Author and Finisher

Christmas time as a full-time missionary is unlike any other Christmas I've ever experienced. One could see a lot of things that make it hard, and there are a lot. I'm away from my family. That's number one. I'm also not indulging in all the fun festivities of Christmas like I normally do. As far as missionary work goes, I'm still doing pretty much the same thing, except now it's cold outside. So Christmas has been different.

But I also have an incredible opportunity, an opportunity to focus like never before on the real reason for the season. As I've immersed myself in living and teaching Christ's gospel, the celebration of His birth has struck a chord in me deeper than it ever has in years past. I've been really grateful for that. It's been an eye opener. Recently I took a minute to ponder on and write down how I was going to dedicate this Christmas to the Savior. What I wrote was that I wanted to more fully keep the promise I made at baptism, that I would "always remember Him" (Moroni 4:3). As I've had that at the forefront of my mind, these are the thoughts that I want to share:

There's a phrase often used to describe the Savior; it's one of His many names and titles. That phrase is "the author and finisher of our faith." That phrase is found in a couple different places in scripture:

In the Bible:
"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."-Hebrews 12:2

In the Book of Mormon:
"And after they had been received unto baptism, and were wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost, they were numbered among the people of the church of Christ; and their names were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way, to keep them continually watchful unto prayer, relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and the finisher of their faith."-Moroni 6:4

There may be more, but those are the two spots I know of. But lately as I've studied, that phrase has really stuck out to me, and I've been thinking a lot about it. The author and finisher. How has Christ been the author and finisher of my faith?

I think if I had to define "my faith" I would say that it's knowing that if I live the gospel that Jesus Christ taught, I'll be cleansed by His atoning sacrifice, making it so that I can live with my family forever and be eternally happy.

Simply, living the Gospel means following Christ's example. As the author, He penned my faith with the life He lived. He's the source of everything I believe and strive to do. It all stems from Him. The life I'm living is just my best effort to pattern my life after the Savior's life. He is the author of the perfect "book," and I'm doing my best to follow its words.

Looking back at my definition of my faith, the next thing I talked about was how living the gospel makes it so I can be cleansed through His atoning sacrifice. That's where His mercy and grace come in, and that's how He is the finisher. Without Christ, I could never achieve a state of never-ending happiness. I wouldn't be able to be with those I love forever. His sacrifice allows me to have those blessings. Just as He is the author of all my joy, He will be the finisher. When all is said and done for me here on this earth, I'll joyously look back at my finished "book." It wouldn't be a joyous finish without my Savior.

There ya have it. That's what Christ means to me this Christmas. I'll continue to go about my missionary service this holiday season, but hopefully I'll remember Christ a little more. I know He is the author and the finisher of our faith, and the Savior of the world.

The Source of My Joy

Alright, here we go! I'm doing it. I'm going to attempt to keep a blog.

My name is Elder Tim Hansen, and I am a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Washington DC area. I'm joining thousands of others in dedicating my time and talents to sharing what has made me happy: the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

There are many other missionaries who have also "gone digital," and there are many more to come. My blog will be one of many coming from missionaries. I don't know if what I have to share will be extremely unique or different from other missionary blogs. It may not be the most exciting, or the most cleverly written. But I've decided to do this, in hopes that I can share something that will help YOU find happiness. Because that's my calling.

The title I chose for this blog is "A state of never-ending happiness." That statement comes from a verse of scripture, found in the Book of Mormon:

"And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it."-Mosiah 2:41

I love this idea. Or this truth, rather. Never-ending happiness. I feel like that's what we're all searching for. It's this "pursuit of happiness" that we're all on. Each person on earth wants that, simply put. We want happiness. We want peace. Well, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the source of all that! It's the source of ALL happiness. I know that's true. The search is over. It is found here.

If you want real, genuine, pure, lasting joy, the only place you can find it is in this gospel. There are counterfeits and cheap imitations out there. They're easier to find and easier to get. But they won't last. I know that's true. I've found this "never-ending happiness" that King Benjamin was talking about. And I know you can too.

My vision for this blog isn't completely clear at this point. I don't really know exactly what it'll turn out to be. I don't know how often I'll be able to update it, or how I'll chose subjects, etc. I've never done this before; I'm a rookie blogger ;) But I figure it'll all unfold as we go. But what I've said I know is true. It has come from my heart. Thank YOU for taking the time to listen :)