Christ lives.

That’s the message of the Gospel: that He came into the world to save us from sin, and that through His grace and merits, we can return to the Father. We spend our lives trying to understand this gift and its power—and we do our best to teach our children how to access it, too.

We believe Jesus Christ is exactly who He said He was: the Messiah, the Son of God, our Savior. This has been the message of His Church since the beginning:

"... we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins." (2 Nephi 25:26)

But what about Christ Himself? What was His message?

He taught many things, but woven through them all was a central theme:

Peace.

"Peace, be still."
"Peace be unto you."
"My peace I give unto you."

Even His two greatest commandments—love God and love others—can be distilled into that one word: peace. When we repent and make peace with God, we show our love for Him. When we become peacemakers with others, we show our love for them—and for Him.

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." (Matthew 5:9)
"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace." (John 16:33)
"If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men." (Romans 12:18)

And then there’s the final title in Isaiah’s famous prophecy:

“And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

So while we seek to bring ourselves and others to Jesus, He is leading us all to peace.

Isn’t it beautiful how that one word—peace—captures the essence of everything He taught?

He told us not to fear (be at peace).
He invited us to trust Him (be at peace).
He commanded us to love others (be peacemakers).
He called us to repent (so our hearts could return to peace).

My hope and prayer is that in the coming year, we’ll each experience more of what He wants most for us:

"Peace on Earth, and good will toward men."