We know that an angel came to shepherds at Bethlehem with glad tidings of great joy. But did you know that another angel came with those same tidings many many years before? 124 B.C. – The land of Zarahemla: King Benjamin was awakened from his sleep by an angel.

“…Awake,” the angel said, “and hear the words which I shall tell thee; for behold I am come to declare unto you the glad tidings of great joy.” (Mosiah 3:3)

“…The time cometh,” the angel continued, “and is not far distant, that with power, the Lord Omnipotent who reigneth, who was, and is from all eternity to all eternity, shall come down from heaven among the children of men, and shall dwell in a tabernacle of clay, and shall go forth amongst men, working mighty miracles, such as healing the sick, raising the dead, causing the lame to walk, the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear, and curing all manner of diseases.” (Mosiah 3:5)

“And lo, he shall suffer temptations, and pain of body, hunger, thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can suffer, except it be unto death; for behold, blood cometh from every pore, so great shall be his anguish for the wickedness and [the] abominations of his people.” (Mosiah 3:7)

“And he shall be called Jesus Christ, the son of God…and his mother shall be called Mary. And lo, he cometh unto his own that salvation might come unto the children of men even through faith on his name; and even after all this, they shall consider him a man, and say that he hath a devil, and shall scourge him, and shall crucify him. And he shall rise the third day from the dead; and behold, he standeth to judge the world…” (Mosiah 3: 8-10)

Benjamin immediately set to work to gather his people to the temple, and share this valuable message with them. Notwithstanding his advanced age, he climbed a tower, and shared the angel’s words. When Benjamin finished, he looked down across his people. They had fallen to the earth. The fear of the Lord had come upon them, and they saw themselves in need of that [savior].

“…They all cried aloud with one voice, saying: O have mercy, and apply the atoning blood of Christ…And it came to pass after they had spoken these words, the spirit of the Lord came upon them, and they were filled with joy…” (Mosiah 4:2-3)

And thus is the story of Christ and Christmas. Whether before His birth or after, the story of Christmas and Christ kindles faith and brings joy. Christ is joy! And above all things, my friend, is that not the reason we live?