12/19/2025
The announcement of John the Baptist's birth was special in many ways. It was special because we learn this must have been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for his father to burn incense and begin the temple ceremonies. It was special because heavenly manifestations had never before occurred to such a degree that even the temple priests believed the time was fast spent. But on this day, an angel appeared to Zachariah the priest. This was a very special occurrence, which shocked not only the father but also those who were present. The temple was never the same after that experience.
It was special because this answered Zachariah’s prayer, though he had grown old and given up hope of ever receiving the gift of a son. When told, "You will have a son," imagine how the mother felt when Zachariah told the angel, "She is too old; she cannot bear children." Zachariah was chastised for his unbelief and from that point became mute. When you consider everything surrounding the announcement of John the Baptist’s birth, everything was special.
Then we contrast that with the birth of Jesus Christ. An angel appeared to a humble young woman, a virgin. Nobody else was there. She was likely in a simple Galilean cottage when the angel appeared and announced she was blessed among women and would bear a son of the Most High. She responded with faith, asking, "How is this possible, for I know no man? How is this possible, since I am not married? How is this possible, as I am a virgin?" The angel explained how it would be, and she then praised the Lord.
When Zechariah was told, he declared to the angel how impossible it was. Mary’s response was different—full of faith. But how many people knew? It was not as grand as John the Baptist’s announcement. It was simple, quiet. A young woman had to bear this burden alone. She went to see the mother of John the Baptist so she could tell somebody and also gain the courage to tell Joseph, praying he would have faith as she did.
The announcement of the birth of Jesus Christ was very simple, very humble. His birth was simple and humble. Much of his life was simple and humble. Why is it significant to us today that Jesus Christ’s life was so simple and humble? It is significant because the day before his birth, he was the great Jehovah speaking to Nephi, telling him, "Tomorrow I will be born," and describing the miracles that would take place—after Nephi had prayed, fearing they would be killed. The day after that, he was born in a humble stable. How many babies are born where there are horses and donkeys? Imagine the smell. They could not even find a bed for him. He slept where donkeys eat. They tore cloth to wrap him. Very humble. From being the greatest king to being the lowliest of all.
What can this teach us today? It teaches that Jesus Christ has descended below all things. Poverty you have not known? He descended below it all. And he rose above it. So whatever happens to us, no matter how difficult it gets, it is never below him. We can never reach depths lower than he went. It is not possible, because he can lift us from anywhere and bring us back to him, back to heaven. That is the lesson. Once we know that and exercise faith in him, we understand that no matter how deep our sins or how difficult our life—like a white cloth covered in blood, seemingly impossible to restore—through Jesus Christ it is possible. Not only does he restore us to purity, but he exalts us. He lifts us even higher to become like him and inherit all the Father has.
Because of this, we need to exercise faith in him. We must trust him completely. I believe the test of life is whether we trust God. Everything that happens asks this important question: Do you trust God? Are you willing to have faith in him and his promises? Consider the principle of tithing—it is a principle of trust. "I do not have enough money, but I will pay my last penny as tithing to the Lord." Why? Because I know he will provide. Without that faith, one might say, "I do not have enough, so I cannot pay tithing." But that is the test of life: to have faith in him. To have faith that he was born in the humblest of places, and that he rose above everything. Because of that, he can help me rise above whatever I must—if I have faith in him, if I repent and turn to him completely.
I know Jesus is the Christ. I know we must exercise faith in him and trust him completely. When we do, miracles happen. We learn that no trouble or challenge is below him, because he descended below them all.
I say this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
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