22. Remembering Jesus Christ, and "The reason for the season"
As December comes, with its hustle and bustle to get ready for Christmas, it is so important to take a few minutes each day, and contemplate about Jesus Christ, His life, and His teachings. To feel gratitude for our Savior will truly help us remember what we are celebrating at Christmas. It is so disturbing to realize how much the world, and even our own country, wants to consider it just a holiday, and not allow any mention of Jesus Christ. Many businesses don't say "Merry Christmas", but just "Happy Holidays". Other places don't allow manger scenes, etc.
Last night, after attending a beautiful fireside in the historic St. George Tabernacle, (for Temple workers) we drove around the St. George Temple and were delighted with the beautiful lights. Also there were many spectators there looking at the life-size manger scene, and listening to the Christmas hymns which were being played loud enough for people to hear across the street. There are many opportunities at this time of the year to help the less fortunate, and I hope that will be part of each of our Christmas celebrations.
Each day, coming to my e mail, is "Latter Day Light Daily Devotion", and I'm including today's quote below. I didn't include the lower part, which includes daily events. After the scripture, they always have a quote by one of our prophets on the same subject. Then below that, is a suggestion for scripture reading, and then, by year, many examples of significant events that have happened in the Church. It is interesting to think of what events happened on this day in Church History. Often I have really been interested to know of some Church event I have heard of, and know the day on which it occurred. It makes Church History seem more real! You can also enjoy this daily, by going to www.latterdaylight.com, and signing up. FREE!
This is my gift to you today !
Last night, after attending a beautiful fireside in the historic St. George Tabernacle, (for Temple workers) we drove around the St. George Temple and were delighted with the beautiful lights. Also there were many spectators there looking at the life-size manger scene, and listening to the Christmas hymns which were being played loud enough for people to hear across the street. There are many opportunities at this time of the year to help the less fortunate, and I hope that will be part of each of our Christmas celebrations.
Each day, coming to my e mail, is "Latter Day Light Daily Devotion", and I'm including today's quote below. I didn't include the lower part, which includes daily events. After the scripture, they always have a quote by one of our prophets on the same subject. Then below that, is a suggestion for scripture reading, and then, by year, many examples of significant events that have happened in the Church. It is interesting to think of what events happened on this day in Church History. Often I have really been interested to know of some Church event I have heard of, and know the day on which it occurred. It makes Church History seem more real! You can also enjoy this daily, by going to www.latterdaylight.com, and signing up. FREE!
This is my gift to you today !
"The holy scriptures inform us that "Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." He was baptized by John. He "went about doing good." At Nain He raised from death to life the widow’s son and presented him to her. At Bethesda He took compassion on the crippled man who had no hope to get to the pool of promise. He extended His hand; He lifted him up. He healed him from his infirmity.
Then came the Garden of Gethsemane with its exceeding anguish. He wrought the great Atonement as He took upon Himself the sins of all. He did for us what we could not do for ourselves.
Then came the cruel cross of Golgotha. In His final hours of mortality, He brought comfort to the malefactor, saying, "To day shalt thou be with me in paradise." He remembered His mother in that eloquent sermon of love personified: "When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home." He died—the Great Redeemer died!"
Another quote by Pres. Monson: (which is on Facebook today)
In the coming December days, let us try to do something each day that shows our devotion to Jesus and His teachings, and be a little more kind to everyone we are privileged to live with, and meet. I truly want to say MERRY CHRISTMAS to all you dear people who read this. I love to hear from you who follow what I write. I hope my thoughts help lift your spirits, and help you know that we all are in this wonderful life together, and we can help each other!
Then came the Garden of Gethsemane with its exceeding anguish. He wrought the great Atonement as He took upon Himself the sins of all. He did for us what we could not do for ourselves.
Then came the cruel cross of Golgotha. In His final hours of mortality, He brought comfort to the malefactor, saying, "To day shalt thou be with me in paradise." He remembered His mother in that eloquent sermon of love personified: "When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home." He died—the Great Redeemer died!"
Another quote by Pres. Monson: (which is on Facebook today)
There is no better time than now, this very Christmas season, for all of us to rededicate ourselves to the principles taught by Jesus the Christ. Let it be a time that lights the eyes of children and puts laughter on their lips. Let it be a time for lifting the lives of those who live in loneliness. Let it be a time for calling our families together, for feeling a closeness to those who are near to us and a closeness also to those who are absent.
In the coming December days, let us try to do something each day that shows our devotion to Jesus and His teachings, and be a little more kind to everyone we are privileged to live with, and meet. I truly want to say MERRY CHRISTMAS to all you dear people who read this. I love to hear from you who follow what I write. I hope my thoughts help lift your spirits, and help you know that we all are in this wonderful life together, and we can help each other!
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