Good News

      Little bit late, but it's still before the new year right?  At the end of this Christmas season we celebrate and remember the birth of Christ, our Savior and Redeemer.  What a wonderful gift we and all mankind were given.  I love the scripture in Luke when Gabriel comes and proclaims to the shepherds, "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour which is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10-11 (http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/luke/2?lang=eng)
      Christ truly is the great tiding and great joy.  And to take it a step further, his birth was 'great tidings' and his gospel is good news.  This good news has been a guide in my life, as long as I have sought it.  Through faith in Christ I have gained hope and seen a better life.  My faith has helped to humble and remind me of all  Christ has done for me.  I know He lives, and because of Him I will live again after death on earth.  I know He has suffered all so that if I use his atoning powers I need, I need not suffer.  I'm grateful for the Atonement and the blessed opportunity we have to repent, to remember Christ and to try again to be better.  I know this is possible through baptism and after baptism through the Sacrament.  As we continue acting on our faith and repenting, we have the promised guidance of the Holy Ghost.  Through this influence I am able to hold on a little longer, day by day, through challenges.  Because of this knowledge I'm excited to endure to the end.  I know the good news and can see the goal in sight.