Happy New Year's Eve! As we transition into 2014, we hope this message fills you with peace and comfort for the year ahead.

Do you ever think about John 10:7-9 where Jesus says He is "the door" and "the Good Shepherd"? I think we generally understand the reference to Jesus being "the Good Shepherd," but why would the Lord also call himself "the door"? Seems kind of strange, doesn’t it?

In lieu of Miracle Monday, we're bringing you another word cloud game. Each of the word clouds below is made of lyrics to popular Christmas songs. The larger a given word is in the cloud, the more often it appears in the song. (Note: Short verbs, pronouns, and determiners aren't included.)

In Peru, as in any other nation of the world, parents desire to give the best to their children, especially around Christmas. In many instances, it is physically impossible because of limited resources. In an effort to follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit in her heart, a young sister in the city of Arequipa led a drive to gather food, clothes and toys to distribute to those in need.

We hope you had a wonderful time yesterday celebrating the birth of Christ the Lord!

We've been busy celebrating all month long on the blog, especially with the Christmas Character series. In case you missed any of the posts, we want to give you a recap of all that great content.

We here at the blog want to wish you a very Merry Christmas! We pray that the light of Christ warms your heart today wherever you are. Sometimes the holidays are filled with love, joy, and family. Sometimes the holidays are difficult due to loss, illness, or other sadnesses. Whatever the circumstances of your life today, we encourage you to remember that you have the hope of eternal joy, peace, and rest because of Jesus Christ.

Happy Christmas Eve! Today, we bring you the final installment in our Christmas Character Series. Today's article was written by 10-year-old Cristina Scolaro, and Brother Andrew McNamara provided the artwork — yesterday's illustration of Joseph was only part of the larger picture.

One day, an angel named Gabriel came to me and told me that I was favored by God and that I would be the mother of the son of God. I thought, Me, the mother of God's son? That's a huge responsibility!

Today we're continuing with our special Christmas Character Series. The creative writing is by Brother Jonathan Scolaro, and Brother Andrew McNamara provided the artwork.

Shuff, shuff, shuff...

The steady rhythm of my planer slicing delicate shavings from the soft wood pauses at the sound of chirping insects. Glancing up, I notice my workbench gathering a pale orange tinge from the setting sun. Dusk. A cool breeze and dimming sky signal my permission to close shop for the day.

Join us for another installment of our Christmas Character Series. Today's creative story was written by Brother Chris Gehly, and the kids from the Monongahela Branch Sunday School created the artwork.

I couldn't believe it. Had it all really just happened? I knew when I got old enough to tend the sheep that it would entail long nights and sleeplessness. I just didn't think that my mind would play these kinds of tricks on me.

Today we're continuing our Christmas Character Series. Sister Karen Jo Pandone provided the story, and Sister Holly Hemmings did the artwork.

I'd been hearing rumors that a big announcement was about to come out and that a very special messenger was going to get the assignment, but when I received word that my Heavenly Father wanted to see me, I had no idea that I would play such an important role.

Thanks for tuning in for more of the Christmas Character Series. Today's creative story was written by Brother Rich Nath, and Sister Lee Mahl provided the artwork.

My name is Nephi, and the last 36 hours have been no less than extraordinary. Those of us who believe in Christ have gone from the lowest of lows to the highest of highs, almost instantaneously.

Today we are continuing our Christmas Character Series. Sister Erin Light wrote today's creative composition, called "Carrying a Miracle: The Donkey's Tale," and Brother Jared Scolaro provided the artwork.

My young caretaker came into the barn more nervous than usual this morning, and he didn't attach me to the cart that carried wood. Instead, he placed a few blankets on my back, straightening out the wrinkles.

Today, we're taking a break from our Christmas Character Series to bring you this devotional, which we hope directs you toward a more peaceful Christmas. Tomorrow, we'll resume our Character Series with the Christmas story as told by the donkey!

Welcome back to the Christmas Character Series! Today's story is written by Sister Alena X. Ricci, and the artwork is by Sister Rebecca Stowell. 

I am new. It is dark out, but I am not.

The Creator has sent me to be something that no other has ever been, or ever will be.

Today we are continuing our Christmas Character Series. Brother Jerry Valenti wrote today's creative composition, and 7-year-old Kassidy Rabe provided the artwork.

I used to dream. Years ago, when I was a tree, my dream was that my wood would be used to build a beautiful treasure chest. I could just envision myself ornately decorated and holding precious treasures.

Today we are continuing our Christmas Character Series. Sister Natalie Pezzenti wrote today's creative composition, and Sister Shannon Martorana provided the artwork.

So there I was, tending to the dozens of guests at my inn late one night, milling about doing my usual routine. "Need another pillow? Want something else to eat?" I'd ask my visitors.