Christ's mission is affirmed in Book of Mormon, LDS told

As Christmas 2005 draws near, Latter-day Saints were reminded that Jesus' birth, crucifixion and atonement are recounted not only in the New Testament but in the Book of Mormon, as a second witness of Christ's sacrifice for all mankind.

President Gordon B. Hinckley, leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, addressed tens of thousands who packed the Conference Center and millions more via television and satellite Sunday night, recounting the Book of Mormon's description of Christ's earthly ministry. His remarks were part of the faith's annual Christmas devotional, featuring the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Orchestra at Temple Square.

President Hinckley called on church members earlier this year to read the Book of Mormon before the end of 2005. "It is probable that more people are presently reading the book than at any other time in the history of the church. I thank you and I know you've been blessed. . . .

"This wonderful book, this book which has come out of the dust, to speak to men of our generation, stands as another witness of the divinity and reality of the Redeemer of the world."

He asked church members to read the book and "ponder these things. Let us reflect upon them. Let us pray concerning them. Let us emulate in our lives the great and profound teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ," and share the Book of Mormon with others who don't have it. "In so doing you will bless their lives as well as your own."

President Thomas S. Monson, first counselor in the First Presidency, shared the text of a letter written by an LDS dentist, who told of hearing President Monson's remarks at an earlier devotional regarding help for a woman in need.

The dentist wrote about a woman in need who came to his office to have her teeth repaired, asking if she could work out a payment plan because her family had suffered financial reversals and was just beginning to pay overdue bills. He fixed her teeth, then asked if she would accept the work as a Christmas gift, without the need for payment.

"She was astonished. I could sense the depth of the stress and strain she had carried, as uncontrollable tears of gratitude gushed forth due to a small, simple act of kindness. It must have been many years since someone showed her some little favor. Not able to speak, she made her way out," the letter read.

"Is gratitude a part of our lives? Giving, not getting, brings to full bloom the Christmas spirit," President Monson said. "What will you and I give for Christmas this year? Let us in our lives give to our Lord and Savior the gift of gratitude by living his teachings and following in his footsteps. . . . It is time to love the Lord, our God, with all our heart — and our neighbors as ourselves."