Priceless Christmas Gift
Our Priceless Christmas Gift
President Quinn’s Weekly Message
California Santa Rosa Mission
December 18th, 2023
Merry Christmas! This is one of Sister Quinn and my favorite times of the year. We are grateful to be serving with you as emissaries of Jesus Christ – He whose miraculous birth we celebrate each year at this time.
It is not unusual to attend or view a sporting event without seeing someone in the audience hold up a sign reading John 3:16. The sign points the audience to the scripture below:
“For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) This is the greatest message that can be shared with the world. You share this message every day. Thank you for your dedicated service – and for not sharing this message at sporting events on a poster.
Unfortunately, it is not unusual to hear this scripture misquoted. Many say, “For God so loved the world, that He sent his only begotten son…”
Replacing the word “gave” with “sent” makes a big difference in the deeper meaning of this scripture. At Christmas time we celebrate the “gift” of the babe in Bethlehem – Jesus Christ. Recognizing the birth of the Savior as a loving gift from our Father in Heaven for each of us, brings a deeper meaning to life of Jesus Christ and the Christmas Season. The Savior’s birth – and later His life and atoning sacrifice were gifts given to us. These gifts are infinite in scope. Yet, I believe they are intimate in realization.
Our Father in Heaven desires that through the gifts of the Savior’s birth, life, and atoning sacrifice we develop a personal relationship with Him and our Savior. They desire that the relationships built from these gifts return us to Their presence. I know of no greater gifts we could be given from our Father in Heaven.
Each Christmas Season, I hope you will see the Savior’s birth as a priceless gift from your Father in Heaven. How grateful I am for this gift!
Love,
President Quinn
(707) 758-6380
