Even His birth brought salvation

Dear friend

The birth of Jesus Christ happened in a small town near the holy city of Jerusalem. Best estimates suggest the population of Bethlehem at the time would be no greater than 1000 people. That sounds like a small rural farming village, although it is referred to as the "city" of David. Maybe city meant something different back then.

The blessed babe's birth in that tiny township surely went unnoticed to most in the world. A few people may have remarked on what looked like a new star or some other sign, but they likely would not understand the significance. The holy family eventually settled in Nazareth, which was an even smaller settlement than was the birthplace. Despite the very limited provincial parameters of His existence, Christ's life and death, and life again, was affective for the whole world, not just Judea. He died that we all might live. He brought universal salvation.

But in at least one part of the world it was the birth of the Babe that initially provided salvation, years before His Atoning act. This event is found in the Book of Mormon, 3 Nephi 1:4, 5, 9.

4 And it came to pass that in the commencement of the ninety and second year, behold, the prophecies of the prophets began to be fulfilled more fully; for there began to be greater signs and greater miracles wrought among the people.
5 But there were some who began to say that the time was past for the words to be fulfilled, which were spoken by Samuel, the Lamanite.
...
9 Now it came to pass that there was a day set apart by the unbelievers, that all those who believed in those traditions should be put to death except the sign should come to pass, which had been given by Samuel the prophet.

The believers were in grave danger, but their faith in the face of fatality was rewarded when the Lord revealed a reassuring rescue the day before the dire deadline. His words are recorded in verse 13.

13 Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfil all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets.

Everything about Christ's life blesses someone. In this case His followers were vindicated for their faith in Him. He saved their mortal lives by His birth; their eternal salvation would come later.

It is absolutely right to focus on the events that brought an end to Christ's mortal ministry as the major moments of His saving grace. He died that we might live. But as this story illustrates, even the event of His earthly entry saved some diligent disciples who were in danger.

As we contemplate the joyful arrival of the Babe of Bethlehem, I pray that we will look to Jesus to save our lives as we demonstrate our faith in Him, even when faced by our modern unbelieving world.

Samuel.