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How do we follow Him if first we don't find Him? And how shall we find Him if first we don't seek Him?

Follow Him

Down through the generations of time, the message from Jesus has been the same. To Peter by the shores of beautiful Galilee, He said, "Follow me." To Philip of old came the call, "Follow me." To Matthew came the instructions, "Follow me." And to you and to me, if we but listen, shall come that same beckoning invitation, "Follow me."

But how do we follow Him if first we don't find Him? And how shall we find Him if first we don't seek Him?

As we undertake our personal search for Jesus, aided and guided by the principle of prayer, we must have a clear concept of Him whom we seek. The shepherds of old sought Jesus the child. But we seek Jesus the Christ, our Older Brother, our Mediator with the Father, our Redeemer, the Author of our salvation; He who was in the beginning with the Father; He who took upon Himself the sins of the world and so willingly died that we might forever live. This is the Jesus whom we seek.

And when we find Him, will we be prepared as were the wise men of old to provide gifts from our many treasures? They presented gold, frankincense and myrrh. These are not the gifts Jesus asks of us. From the treasure of our hearts Jesus asks that we give of ourselves: "Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind" (Doctrine and Covenants 64:34). — "The Search for Jesus," New Era, December 2003

Spirit of Christ

Giving, not getting, brings to full bloom the Christmas spirit. Enemies are forgiven, friends remembered and God obeyed. The spirit of Christmas illuminates the picture window of the soul, and we look out upon the world's busy life and become more interested in people than things. To catch the real meaning of the "spirit of Christmas," we need only drop the last syllable, and it becomes the "Spirit of Christ."

If we are to have the very best Christmas ever, we must listen for the sound of sandaled feet. We must reach out for the Carpenter's hand. With every step we take in His footsteps, we abandon a doubt and gain a truth. — "The Best Christmas Ever," Ensign, December 2008

Gift of gratitude

… Let us reflect gratitude for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His glorious gospel provides answers to life's greatest questions: Where did we come from? Why are we here? Where does my spirit go when I die? His called missionaries bring to those who live in darkness the light of divine truth.

He taught us how to pray. He taught us how to live. He taught us how to die. His life is a legacy of love. The sick He healed; the downtrodden He lifted; the sinner He saved.

Who was this Man of sorrows, acquainted with grief? Who is this King of glory, this Lord of hosts? He is our Master. He is our Savior. He is the Son of God. He is the author of our salvation. He beckons, "Follow me" (Matthew 4:19). He instructs, "Go, and do thou likewise" (Luke 10:37). He pleads, "Keep my commandments" (John 14:15).

Let us follow Him. Let us emulate His example. Let us obey His word. By so doing, we give to Him the divine gift of gratitude. — "An Attitude of Gratitude," General Conference, April 1992

Savior's example

Not only by precept did Jesus teach, but also by example. He was faithful to His divine mission. He stretched forth His hand that others might be lifted toward God.

The beloved Apostles noted well His example. He lived not so to be ministered unto, but to minister; not to receive, but to give; not to save His life, but to pour it out for others.

If they would see the star which should at once direct their feet and influence their destiny, they must look for it, not in the changing skies or outward circumstance, but each in the depth of his own heart and after the pattern provided by the Master. — "With Hand and Heart," Ensign, January 1995