Jesus taught:

“Search the scriptures.”
—John 5:39

I love reading the scriptures; that’s one of the few things I don’t have trouble doing. Probably thanks to my love of reading in general and my love of the Gospel in particular.

I’ve read the Book of Mormon once or twice a year since I was probably 18, but last year I decided I needed to read the New Testament again. So after I finished the Book of Mormon and Doctrine & Covenants last year, I started on the New Testament, and it happened to be in December. So I read about Jesus Christ during the month of Christ. It was amazing. This year I decided to read all the scriptures referring to Jesus Christ during December. What better way to draw closer to the Savior than by reading about Him in holy writ? I was inspired by Elder Nelson’s challenge.

What have I learned over the last few days? Jesus Christ is someone apart, someone amazing and special and above us in all ways. And that he would descend below us out of love is incomprehensible and so humbling. One of my favorite verses in the scriptures is Isaiah 1:18:

“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”

To me, this verse is indicative of all that’s good in the scriptures: it’s beautiful, meaningful, and about the Savior.

If you’re looking to start reading the scriptures regularly or up your scripture game, here are a few ideas:

• Read the scriptures in conjunction with the Institute manual. I’ve learned so much by doing this. You can download both on the LDS gospel library app.
• Study whatever questions you have in mind.
• Start with the Old Testament and work your way chronologically forward, finishing with Doctrine & Covenants. I love history, and I found that this helps to establish dates in my mind.
• Focus on Christ. You can never go wrong focusing on scriptures about Christ and Christ’s teachings.

The scriptures have a way of simplifying things whatever your questions or challenges. I’m happier when I read them regularly; I feel closer to the Lord. After all, it’s our job to ask and knock. He’s waiting just on the other side to answer.

Choose Joy.

—A