The Tradition of Joy: How Christmas Celebrates the Gospel

There are moments in life—times of year, specific gatherings, or even just quiet Sunday mornings—when the Spirit seems to settle over everything. For me, those times are the holidays. I’ll be honest: there’s nothing quite like the feeling of gathering with the people you love, whether we’re making homemade eggnog or just sitting around sharing stories.

The video I wanted to share today, a look at Christmas traditions, really hit me this week. It reminded me that traditions, at their heart, are just ways we remember what matters most. They are markers of love, joy, and belonging. And while the traditions in that video are lovely—and I’m sure Dollywood is magical—they made me pause and think about the greatest tradition of all: the tradition of the gospel.

The Sacred Traditions We Carry

When we talk about "traditions," we often think of holiday recipes or annual trips. But as returned missionaries, and as disciples anywhere, all the time, we realize that our most sacred traditions aren't bound by dates or locations. They are the habits of the heart—the commitment to feel the Spirit, to study the scriptures, and to keep the covenant.

If the holidays teach us anything, it’s that joy isn't just a feeling; it's an action. It's showing up for your family, it's sharing a meal, and it's dedicating time to those who need light. That spirit of service—that desire to bring joy to others—is the very essence of the restored gospel.

We are all constantly engaged in the work, whether we are in the MTC, serving alongside companions, or simply trying to navigate a week of work and family life. Every time we share a testimony with a friend, every time we help a neighbor, and every time we counsel a family member on the Book of Mormon, we are participating in a sacred tradition. We are simply following the footsteps of the Savior.

This concept is something I’ve been wrestling with lately. How do we make the gospel feel as natural and ingrained as making a favorite holiday meal? The answer, I think, is intentionality. It's carving out time for our own sacred traditions: our scripture study, our prayer, and our willingness to share what we know.

A Bite-Sized Mission Prep Skill: The Power of Shared Joy

Think about how the people in that video build connection—through shared activities. When you are preparing for missionary discussions, don't just prepare your answers; prepare your *heart*. Be ready to share a personal story about a time when the Spirit gave you profound joy. That testimony of feeling the Spirit is often far more impactful than any perfect answer.

The greatest gift we can give, whether we are in the field or across the miles, is the invitation to join us in the tradition of living the gospel. It’s about making the sacred part of the mundane.

Keeping the Light Burning

If you're feeling the pull of the Spirit this season, I encourage you to connect with others who are striving to live this truth. If you haven't checked out our Book Club in HolyPlaces recently, please do. It's such a wonderful place to dive into a scripture study and feel the warmth of community. It's a true tradition!

And if you want to deepen your understanding of what it means to be a disciple anywhere, all the time, I highly recommend reading *The Gospel of Christ* by Iron Rod. It’s a powerful reminder that discipleship is a daily practice, not just a seasonal one. Check it out in LivingBook!