Focus on Savior amidst season's distractions
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Christmas can be a great time of family learning while placing emphasis on things that are most important, Elder Quentin L. Cook said during BYU Management Society's Salt Lake Chapter's Christmas luncheon, held in a ballroom at the Little America Hotel in Salt Lake City on Dec. 16.
Joined at the luncheon by his wife, Mary, and son, Larry, Elder Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve, spoke of the busy season of Christmas, and the many distractions that often take up one's attention. But, he said, amidst busy holiday schedules and distractions, Christmas can be a time to focus on the Savior and His teachings.
"I want to suggest four things I feel would be beneficial in our families at this Christmastime," Elder Cook said. "I'm not terribly concerned that there are distractions — telestial distractions — if we can put in place a few things that will help us really understand the Savior and appreciate Christmas."
The first suggestion Elder Cook gave was for families to teach about the sacred, glorious birth of the Savior and His beautiful life and perfect example.
"I would hope that each of us sometime before Christmas would take the time with those we love to review [the Christmas story in] Luke 2 and Matthew 2, to think about the Savior."
Drawing upon many memories of his family reading from the scriptures and singing Christmas carols, Elder Cook spoke of the impact it had in teaching about the Savior.
"There came into our home a better understanding and a better appreciation of the Savior."
Second, Elder Cook said to find some way to follow the Savior's example during the Christmas season.
Whether it's caring for the poor and needy in some outreach, visiting the sick and afflicted, or assisting those in need, Elder Cook said teaching family members to serve others, is teaching them to follow the Savior's example.
"We should do this all the time, but I think it's particularly significant that we do it at Christmastime," he said.
Third, he said, to teach families to love the Lord, and build faith in His teachings.
Sharing examples found in the scriptures and words of President Gordon B. Hinckley, Elder Cook told of the importance of loving God, and His Son, Jesus Christ. Quoting President Hinckley he said, "To love the Lord is not just counsel, it is not just well-wishing, it is a commandment."
Fourth, Elder Cook told listeners to talk with their families about the Savior and His Atonement during Christmastime.
"For us to remember at Christmas and when we are taking the sacrament what the Savior did in the Atonement, I think, is the fourth thing that should be stressed."
By following these four suggestions, families are strengthened at Christmastime, Elder Cook said, despite distractions surrounding their lives.
"As I said, I think that the other distractions aren't necessarily evil, I think that much of what we do is warm and builds friendship and love and unity, but much of it is rather telestial," he said. "If we would do these four things we could elevate to a more celestial level in our understanding of Christmas and our understanding of the Savior."
