Today's Talk in Sacrament Meeting

 Christmas Gifts

Christmas time! The most wonderful time of the year, according to one song. Do you have the Christmas spirit? You know, feelings of love and generosity, joy and happiness, laughter and good times with family and friends,? That Christmas spirit? Sometimes I feel more like old Ebenezer Scrooge. Curmudgeony, wanting to be left alone and not bothered with all the work of preparations for a few minutes of a gift opening frenzy, a huge meal consumed in ten minutes, only to be left with all the clean-up. It's not really like that, only sometimes do those negative thoughts and feelings well up. Mostly Christmas is a happy time of good cheer with family and friends.

But speaking of Ebenezer, he is the main character in my favorite Christmas book and movie. His transformation represents the real gifts we are given at Christmas from Our Father in Heaven through His son Jesus Christ, and the gifts that we can give back to Him.

Christmas is the celebration of a birthday. Generally in our culture we give gifts to the person whose birthday we're celebrating. But Jesus isn't physically present today so it's rather difficult to give Him physical gifts. To explain this concept to our children I used to tell them that Jesus taught that, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." (Matt 25:40) And, ". . . when you are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God." (Mosiah 2:17) For almost thirty years now we have used a manger with a baby Jesus doll to help us remember just whose birthday we're celebrating. The gifts are piled around the manger as if we're giving them to Him. I found that the large, visual reminder helped our children focus more on who and why we were celebrating.

We usually give birthday or other gifts because we love the person and want to please him or her. I like to listen for clues all year long as to what my loved ones need or want so I can give just the perfect thing. One year I heard my sister say in casual conversation that Emily Dickinson was her favorite poet. I surprised her that year with a book of her complete works. It moved my sister to tears; she asked, "How did you know?" I don't tell you this to brag--I've given my share of complete flops over the years. I tell you this because of the principle involved, that listening with ears to hear can lead to more meaningful gifts. 

What clues has Jesus given us about the gifts he would like to receive? 

To the ancient prophet Malachi He said, "Prove me now herewith. . . " and asked us to pay tithing. (Malachi 3:10)  The first recorded words of Jesus after He was baptized are, "Repent ye!" (Matt. 4:17) He called His disciples saying, "Follow me!" And at the last supper with them He said, "If any man serve me, let him follow me;" (John 12:26) After washing their feet, performing that lowly act of service in a loving manner, He instructed them, ". . . I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you." (John 13:15) And "If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." (John 13:17) Later that evening He told His apostles, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." (John 14:15) and "Love one another" (John 15:12) After His resurrection He asked His chief Apostle, Peter, to feed His sheep and lambs. (John 21:15-17) And to the Nephites gathered at the temple in Bountiful He said, ". . . will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted that I may heal you? . . . And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit." (3 Nephi 9:13, 20) These are just some of the many clues He gave us.

Now back to my friend Ebenezer. As a fictional character, he could represent any of us, going about our days without any thought of eternity, just trying to slog our way through this mortal life the best we can, accumulating worldly treasure of one kind or another. God was merciful to old Scrooge though, and sent Spirits to open his eyes to the purpose of life, and the law of the harvest, that what we sow in life we will reap. 

Our current prophet, Russell M. Nelson reminds us to "think celestial"! Make decisions based on where we want to live in eternity and with whom.

 

Each spirit that visited Ebenezer opens his eyes further in understanding until at last he realizes his predicament, begs for mercy, and believing that he will die before the next Christmas pleads: "Spirit! Hear me! I am not the man I was. I will not be the man I must have been but for this intercourse. Why show me this if I am past all hope? . . . Good Spirit, Your nature intercedes for me, and pities me. Assure me that I yet may change these shadows you have shown me by an altered life!" He pledges to the Spirit of Christmas Future saying "I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach." When he awakes in the morning he realizes that he did not die and he has been given a second chance. "I don't know what to do! . . . I'm as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a school-boy. . . . A merry Christmas to Everybody! A happy New Year to all the world!"

Ebenezer's fictional experience is similar to that of Alma the Younger in The Book of Mormon. After being visited by an angel of the Lord and in a coma for a time he was revived and began to speak to his father and the priests gathered around him. Alma bid "them to be of good comfort, for, said he, I have repented of my sins, and have been redeemed of the Lord; behold I am born of the Spirit. And the Lord said unto me: Marvel not that all mankind, yea, men and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, must be born again; yea, born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters; And thus they become new creatures!" (Mosiah 27:24-26)

At another telling of his story, Alma said, 

And now, for three days and for three nights was I racked, even with the pains of a damned soul. And it came to pass that as I was thus racked with torment, while I was harrowed up by the memory of my many sins, behold, I remembered also to have heard my father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world. Now, as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within my heart: O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who am in the gall of bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting chains of death. And now, behold, when I thought this, I could remember my pains no more; yea, I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins no more. And oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain! Yea, I say unto you, my son, that there could be nothing so exquisite and so bitter as were my pains. Yea, and again I say unto you, my son, that on the other hand, there can be nothing so exquisite and sweet as was my joy. (Alma 36:18-21)

The amazing thing in both of these stories is that neither of these men were forced to change. They were given the opportunity to choose to change.

Jesus said, "Behold, I stand at the door. and knock: if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. (Rev. 3:20)

Elder W. Craig Zwick of the Seventy said, "The Lord will provide sustenance and support if we are willing to open the door and receive His hand of divine assistance." (Oct 2003)

Charles Dickens wrote of Ebenezer, "Scrooge was better than his word. He did it all, and infinitely more; . . . He became as good a friend, as good a master, and as good a man, as the good old city knew. . . . Some people laughed to see the alteration in him, but he let them laugh, and little heeded them; . . . His own heart laughed: and that was quite enough for him. . . . and it was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge."

Alma spent the rest of his life preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, and keeping the sacred records. Some of the best sermons in the Book of Mormon were given by Alma. Think of his sermons on Faith, the Atonement, Judgement, Resurrection, and more. It is from Alma that we get the best explanation of why evil deeds are allowed to happen. After his conversion he was a mighty father, prophet and leader.

We are celebrating the birth of the One who would grow up to accomplish the mission of the Great Atoning Sacrifice. Jesus is our Brother, our Spiritual Father, our Exemplar, our Healer, our Lord and Savior. We celebrate his mortal birth in gratitude for his love and mercy in coming to save us from the bonds of death and sin. His gifts to us of repentance and resurrection mean that we can be cleansed from our sin and be spiritually born again, and then instead of mortal death being the end of our existence, we will be reunited body and spirit to live eternally.

I think His gifts to us far outweigh any we can give to Him. But let's not let that discourage us. He asks us to repent!

Elder Dallin H. Oaks, then of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said, "Repenting means giving up all your practices--personal, family, ethnic, and national--that are contrary to the commandments of God." (Oct. 2003)

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf said, "For some, to think of repentance as the pathway to joy might seem contradictory. Repentance, at times, can be painful and difficult. It requires admitting that some of our thoughts and actions—even some of our beliefs—have been wrong. Repentance also requires change, which, at times, can be uncomfortable. But joy and comfort are not the same thing. Sin—including the sin of complacency—limits our joy." (April 2023)

The spirits who visited Ebenezer Scrooge used his own words to help him see the error of his ways. 

Alma taught, "For our words will condemn us, yea, all our works will condemn us; we shall not be found spotless; and our thoughts will also condemn us; and in this awful state we shall not dare to look up to our God; and we would fain be glad if we could command the rocks and the mountains to fall upon us to hide us from his presence. But this cannot be; we must come forth and stand before him in his glory, and in his might, majesty and dominion, and acknowledge to our everlasting shame that all his judgements are just; that he is just in all his works, and that he is merciful unto the children of men, and that he has all power to save every man that believeth on his name and bringeth forth fruit meet for repentance." (Alma 12:14-15)

Do you think Alma knew what he was talking about? Do you think his experience built his testimony? It sure sounds like it to me.

Jesus asks us to love and serve others. Often the "others" are as close as our own family. The family is the heavenly pattern; we prepare to live in a Zion society, and in the Celestial Kingdom by practicing in our own imperfect earthly families. 

Jesus taught, "I am the light of the world; he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." (John 8:12) We are not left to try to figure things out by ourselves. We who have been baptized and confirmed have the gift of the Holy Ghost to guide us. We have a prophet and apostles, seventies and other church leaders who regularly give us instructions and guidance. We have scripture, ancient and modern. We have the vast resources of the church and the miracles of technology to access them. We can repent and follow Jesus! We can receive the gifts He has to offer us.

This Christmas season, may we invite the Spirit of the Lord into our homes and lives by repenting, obeying the commandments, loving and serving others, and sharing the Light of the Savior near and far.

I know that God, Our Heavenly Father lives and loves us enough to send His Son, our eldest brother, Jesus, to be Our Savior and Redeemer. I know that Jesus Christ restored His church through the prophet Joseph Smith and gave him the power to translate the Book of Mormon, Another testament of Jesus Christ. I know that Russell M. Nelson is the Lord's authorized prophet on earth today. We have so many gifts from God! May we acknowledge and appreciate them each day.

What I Said on Christmas Eve

 

What Christmas Means to Me

The Christmas story, the story of Jesus’ birth has been told and retold for centuries in venues ranging from great Gothic Cathedrals to tiny log cabins to fox holes at the battlefront.  Millions are likely more familiar with this story than they are with the circumstances and details of their own birth.  Jesus’ nativity is the story of obedience, service, peace and hope.   

“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.  And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.  And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.”

The word taxed in the King James Bible can be translated also as counted, or numbered. It is generally thought that a census was being taken and everyone went to the city of their ancestral home.  When the Israelites entered the promised land it was divided among the tribes with the area of Bethlehem, already an old city, being given to the tribe of Judah. Joseph and Mary traveled south to be counted among the descendents of the tribe of Judah.

Having given birth five times, myself, I can imagine what a difficult and tiring journey that must have been. Joseph and Mary arrived to find the city thronged with the returning families that had scattered over the years. Perhaps the journey took longer than anticipated because of frequents stops for rests. Whatever the reasons, it wasn’t too long after arrival that the birth of Mary’s child was imminent.

 

 “And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.  And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”   (Luke 2:1, 3-7)

The scriptures are silent as to who attended Mary as she labored and delivered this special baby. Perhaps Joseph sent for a midwife, perhaps a relation, a cousin or aunt, was there. Perhaps there were angels unseen, but ministering and comforting a young wife far from home giving birth to the Savior of the world in humble circumstances.

We do know what happened after Jesus was born.

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”  (Luke 2:8-14)

“And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

“And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.  

“And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.”  (Luke 2: 15-17)

The Shepherds didn’t procrastinate after hearing about the Savior’s birth. They didn’t call for a meeting and put it on the calendar. They went “with haste” to the manger where the baby lay.  After they saw for themselves, they left the stable bursting with good news, telling everyone they could about the wondrous babe in the manger.

Is there a message for us here?  We can’t be satisfied merely to hear about Jesus.  We must seek him ourselves.  Searching for him “with haste” and then when we have found him; telling others, sharing the precious gift of God, just as the shepherds of old did. Finding the Savior should change our lives. Having faith in him should change our lives. Obeying him will change our life. Following him will change our life. Sharing him will change others.

The story doesn’t end there though. The Lord taught Nephi saying “Know ye not that there are more nations than one? Know ye not that I, the Lord your God, have created all men,. . .and that I rule in the heavens above and in the earth beneath; and I bring forth my word unto the children of men, yea even upon all the nations of the earth?” (1 Nephi 29:7)

Matthew records what happened next in Jesus’ story.

“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judæa in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying “Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him?

“And they said unto [them] In Bethlehem of Judæa: for thus it is written by the prophet, ‘And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.’  

“When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.  When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him; and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.”  (Matthew 2:1-2, 5-6, 9-11)

The scriptures don’t give us the identity of the wise men from the east; but in my mind they could be prophets from the eastern lands to whom the Lord revealed the signs of his coming. They recognized the signs when given and journeyed westward to Bethlehem to offer their gifts to the newborn King.

We can offer gifts to Christ also.  He said “And ye shall offer . . . unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit . . . Therefore, whoso repenteth and cometh unto me as a little child, him will I receive, for of such is the kingdom of God.” (3 Nephi 9:20, 22)  “For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.” (Mark 3:35) “Therefore let your light so shine before this people, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (3 Nephi 12:16)  “Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matthew 25:40) 

What does Christmas mean to me? Christmas celebrates the beginning of the mortal life of the One who would grow up to accomplish the mission of the Great Atoning Sacrifice.  Jesus is our Brother, our Spiritual Father, our Exemplar, our Healer, our Lord and Savior.  I celebrate his mortal birth in gratitude for his condescension and mercy in coming to save us from the bonds of death and sin.

Is there a right way to celebrate his birth? Not really. Christmas can be anything that leads us to Him, to obey Him, to serve Him, to share Him with others.  When we look beneath all the trappings of commercialism we can find the core of love and service that motivates our celebration.  The Psalmist expresses the feelings of my heart, “I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.  My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the Lord.” (Psalms 104:33-34)

I testify that he lives; he is our Savior, Redeemer and Friend; and his Atonement is infinite and eternal, as well as totally personal for each one of us.

The Most Important Talk I've Ever Written

In 2014 I was asked to be the main Sacrament Meeting speaker on the Sunday before Christmas. When I prayed to know what I should say this is the talk that came to me, it was a deeply spiritual experience. I hope it will inspire you this season.

Christmas 2014

Atlantic Branch Sacrament Meeting

21 December 2014

At various times in my life I’ve suffered with acute homesickness. Sometimes, such as when I was a missionary, the condition of homesickness was easily explained. At other times while at home with a loving husband and wonderful children the intense feelings of longing for home were not so readily understandable. After pondering and praying about it I realized that the longings were not for an earthly home and family but for my heavenly home and family. Although a veil of forgetfulness covers our memories when we are born here on earth, our spirit remembers and responds to echoes of the beauty and refinement we used to know. We feel our hearts and souls stretching to reach our Heavenly Parents and long to be with them again as we were in the beginning.

The poet William Wordsworth put it most beautifully:

Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting:  

The Soul that rises with us, our life's Star,   60

        Hath had elsewhere its setting,  

          And cometh from afar:  

        Not in entire forgetfulness,  

        And not in utter nakedness,  

But trailing clouds of glory do we come   65

        From God, who is our home:

(http://www.bartleby.com/101/536.html)

Let’s imagine the scene in our pre-mortal life. With our intelligences housed in our spirit bodies we had matured to the point where we needed to take the next step to progress any further. Our Heavenly Father called for a Grand Council of all His children. We gathered in anticipation of His wisdom and teaching. He spoke eloquently of His Plan for our Happiness which would require that we leave His presence and go to an earth for further schooling and testing. I imagine He showed us the blueprints of the world we would live on and images of what it would look like. I’m sure we were in awe of the planned world’s beauty and majesty. We were thrilled to be able to have the chance to gain a body like our Father’s, for that is the only way we could become like Him. He taught us of the perils we would face and the tests we would endure away from Him. Although they may have sounded challenging and maybe a bit frightening, in our youthful vigor we knew we could be valiant and strong; we would pass the tests and return unscathed.

Our experienced Father knew better than we did that all of us would stumble and fall in mortality, no one would return unscarred. He gently explained to us that because He cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance He would provide a Savior for us to take upon Himself our sins and weaknesses, paying the terrible price of justice for us through an Atoning Sacrifice so that mercy could claim us. I expect we breathed a sigh of relief at the news that through repentance and accepting the power of the Atonement we could be cleansed and made whole so we might return to our Father.

When Father asked “Whom shall I send [to be the Savior]?” (Abraham 3:27) two of our brothers stepped forward. Lucifer spoke up “Behold, here am I, send me, I will be thy son, and I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it; wherefore give me thine honor.” (Moses 4:1) Jesus, whom the Father called My Beloved Son, answered “Here am I, send me Father; thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever.” (Abraham 3:27 and Moses 4:2) Heavenly Father chose His Beloved Son, Jesus, known as Christ, the Anointed One, to send to earth at the appointed time to be our Savior. 

Next we watched as the earth was created for us. Do you remember our reaction?

In the Old Testament is a record of Jehovah asking Job “Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” (Job 38:4-7) That was us! Our reaction was joyful singing! Sometimes I wonder if the stirring feelings I experience when I hear the Tabernacle Choir sing are because my soul remembers the joy and singing of that grand occasion. 

The earth was created and Adam and Eve were placed in the Garden of Eden. They were married by God, and given commandments, first, to be fruitful and multiply, and second, to not partake of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. While in the garden they walked and talked with God, innocent as children. We do not know how long they were in this state. But we do know that they couldn’t progress any further. I’m sure we watched and wondered what would happen, trusting in Our Father’s wisdom that His Plan would work for our good. 

Satan came along with the idea that he could really mess things up. He didn’t realize that he was part of the plan. Our Father in Heaven cannot force anyone. He gives us the most precious gift of agency, the power to choose for ourselves. Heavenly Father knew we needed to come to earth and experience mortal life to be tested away from His presence. He allowed Satan to tempt our first parents, giving Adam and Eve the chance to choose for themselves whether or not they would be obedient. Eve, in a great act of courage and faith, partook of the forbidden fruit, so that Father’s plan could come to pass and we all would have the chance to be born into mortality. I believe that there was great rejoicing as we watched the Plan unfold on earth.

Adam and Eve were cast out of the garden for transgressing the commandment and now were mortal, subject to pain and death. Spiritual separation from God and physical death of our mortal bodies were the results of the fall. 

After being cast out of the garden, Adam and Eve became farmers, the scriptures say “they began to till the earth, and to have dominion over all the beasts of the field, and to eat [their] bread by the sweat of [their] brow.” (Moses 5:1) They began to have children, and their children grew up and paired off and began to multiply. We watched as our spirit brothers and sisters departed for their turn on earth.

Adam and Eve continued faithful and prayed together, and in time heard the voice of the Lord from over by the garden, giving them commandments to worship the Lord their God, and offer the firstlings of their flocks for an offering unto the Lord. The scriptures record that Adam was obedient to the commandments of the Lord. (Moses 5:4-5)

After some time, the scriptures say “many days”, an angel of the Lord appeared to Adam and asked “Why dost thou offer sacrifices unto the Lord?” Adam said “I know not, save the Lord commanded me.” Adam obeyed the commandments without fully understanding what they meant. The angel then explained, “This thing [meaning the sacrifice of the firstling of the flock] is a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father, which is full of grace and truth. Wherefore, thou shalt do all that thou doest in the name of the Son and thou shalt repent and call upon God in the name of the son forevermore.” (Moses 5:6-8)

The scriptures record that “. . . in that day the Holy Ghost fell upon Adam, which beareth record of the Father and the Son saying: I am the Only Begotten of the Father from the beginning; henceforth and forever, that as thou hast fallen thou mayest be redeemed, and all mankind, even as many as will.” (Moses 5:9) Adam responded to this, “Blessed be the name of God, for because of my transgression my eyes are opened and in this life I shall have joy, and again in the flesh I shall see God.” Eve said, “Were it not for our transgression we never should have had seed, and never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient.” (Moses 5:10-11) I wonder if we, the unborn spirits waiting to come to earth, were there, eavesdropping a little and rejoicing that Our Father’s Plan of Happiness was proceeding.

I wonder if we got impatient in heaven as we watched events on earth. Did we rejoice when our brothers and sisters were righteous? Did we mourn when they were wicked? Did we hope that we would do better and be faithful in our mortal experience? I wonder if we interviewed those who had gone before us to see what earth life was really like. Were we anxious and afraid, or full of hope and faith, valiant in our testimony and longing for the chance to prove ourselves?

Now let’s move forward in time to the point when the most important baby would be born on earth. Our Father sent an angel to a carefully chosen and prepared young woman to announce that she, Mary, was the chosen vessel. Oh how we must have looked on her with love and admiration, knowing of her great virtue and purity.  Nephi describes her as “most beautiful and fair above all other virgins.” (1 Ne 11:15) And I’m sure we admired Joseph for his humility and obedience when told his beloved was with child and that he should not fear to take her as his wife. I have no doubt we watched as they journeyed to Bethlehem to be counted in the census ordered by Roman leaders. Do you think we were nervous about the timing and the threat to the faithful in the western hemisphere that if the sign was not given they would be killed? Did we have faith and trust in Our Father that his timing is perfect?

      

And then began the labor of bringing a mortal body into this world. We watched as Mary brought forth her first born son. Perhaps we were among the heavenly host who announced the birth to the humble shepherds. Can you imagine the joy we felt as we sang “Glory to God in the Highest! And on earth peace, goodwill toward men.” Our hearts must have overflowed with happiness that the Anointed One was finally born to live his mortal life and be our example, our guide, our Savior.

We must have hovered near as the shepherds made haste to worship at the manger, and left to spread the good news to others who had waited so long for the Messiah to arrive. Do you think we watched the wise men from the east traveling toward the star? They must have consulted their scrolls of prophecy and counseled among themselves to ensure they were proceeding in the right direction. Then did we return to watch as they presented their gifts to the young child and his mother? Oh, how gracious they were and generous in their gifts to the Son of God; he who was promised and prophesied of since the beginning of the world. Could we have guessed the wickedness of the Satan inspired leaders whose jealousy propelled the slaughter of the innocents. We must have wept at the horrifying edict of Herod to kill children under the age of two, and were so grateful that the Father sent an angel to warn Joseph to take his family to safety in Egypt.

I imagine we watched carefully as our Savior grew to manhood and embraced His mission to bring salvation to the world. He was completely obedient to all of Our Father’s commandments. He never faltered or gave in temptation. We must have marveled at His knowledge and complete self-control. He made it look so easy!

He lived up to the names Isaiah prophesied he would have:

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

Jesus went about doing good, teaching and training His disciples to become Apostles, special witnesses of Him, who could carry on the work when He was gone. He taught His followers of a higher law and the discipline of self-mastery. His love and mercy manifested itself in the many miracles of healing He performed and the teachings He espoused. His complete obedience to His Father’s will became the perfect example for the world.

His apostle, known as John the Beloved, testified: “And there are many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written.” (John 21:25)

At the October [2014] General Conference, President Monson said: 

Of paramount importance, we have been provided with a perfect example to follow—even the example of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ—and we have been instructed to follow that example. Said the Savior Himself: “Come follow me.” “The works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do.” He posed the question, “What manner of men ought ye to be?: And then He answered, “Verily I say unto you, even as I am.” “He marked the path and led the way.”

We read in Proverbs the admonition, “Ponder the path of thy feet.” As we do, we will have the faith, even the desire, to walk the path which Jesus walked. We will have no doubt that we are on a path which our Father would have us follow. The Savior’s example provides a framework for everything that we do, and His words provide an unfailing guide. His path will take us safely home.”

(Ensign, November 2014, p. 86, 88) 

And isn’t that what we want? To make it safely home?

The time came for Jesus to complete His mission and I’ve no doubt we watched anxiously as the appointed day came. He spent the evening with His Apostles, partaking of a meal, the Last Supper they would have together. He introduced a new ordinance to them. He broke bread, blessed it, and said “Take, eat; this is in remembrance of my body which I give a ransom for you.” Next He took a cup of wine, gave thanks, gave it to His Apostles to drink, and said, “This is in remembrance of my blood . . . , which is shed for as many as shall believe on my name.” 

After administering the sacrament to the Nephites, Jesus said: “He that eateth this bread eateth of my body to his soul; and he that drinketh of this wine drinketh of my blood to his soul; and his soul shall never hunger nor thirst, but shall be filled.” (Cheryl A. Esplin, Ensign, November 2014, p. 12,13)

We must have watched in wonderment at the simplicity of this ordinance and the wisdom that through this simple ordinance “Christ teaches us that the Spirit heals and renews our souls. The promised blessing of the sacrament is that we will ‘always have his Spirit to be with [us]. ‘” (Cheryl A. Esplin, Ensign, November 2014, p. 13)

But this was not the end and we must have been anxious as we watched Jesus announce that there was one who would betray Him. How unthinkable that must have seemed to us. But it had to be.

Jesus led his apostles to a garden and instructed them to “Pray that ye enter not into temptation.” Then He went further into the garden and knelt down to pray. As he labored in prayer we heard Him say “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” Did we hide our eyes in horror at the agony our brother was enduring? Did we lose faith and cry out “No, it’s too hard, he’ll never make it”? Did we pray fervently asking the Father to help? And then watch as an angel descended to strengthen Jesus in his suffering. Did our tears fall as we watched Him endure the absence of Our Father as He took upon Himself our sins, weaknesses, pains, and sorrows and “his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground”?

Oh the relief we must have felt when that part in the Garden was over, only to watch as he was arrested and taken before wicked priests and leaders to be mocked and scourged and tormented in unlawful trials, then sentenced to death by crucifixion.

Luke records that “it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.” (Luke 23:44-45) Matthew add the details that “the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;”(Matthew 27:51) It was finished. Our Brother completed the work He was sent to do. I imagine the joyful noise in Heaven was deafening! I believe we greeted Him with “shouts of acclamation” and cries of Hosanna! He broke the bonds of sin. He paid the debt to justice for us. He set us free! But there was still more. His spirit returned to earth to retrieve His mortal body in an act never before seen. He was resurrected, spirit and body joined together never to die again. Now the celebrations escalated. We could become like Our Heavenly Father with glorified, perfected bodies. What a debt of gratitude we owe our elder brother.

And for me that is the real reason for our Christmas festivities. Christmas celebrates the beginning of the mortal life of the One who would grow up to accomplish the mission of the Great Atoning Sacrifice.  Jesus is our eldest Brother, our Spiritual Father, our Exemplar, our Healer, our Lord and Redeemer.  We celebrate his mortal birth in gratitude for his condescension and mercy in coming to save us from the bonds of death and sin. He is the one who makes Our Father’s Plan of Happiness complete and operational in our lives.

With humble hearts full of thankfulness we should put Christ at the center of our lives, following His example and teachings. His perfection and strength is available to us through the power of the Atonement to help us obediently walk the gospel path he blazed.

Many celebrate Christmas with a birthday cake for Jesus and gifts of goals for self-improvement or service to others. Do you know what the best gift to give Jesus Christ is? I believe He told us Himself when he said to the Nephites gathered at the temple in Bountiful after His resurrection:

And behold, I have given you the law and the commandments of my Father, that ye shall believe in me, and that ye shall repent of your sins, and come unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit. Behold ye have the commandments before you and the law is fulfilled. Therefore come unto me and be ye saved.

(3 Ne 12: 19-20)

He gave us the incomparable gift of the Atonement, paying our debt for sin, and taking upon Himself our sorrows and pains. We can give Him a heart broken by humility, and a spirit sincerely remorseful of the sins we have committed. By offering up our pride and willfulness and covenanting to always remember Him and obey His commandments we can have His Spirit to be with us always. What a fitting Christmas gift for the king who rules over the Kingdom of God.

I know Our Heavenly Father lives; I’m so grateful for His Plan of Happiness; I know our Savior, Jesus Christ, lives; I have felt His loving arms around me succoring me in times of need. Oh how grateful I am for Him. He is the head of this great church and kingdom. We are led by His prophet, [at the time of this talk] Thomas S. Monson. I know the Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ, is true because I have read it and studied it and prayed about it. If you don’t know these things with surety also, make it your goal for the new year to study, pray about them, then act in obedience to the commandments so your testimony can grow and strengthen enough to carry you through the times in which we live so we all can make it safely back to our Heavenly home and parents.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Christmas at Our House

Stringing garland and hanging ornaments originated as a way to keep tiny, curious people, (aka children) away from my glass antique replica ornaments. I continue to enjoy the way it dresses up the living room.

This nativity is felt hand puppets, made at a Relief Society Super Saturday activity in Virginia in 2001.

I was delighted to find a holy family ornament one year at an after Christmas clearance sale.

A beautiful ceramic nativity set that I bought when I was single. TopDad brought me a gorgeous Poinsettia from the Agriculture class at his school.

A holy family on a throw pillow (please don't throw the pillow!) makes this little library corner special.

L-R: Glass bas relief nativity with votive candle; (back) framed print, (front) mini nativity; glass nativity set of holy family and three wise men; (back) Angel Moroni; (front) stuffed fabric manger and Baby Jesus. (Someday I'll get the rest of the figures done.) 

Wreath was a gift made by my older sister; manger and Baby Jesus (my favorite!) You can read about it here.

Even the side of my fridge is decorated with a nativity!

My greatest feeling at Christmas time is gratitude--for the great gift of a Savior and Redeemer. I know he is real! I am overwhelmed by God's love for me.

P.S. We do have a tree, I just neglected to take a picture of it!

Insight from a Christmas Book

Yesterday in Relief Society, the President shared a favorite Christmas story called A Christmas Dress for Ellen. After she read it to us she shared her testimony and then opened the time up to the sisters in the room. As we sat there for a few moments in contemplative silence a thought flashed through my mind.

The mother in the story wrote a letter and asked her family so humbly for a few things to work with to make the lives of her children better. She didn’t ask for great riches, but old items she could use to work with to accomplish the needed tasks. Her loving family responded with ten crates of riches, new and beautiful. The thought I had was that Heavenly Father is like that. When we pray and humbly ask for something he responds with riches we didn’t imagine. His plan is always better than ours; his goodness exceeds our expectations. He loves us more than we can understand. 

Wise Men Still Seek Him

Stars Were Gleaming

Advent - Day 10

And behold there shall a new star arise, such an one as ye never have beheld; and this also shall be a sign unto you. And behold this is not all, there shall be many signs an wonders in heaven.
                                                                Helaman 14:5,6

The Unexpected Christmas

by Enid O. Ellis

     With wind howling down from the Cascade Mountains, December 1969 was bitterly cold and snowy in  Wenatchee, Washington. As a single mother, I and my children struggled just to stay warm and fed. I worked at minimum-wage jobs and attended nursing school, and often I went two or three days without eating at the end of the month to give the children more food. At times even the children went to bed hungry, and none of us had adequate winter clothing.

     Wendell was in grade school, Brent was in preschool, and my three year old twins, Michael and Michelle, stayed with a state-paid babysitter while I was gone. Just four months before, Wendell and I had joined the church, and as a result my parents, brothers, and sisters wanted nothing to do with us. With the holidays approaching we really had no one to turn to for help; as a new convert, I didn't know I could ask my bishop.

     Ten days before Christmas, after a great deal of whispering among themselves, my children approached me one evening while I was studying. Nine-year-old Wendell tugged my sleeve and asked, "Mama, when are we going to get a Christmas tree and some presents?" Brent piped up and asked, "Or are we going to Grandma and Grandpa's for Christmas this year?"

     These were the questions I'd been dreading. I swallowed a lump in my throat and blinked away my tears and said, "I'm afraid we're not going to have any Christmas presents this year."

     "Why not, Mama?" they asked.

     "Well, Grandma and Grandpa have asked us not to come over since we joined the Church, and we just don't have any money for our own Christmas," I answered.

     "Oh Mama, nothing?" asked Wendell. "Santa won't forget us though, will he?"

     I replied that Santa probably wouldn't be able to stop at our house that year.

     For the next few days the children seemed somber. They often stood by the front window and looked out at passers-by and neighboring festive houses. While their playmates bubbled with excitement about the presents and goodies being prepared in their homes, my children quietly accepted the fact that no packages or decorations or other signs of Christmas were appearing in our house.

     Our ward had a Christmas party planned for Saturday night, 20 December, but we decided not to go because the meetinghouse was a mile and a half away and walking was our only means of transportation. However, a car pulled up at our house on the evening of the party, and our home teacher knocked on our door.

     "Come on," he said. "Let's go to the Christmas party! Get your coats on, kids."

     The party was the first real Christmas flavor to come into my children's lives that year. I don't know what they talked with Santa about, but they appreciated his gifts of candy and oranges, and their spirits seemed much uplifted afterward. Buoyed by my children's renewed enthusiasm, I used their watercolors to paint a Santa face on our front window. Now we had some decorations.

     When Christmas Eve arrived, I had only $1.25 in my purse. We walked to the grocery store, where I bought each child two tangerines and the cashier handed them each a large candy cane. Along with the story of Jesus' birth, that would be the extent of our Christmas. As we rounded the corner on our way home, Wendell shouted, "Hey, Santa came!" The other children echoed his cries upon seeing a beautifully decorated Christmas tree on our porch. Mounting the steps, we saw two large boxes, previously hidden from view, placed next to the tree.

     One box was full of food, and the other was full of presents. I could hardly believe my eyes. Wendell plugged in the Christmas tree lights as soon as we moved the tree inside, and the children pinched and shook each present as they set it under the tree. Their eyes were full of wonder.

     Next we unpacked the food in the kitchen. The children had never seen so much in one place except at the grocery store. Even Wendell couldn't remember having a whole turkey in the house.

     "We won't have to go to bed hungry tonight!" said Brent.

     I fixed the children a special Christmas Eve supper. Afterwards we sat around the Christmas tree and enjoyed the lights while I read the story of the birth of Jesus. "We have a lot to thank Heavenly Father for tonight," I said. We knelt in a circle and said a prayer of gratitude.

     When we opened the presents the next morning, each child received exactly what he or she had wanted. In addition, each child got a warm outfit, gloves and mittens, and money for boots. Someone had made clothes for the doll my daughter received. The food was enough to last us several weeks beyond Christmas.

     I may never know who played Santa that year or how they knew what the children wanted. Everyone in our ward denied involvement, but I'm certain it was some of them. I'll always remember that Christmas as the best of my life, and my grown-up children feel the same way. We felt the Spirit of Christ that day more than we ever had before and realized that our Savior does watch over his children.

Jesus, The Very Thought of Thee

Advent - Day 1

". . . Behold, I say unto you that none of the prophets have written, nor prophesied, save they have spoken concerning this Christ. . . . and it also has been made manifest unto me by the power of the Holy Ghost: wherefore, I know if there should be no atonement made all mankind must be lost."
                                                        Jacob 7:11, 12

Pattern of Love

by Jack Smith

I didn't question Timmy, age nine or his seven year old brother Billy, about the brown wrapping paper they passed back and forth between them as we visited each store.

Every Christmas time, our Service Club takes children from poor families in our town on a personally conducted shopping tour. I was assigned Timmy and Billy, whose father was out of work. After giving them the allotted $4 each, we began the trip. At different stores I made suggestions, but always their answer was a solemn shake of the head, no.  Finally I asked, "Where would you suggest we look?"

"Could we go to a shoe store, sir?" answered Timmy. "We'd like a pair of shoes for our Daddy so he can go to work."

In the shoe store the clerk asked what the boys wanted. Out came the brown paper. "We want a pair of work shoes to fit this foot," they said.

Billy explained that it was a pattern of their daddy's foot. They had drawn it while he was asleep in a chair.

The clerk held the paper against a measuring stick, and then walked away. He soon came back with an open box. "Will these do?" he asked.

Timmy and Billy handled the shoes with great eagerness. "How much do they cost?" said Billy.

Then Timmy saw the price on the box. "They're $16.95," he said in dismay. "We only have $8."

I looked at the clerk and he cleared his throat. "That's the regular price," he said, "but they're on sale, $3.98 today only."

Then, with shoes happily in hand, the boys bought gifts for their mother and two little sisters. Not once did they think of themselves.

The day after Christmas the boy's father stopped me on the street. The new shoes were on his feet, gratitude was in his eyes. "I just thank Jesus for people who care," he said.

"And I thank Jesus for your two sons," I replied. "They taught me more about Christmas in one evening than I had learned in a lifetime."

A gift from Mr. Movie

Mrs. Always Right

TopDad got one too; his says Mr. Right.

Merry Christmas

This Christmas with only two chuns at home, I'm more grateful than ever for the blessings of eternal families. Christmas for me is a celebration of the gifts of a Savior, and the restoration of His Gospel with all its attendant blessings.

May you have a joyous day with loved ones. Merry Christmas!

No matter how many times. . . .

No matter how many times we watch "Mr. Kruger's Christmas" we get teary-eyed at the scene in the grotto/stable. TopDad looked at me and I looked at him and he made that comment.

Random thoughts:

Life proceeds at a pace that I can hardly keep up with. Wasn't it just September yesterday? We finished our family reading of the Book of Mormon today. Next on the schedule is the Doctrine and Covenants. Big decisions coming up in JET's life. Dandylion is now taller than me, Dr. Hair towers over me, I turn 55 soon, so does that mean I'll be a little old lady?

We had a huge blizzard last week, about a foot of snow accumulated. I'm so grateful for all the modern conveniences we have. At the same time I'm grateful for a pioneering spirit which makes life easier when those modern conveniences fail.

Merry Christmas! And may the New Year be happy, or rather may we choose to be happy in the New Year!

The Birth of Jesus

Talk given in Sacrament Meeting - 18 December 2011

The Christmas story, the story of Jesus’ birth has been told and retold for centuries in venues ranging from great Gothic Cathedrals to tiny log cabins to fox holes at the battlefront.  Millions are likely more familiar with this story than they are with the circumstances and details of their own birth.  Jesus’ nativity is the story of obedience, service, peace and hope.   

“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.  And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.  And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.”

The word taxed in the King James Bible can be translated also as counted, or numbered. It was a census being taken and everyone went to the city of their ancestral home.  When the Israelites entered the promised land it was divided among the tribes with the area of Bethlehem, already an old city, being given to the tribe of Judah. Joseph and Mary traveled south to be counted among the descendents of the tribe of Judah.

Having given birth five times, myself, I can imagine what a journey that must have been; and then arriving to find the city thronged with the returning families that had scattered over the years. Perhaps the journey took longer than anticipated because of frequents stops for rests. Whatever the reasons, it wasn’t too long after arrival that the birth of Mary’s child was imminent.

 “And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.  And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”   (Luke 2:1, 3-7)

The scriptures are silent as to who attended Mary as she labored and delivered this special baby. Perhaps Joseph sent for a midwife, perhaps a relation, Aunt or cousin, was there. Perhaps there were angels unseen, but ministering and comforting a young wife far from home giving birth to the Savior of the world in humble circumstances.

We do know what happens after Jesus is born.

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”  (Luke 2:8-14)

“And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

“And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.  

“And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.”  (Luke 2: 15-17)

The Shepherds didn’t procrastinate after hearing about the Savior’s birth. They didn’t call for a meeting and put it on the calendar. They went “with haste” to the manger where the baby lay.  After they saw for themselves, they left the stable bursting with good news, telling everyone they could about the wondrous babe in the manger.

Is there a message for us here?  We can’t be satisfied merely to hear about Jesus.  We must seek him ourselves.  Searching for him “with haste” and then when we have found him; telling others, sharing the precious gift of God, just as the shepherds of old did. Finding the Savior should change our lives. Having faith in him should change our lives. Obeying him will change our life. Following him will change our life. Sharing him will change others.

The story doesn’t end there though. The Lord taught Nephi saying “Know ye not that there are more nations than one? Know ye not that I, the Lord your God, have created all men,. . .and that I rule in the heavens above and in the earth beneath; and I bring forth my word unto the children of men, yea even upon all the nations of the earth?” (1 Nephi 29:7)

Matthew records what happened next in Jesus’ story.

“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judæa in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying “Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him?

“And they said unto [them] In Bethlehem of Judæa: for thus it is written by the prophet, ‘And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.’  

“When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.  When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him; and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.”  (Matthew 2:1-2, 5-6, 9-11)

The scriptures don’t give us the identity of the wise men from the east; but I believe they could have been prophets from the eastern lands to whom the Lord revealed the signs of his coming. They recognized the signs when given and journeyed westward to Bethlehem to offer their gifts to the newborn King.

We can offer gifts to Christ also.  He said “And ye shall offer . . . unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit . . . Therefore, whoso repenteth and cometh unto me as a little child, him will I receive, for of such is the kingdom of God.” (3 Nephi 9:20, 22)  “For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.” (Mark 3:35) “Therefore let your light so shine before this people, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (3 Nephi 12:16)  “Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matthew 25:40) 

Why is celebrating Christmas so important? Christmas celebrates the beginning of the mortal life of the One who would grow up to accomplish the mission of the Great Atoning Sacrifice.  Jesus is our Brother, our Spiritual Father, our Exemplar, our Healer, our Lord and Savior.  We celebrate his mortal birth in gratitude for his condescension and mercy in coming to save us from the bonds of death and sin.

Is there a right way to celebrate his birth? Christmas can be anything that leads us to Him, to obey Him, to serve Him, to share Him with others.  When we look beneath the trappings of commerciality we can find the core of love and service that motivates our celebration.  Then we will exclaim with the Psalmist “I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.  My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the Lord.” (Psalms 104:33-34)

I testify that he lives; he guides his church through a living prophet today; and his Atonement is infinite and eternal, which means for each of us.

May you have a peaceful and joyous Christmas with loved ones.