The Priceless Gift: Understanding Sacrifice in the Light of the Atonement

When we speak of the Lord's gift—the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ—it is easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the Atonement. We speak of an infinite sacrifice that transcends human comprehension. Yet, the depth of our understanding, brethren, is often measured not by the scope of the mystery, but by the willingness to participate in the sacrifice ourselves. The covenants we have made are not merely promises of forgiveness; they are calls to discipleship that demand our deepest selves.

The Gift and the Echo of Sacrifice

The recent Christmas devotional offered a powerful, seemingly simple narrative—the story of the train. It speaks of a miraculous gift, one that was treasured, and then, through a profound act of sacrifice, became priceless. It is a microcosm of the gospel plan itself. The first gift given to man was the opportunity for salvation, and the ultimate gift was the Savior's willingness to endure the ultimate sacrifice.

The Law of the Priceless Gift

The story's emotional core rests on the recognition that the greatest value of the train was not its physical nature, but the willingness of the owner to part with it. It was the transfer of the gift, the act of love and forethought, that elevated it beyond mere material possession. This principle echoes profoundly in our covenants and our calling to bear witness of the gospel. To be a true disciple, a member of the Iron Rod, is to understand that our own lives must become conduits of sacrifice and selfless service.

We are called to be receivers of this joyous gift—the gift of the Spirit and the gift of truth. But as Elder Neal A. Maxwell taught, we are often insufficient vessels. We are not self-sufficient. The Atonement is not a passive receipt; it requires an active participation from us in the covenant path.

The love of God, the gift of Christ, is the perfect blueprint for our lives. If we are to share this truth, we must first guard our own hearts against the spiritual complacency that treats the gospel as merely a sentimental holiday ritual. Our study must be deep, our commitment must be absolute.

Discipleship as a Continuous Act of Transfer

When we examine the texts, we see sacrifice constantly demanded. Nephi did not simply receive the record; he had to obtain it through sacrifice. The early Saints endured persecution, making sacrifices of comfort, property, and even life, all to keep the light of the Restoration alive. This is the continuous, demanding nature of being a steward of the gospel.

The Christmas message, therefore, is not merely one of temporal remembrance; it is a spiritual imperative. It calls us to examine what in our lives—what comfortable attachment, what cherished routine, what self-sufficiency—we might need to willingly relinquish or transfer so that the light of Christ can shine through us more brightly. This is the work of the Holy Ghost, working in concert with diligent scripture study.

To truly understand the covenant path, we must move beyond the feeling of receiving and embrace the calling to give. The Lord requires us to be capable stewards of the priesthood and the doctrines and covenants, ensuring that the sacred truths remain guarded and transmitted faithfully. This scholarly, yet deeply spiritual, work is the hallmark of the committed disciple.

The greatest gift we can give, and the greatest gift we must receive, is the knowledge and power of the restored gospel. It is a burden, yes, but it is a sacred, worthy burden. Let us continue to refine our understanding of the Atonement, recognizing that our lives are meant to reflect the selfless, priceless nature of the gift we have been given.

What covenant, scholar, are you willing to sacrifice today to better guard and share the sacred truths entrusted to you?