A Christmas Parable

by Boyd K. Packer (Author & Illustrator)

“A parable is ‘a brief, simple story told to illustrate or teach a moral or spiritual truth,’” writes President Boyd K. Packer. “This is a Christmas parable.” With that introduction, President Packer relates the tender story of a man whose strange dream during a difficult Christmas season awakens him to the reality of the Savior's atonement. This meaningful story is highlighted by President Packer's own paintings. A Christmas gift sure to be remembered.

Genres: Christmas, Lds, Fiction, Religion

55 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

President Boyd K. Packer, the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was set apart to this position on February 3, 2008. Previously, he was Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles beginning June 5, 1994. Prior to becoming Acting President, he served as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, having been ordained an Apostle on April 9, 1970. He earlier served for almost nine years as an Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

An educator by profession, his career includes service as supervisor of seminaries and institutes of religion for the Church and as a member of the Administrative Council of Brigham Young University.

Reviews

[Evan Thacker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice short story of a man who gained his testimony of the Savior through some experiences around Christmastime. Also includes a nice poem about being “washed clean” by the Savior. This book was a gift from my neighbors the Swisses.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice, very short Christmas Story. I love all things Christmas and even though I read this in January, it was a great reminder of what the true meaning of Christmas is.

[Jacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful yearly tradition to read at Christmas time

[Dorry Lou · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good little story about being washed clean.

[Eloise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This deceptively simple little book about being washed clean was especially meaningful to me this Christmas. I like the idea that the wrapping of the gift often obscures its meaning, "until the wrapping wears thin with age or troubled times press upon us. . . . only when the fabric of life is torn will we look inside of ourselves; there to find who we are, who he is, and what gift he offers us." I also enjoyed President Packer's illustrations.

[Robin]

This was a nice story about a man's coming to see the real gifts of Christmas: Christ's atonement, maturing and relying on the Savior. It really made me think about what my perceptions have been and what they ought to be.

[Jo Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas is soo much more than all the trappings I get caught up in. Because of Christmas, there is hope of being washed clean and living beyond the grave eternally with family. That is the gift. No wonder choirs of angels sang!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a tiny little book- it's really just the length of a talk. It was a quick and uplifting read. There was nothing in it I hadn't heard before, but a good reminder of what is really important. I also loved seeing the illustrations by Elder Packer.

[Swhe641200 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread this parable today. It is about the gift of the Savior in our lives. He makes us clean. By following his commandments after baptism we stay clean. When gets hard and it will we need to make sure he is there always in our lives. Great message.

[Jennybug · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I liked how it talks about repentance, what a beautiful gift that Christ gives to all, and not just at Christmas time.

[Becky Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have read it twice now. Loved it even more the second time. I want to make reading this book a Christmas Eve Tradition and then read the nativity story from the scriptures.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended!

[Semi-Academic Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's worth the short read. It's worth a longer ponder.

[Ryceejo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love President Packer's testimony at the end. Teaches meaningful parables. VERY quick read.

[Lora · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short, sweet parable for the Christmas season.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Classic Bro Packer on the real meaning of Christmas