Christmas is one of President Ezra Taft Benson's favorite times of the year, mainly because it provides yet another occasion for him to reflect on the birth and ministry of Jesus Christ and to spend time with members of his family.

      President Benson especially enjoyed watching on television the First Presidency Christmas Devotional Dec. 6, which was conducted by his first counselor, President Gordon B. Hinckley, and addressed by his second counselor, President Thomas S. Monson. The devotional featured music by the Tabernacle Choir.Music has always been an important part of President Benson's life, and it has figured into this season's observances. As he has visited in the homes of family members for Sunday dinners or week-night family activities throughout December, he has enjoyed listening to them play the piano and sing Christmas carols.

      Part of his Christmas observance this year included going to the home of one of his sons on Dec. 23, for a family social with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Plans were for him to spend Christmas day at the homes of a son and a daughter.

      President Benson has dedicated his life to serving in the ministry of Jesus Christ. Following are just a few of the highlights of addresses he has delivered and articles he has written about Jesus and Christmas, as quoted in The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson:

      - "Without Christ there would be no Christmas, and without Christ there can be no fulness of joy."

      - "The babe of Bethlehem became the Nazarene, the Man of Galilee, the Life and Light of the world, the Savior and Redeemer of mankind, the miracle of all time. More books have been written about Him, more buildings have been erected in His honor, more men have died with His name on their lips than any other person who ever lived."

      - "I bear witness to you that Jesus is the Christ, the Savior and Redeemer of the world - the very Son of God. He was born the babe of Bethlehem. He lived and ministered among men. He was crucified on Calvary. His friends deserted Him. His closest associates did not fully understand His mission, and they doubted. One of the most trusted denied knowing Him.

      "A pagan governor, struggling with his conscience after consenting to Jesus' death, caused a sign to be erected over the cross proclaiming Him `JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.' (John 19:19.) He asked forgiveness for His tormentors and then willingly gave up His life. His body was laid in a borrowed tomb. An immense stone was placed over the opening. In the minds of His stunned followers over and over echoed some of His last words, `Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.' (John 16:33.)

      "On the third day there was a great earthquake. The stone was rolled back from the door of the tomb. Some of the women, among the most devoted of His followers, came to the place with spices `and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.' (Luke 24:3.) Angels appeared and said simply, `Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen.' (Luke 24:5-6.) There is nothing in history to equal that dramatic announcement: `He is not here, but is risen.' "

      - "No other single influence has had so great an impact on this earth as the life of Jesus the Christ. We cannot conceive of our lives without His teachings. Without Him we would be lost in a mirage of beliefs and worships, born in fear and darkness where the sensual and materialistic hold sway. We are far short of the goal He set for us, but we must never lose sight of it; nor must we forget that our great climb toward the light, toward perfection, would not be possible except for His teachings, His life, His death, and His resurrection."