Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024, for 23-29 December 2024.
The Book of Mormon, from front to back, is a commanding testament of Jesus Christ as the Saviour and Redeemer of the world. Its prophets were united in their sacred mission, which is summarised on the book’s title page: “the convincing of [all people] that Jesus is the Christ.” Each prophet bore a unique and thorough witness of the Saviour, and their combined testimonies converge on the eternal truth that salvation is found only through Jesus Christ and His infinite Atonement.
Prophetic Witnesses of Christ
Nephi saw Jesus Christ as a premortal spirit in vision and rejoiced in the knowledge of His coming. Centuries later, Samuel the Lamanite boldly stood upon a wall, proclaiming the signs of Christ’s birth and the events that would mark His death. After the Resurrection, another prophet named Nephi knelt before the glorified Saviour, touching the wounds in His hands, feet, and side—tokens of His infinite sacrifice for humanity. Each of these experiences reinforces the truth of Helaman 5:9: “There is no other way nor means whereby man can be saved, only through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, who … cometh to redeem the world.”
Reflecting on Christ During the Christmas Season
Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of the Saviour, but it is also an invitation to ponder why He came and what His mission means for us. The angel proclaimed to the shepherds, “For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11) Jesus Christ came to offer Himself as a perfect and infinite Atonement, conquering sin and death to open the way for us to return to God.
Moroni captures this invitation in his words: “Come unto Christ, and be perfected in him” (Moroni 10:32). The Book of Mormon deepens our understanding of the Saviour’s redeeming power. Alma 7:11–13 testifies of Christ’s ability to “succor his people” because He has borne all pains and afflictions. Helaman 14:16–17 assures us of the hope of resurrection through His victory over death. These truths provide comfort and strength to all who turn to Him.
The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ
The title “Another Testament of Jesus Christ” affirms its divine purpose as a sacred witness of the Saviour’s identity and mission. Nephi declared that his writings were meant to “persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God” (2 Nephi 25:23). In 2 Nephi 33:10, he pleads with all to “believe in Christ; and if ye believe not in these words, believe in Christ.”
The following passages illustrate this mission:
1 Nephi 6:4 emphasises Christ as the focal point of Nephi’s teachings.
“For the fulness of mine intent is that I may persuade men to come unto the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, and be saved.”
2 Nephi 25:26 expresses the joy of teaching and testifying of Christ.
“And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.”
2 Nephi 33:4, 10 extends an invitation to believe in Christ and receive the blessings of faith.
“And I know that the Lord God will consecrate my prayers for the gain of my people. And the words which I have written in weakness will be made strong unto them; for it persuadeth them to do good; it maketh known unto them of their fathers; and it speaketh of Jesus, and persuadeth them to believe in him, and to endure to the end, which is life eternal … And now, my beloved brethren, and also Jew, and all ye ends of the earth, hearken unto these words and believe in Christ; and if ye believe not in these words believe in Christ. And if ye shall believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the words of Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they teach all men that they should do good.”
Through these passages, we see that the Book of Mormon can not be viewed only as a historical record but also a divine guide, pointing us to Jesus Christ and His redeeming grace.
Responding with Gratitude
As we reflect on the Saviour’s mission, we are inspired to express our gratitude. The prophet Moroni exhorts us to “come unto Christ” by repenting, seeking His grace, and striving to follow His example. Gratitude for the Saviour can be shown through our daily choices, service to others, and testimony of His love.
This Christmas season, may each of us take time to ponder the Saviour’s life, Atonement, and resurrection. As we celebrate our Lord’s birth, may we be reminded of the hope, peace, and eternal joy that come through Him. Jesus Christ is not only the Saviour of the world but also our personal Redeemer.
Study Questions
- What are some of the unique ways in which prophets in the Book of Mormon testified of Jesus Christ?
- How does the account of Samuel the Lamanite inspire courage in sharing your testimony of Christ?
- Why is Helaman 5:9 a central verse for understanding the Saviour’s role in the Plan of Salvation?
- How do Alma 7:11–13 and Helaman 14:16–17 deepen your understanding of Christ’s Atonement and Resurrection?
- What personal experiences have helped you feel the Saviour’s power to “succor [satisfy] his people” in times of trial?
- How do 1 Nephi 6:4, 2 Nephi 25:26, and 2 Nephi 33:10 illustrate the Book of Mormon’s purpose to testify of Christ?
- Why is it significant that we give the subtitle “Another Testament of Jesus Christ” to the Book of Mormon?
- In what ways can you show gratitude for the Saviour’s Atonement in your daily life?
- How does reflecting on the Saviour’s mission during the Christmas season strengthen your relationship with Him?
