42. "Surely there could not be a happier people!"

We live in a world with many problems.  When we turn on the news, or read the paper, a lot of the news is negative.  Yes, the Christmas Season does soften people's hearts more than other times of the year.  We often read of good deeds done by very caring and unselfish people.  There are numerous places we can donate money to make the lives of the less fortunate people better.  This truly is the time to do that.  

I have often wondered what it would have been like to have lived in the Americas, right after Jesus Christ came and visited and taught them. Some of the scriptures in 4th Nephi in The Book Of Mormon give us an idea of those days: (4th Nephi is just one chapter, so I'll mention the verse number)

2. And it came to pass in the thirty and sixth year, (remember that Jesus came and taught them in A.D. 34 and 35 -- they reckoned their time from the birth of Christ,--so this was the next year) the people were all converted unto the Lord, upon all the face of the land, both Nephites and Lamanites, and there were no contentions and disputations among them, and every man did deal justly one with another.

3. And they had all things common among them; therefore there were not rich and poor, bond and free, but they were all made free, and partakers of the heavenly gift.

5. And there were great and marvelous works wrought by the disciples of Jesus, insomuch that they did heal the sick, and raise the dead, and cause the lame to walk, and the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear; and all manner of miracles did they work among the children of men; and in nothing did they work miracles save it were in the name of Jesus.

15. And it came to pass that there was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people.

16. And there were no envyings, nor strifes, nor tumults, nor whoredoms, nor lyings, nor murders, nor any manner of lasciviousness; and surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God.

18. And how blessed were they!  For the Lord did bless them in all their doings.

This wonderful time lasted around 200 years.  

23: And they had become exceedingly rich, because of their prosperity in Christ.

24. And now, in this two hundred and first year there began to be among them those who were lifted up in pride, such as the wearing of costly apparel, and all manner of fine pearls, and of the fine things of the world.  

25.  And from that time forth they did have their goods and their substance no more common among them.

Then it was around 200 years more, and the Nephites ceased to exist.

It seems we can learn from what caused them to be "lifted up in pride", -- the wearing of costly apparel, fine pearls (jewelry) and "fine things" of the world, and probably not helping take care of the poor and needy.  We truly hope that we can live as they lived right after Jesus came, and keep our priorities ready for when Jesus comes again the Second Time! Signs are happening.

I know that each of us can help bring more peace and understanding to everyone in this world this Christmas Season.  Let's smile at others, and be aware of any way we can make this time pleasant for anyone we can.  We know that many people who are lonely or sad, have those feelings intensified at Christmas time.  Let's try especially to remember those -- who have lost a loved one, or had a traumatic time in their lives.  Let's forget ourselves!

Do you remember reading about Yeah Samake, the LDS man, a native of Mali, who ran for President of Mali this past year, who had gone to BYU, and then went back to his home country of Mali to help his country?  He is trying to help this small community to finish a school.  He tells his story on the following website:

http://us4.campaign-archive1.com/?u=7996d6bdf341b416c46abbc1e&id=d7cb93ddf5&e=67d94ece06

(please copy and paste the above address)

On the website in the photo below he is showing his diploma from BYU.

Growing up I was very blessed to have a father who was a visionary. He himself was an illiterate man, but he saw the great possibilities that came from having an education. At great personal loss to him and my family, he made a commitment to send all his 18 children to school. He would often say: " My family will go hungry, but my family will not know the darkness of illiteracy". There were many nights my family would go hungry. Each night my mother would tie our stomachs so we would not feel the hunger tearing our bellies, but each morning, we walked to school so my family's sacrifice would not be in vain. Today, my entire family is better off for that one decision that my father made. Today, because of the visionary my father was, all my brothers and sisters have at least a High school degree, most have a Bachelors and a few have masters and doctoral degrees.  (The web site tells more of his history.)

If you have even $10 you could donate it can help them realize their dream!