The first Christmas presents that S. Mark Palmer of the Presidency of the Seventy remembers a toy gun that fired a cork on a string and a crank duck, which were given to him when he was 4 years old. But like all material things, they quickly broke, and “the happiness they provided was temporary and quickly forgotten,” he said.

In his address at the First Presidency Christmas Vigil on December 8, Elder Palmer spoke of three gifts that “will not bring temporary happiness, but rather will bring true and lasting joy.”

Testimony

The first gift is that of testimony – a personal gift that reveals the deepest expressions of the soul when given freely and without guile, Elder Palmer said.

“More precious than gold, frankincense or myrrh, the pure testimony of Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and Redeemer is at the very center of everything we celebrate at Christmas. »

Brother Palmer recounted a family home evening when his six children were young. He and his wife, Sister Jacqueline Palmer, decided that instead of teaching a lesson, they would bear their testimony.

He said: “After sharing my testimony, our sweet daughter Chelsea, probably 16 at the time, said with wide eyes, ‘Daddy, I’ve never heard your testimony before.’ » She had undoubtedly heard him testify while speaking. at church or at home. “But in that moment, she heard and felt my testimony as if for the first time,” he said.

She taught him an unforgettable lesson, he says. “The gift of testimony is precious and there is power in sharing it often. »

Pardon

Forgiveness is the second gift. Everyone has been hurt by unkind words or actions — and hurt someone with them — Elder Palmer said. Jesus Christ taught: “I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but it is required of you that you forgive all men” (Doctrine and Covenants 64:10).

Elder Palmer said, “By freely and honestly forgiving others, we free ourselves from the poison of bitterness, judgment, or vengeance. »

He then shared Sandile Makasi’s personal story of forgiveness. Makasi was just under 2 years old when her father was killed by police during South Africa’s apartheid regime.

Brother Palmer quoted Makasi, who said, “During my early childhood years, I felt bitterness and hatred because of what they did to my father. …When I learned of the violent manner in which they tortured him, it fueled my heart and mind with immense anger, hatred and hostility toward the police and (towards) white people.

Makasi harbored these feelings until he found the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, which helped him understand that his spiritual progress depended on forgiving the police officers.

“It was easier said than done,” Makasi said, “but I persisted with a lot of prayer, and over time the Lord helped me forgive my enemies. …Instead of being hurt, I felt comfort; instead of hostility and hatred, I had love; instead of darkness in my heart and mind, I had light and peace.

Christian love

The third gift is Christian love. Elder Palmer taught: “If we follow the Savior’s example in expressing our love for others in word and deed, then they can experience God’s love through us. »

A few years ago, Brother Palmer met a young man in Washington whom he called Michael. The young man experienced a great change in his expression and lifestyle after missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints taught him for three months. One evening, after speaking to the missionaries on the phone, they said, “I love you, Michael” as they hung up.

It wasn’t something he was used to, he thought, but he could tell others. So he called his mother who lived a few hours away to tell her he loved her.

“What’s wrong?” was his immediate response. Did he receive bad news from the doctor? Was he going to go back to prison?

Brother Palmer said, “He told him about discovering the gospel and how it had changed him. And that he had now stopped smoking and using drugs and was considering being baptized.

“I think it’s a wonderful illustration of what happens when people experience God’s love through others. This softens hearts and then creates a desire to share this gift of love with others.

In conclusion, Elder Palmer bore testimony of Jesus Christ. “Because of His gift to each of us, purchased at an unimaginable price, we can qualify to receive the greatest gift of all, even eternal life in the presence of our loving Heavenly Father. »