When Joseph Went to Bethlehem

I'm with the primary-aged children every Sunday. For Christmas Sunday next week they are going to be singing a medley of Mary's Lullaby and When Joseph Went to Bethlehem. I love the song When Joseph Went to Bethlehem. Ever since I was pregnant with Cleone, it has become one of my favorite Christmas songs. The most touching part of the song to me is second and third verse,

I think there at the busy inn

That he was meek and mild

And awed to be the guardian

Of Mary's sacred Child.

Perhaps all through the chilly hours

He smoothed the swaddling bands,

And Jesus felt the quiet strength of

Joseph's gentle hands.

And close beside the manger bed

He dimmed the lantern's light,

And held the little Jesus close upon

That holy night.

I remember my mom sharing with us when we were younger why there was "no room for them in the inn". In those days, the housing was more like hostels, not hotel rooms. They put as many people on the floors as possible to make enough room for all the travelers coming in to be taxed. A woman having a baby would need her own room and space. Even if such a room were to be available the price would have been too great. Mary and Joseph had very little money. We know this because when the time came to offer up a sacrificial offering after Mary's days of purification, they offered up two turtle doves or two pigeons in place of a lamb because of for those that were poor, it was acceptable before God (Luke 2:24 & Leviticus 5:7). 

Amongst his angst and concern, I imagine that Joseph moved forward with faith and full of emotions. I think of the love of my husband and the concern, anxiousness and all the emotions that came as he held my hand and supported me through the birth of our first child. We were in a clean, sanitary environment with medical support which may have ultimately saved mine and our baby's new little life. Joseph, I imagined cleared away the animals and searched for the cleanest straw or hay he could find before helping Mary as she passed through the shadow of death giving birth for the first time. A part of me hopes that an unrecorded help was sent so that the two of of them did not have to go through it alone. Joseph was the foster father of Jesus but the love he felt for Mary and the faith he had in his Savior being born most likely guided him through that time. Mary's sacrifice was incredible, Christ's sacrifice, far more reaching then the mind can imagine. Joseph's sacrifice was amazing as well, chosen to be the surrogate father, even if temporary for our Savior and giving Mary strength through this time and through the young years of Christ's life. 

Simon Dewey, His Name Shall Be Called Wonderful

Deliver the Message

My Husband brought up a good topic he had been pondering the other night while we were doing dishes. He shared the experience of Abinadi, a prophet from the Book of Mormon. Abinadi had been called to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to the people of the land they were living in. They were ruled by King Noah, whom continuously corrupted the gospel and commandments of God. Due to his wickedness, he had led astray the entire kingdom. While preaching the gospel of Christ as commanded by God, Abinadi was summoned unto King Noah to stand at trial for his teachings. The following occurred (Mosiah 13:1-6):

  1 And now when the king had heard these words, he said unto his priests: Away with this fellow, and slay him; for what have we to do with him, for he is mad.

 2 And they stood forth and attempted to lay their hands on him; but he withstood them, and said unto them:

 3 Touch me not, for God shall smite you if ye lay your hands upon me, for I have not delivered the message which the Lord sent me to deliver; neither have I told you that which ye requested that I should tell; therefore, God will not suffer that I shall be destroyed at this time.

They were unable to lay their hands on him until he delivered his message. Shortly after he was sentenced to death and died a martyr. However, it was not in vain. One of the priests was touched by the spirit of God when receiving his message and later, almost the entire kingdom, through his teachings (Alma 18:1-3), were converted once again to the Lord.

The thought my husband brought up was that it wasn’t Abinadi’s role to convert the people. Conversion was done through the Holy Ghost. What he was commanded to do was to deliver the message. Sometimes in our lives we become so caught up in the idea that it is a commandments of God to convert one another that we feel we are failing if we do not. We are taught in the scriptures that conversion is a process that happens through the individual being converted (3 Nephi 3:19) the Lord and the Holy Ghost (3 Nephi 11:35-36). It’s our job to deliver the message not to convert others.

This concept intrigued me so I decided to research more about it in the scriptures, mostly in the concept of family. Is it our job to convert our children to the gospel or just to deliver the message and allow them to be converted through their own process? I came across the following scriptures:

Deuteronomy 11:19, And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

Ephesians 6:4, And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

1 Nephi 8:37-38, And he did exhort them then with all the feeling of a tender parent, that they would hearken to his words, that perhaps the Lord would be merciful to them, and not cast them off; yea, my father did preach unto them. And after he had preached unto them, and also prophesied unto them of many things, he bade them to keep the commandments of the Lord; and he did cease speaking unto them.

There were many scriptures alluding to ‘teaching’ your children along with exhorting and ‘bring up unto’. What does it mean? When Abinadi taught, did he just talk or was there more? Because of the population he preached to, he was limited in his actions-possibly just to presenting and answering questions, but for us as parents, we can do a lot more as we spend our lives ‘delivering the message’. This way, as we stand accountable before God in the last days for how we raised our children, we will be judged according to our own actions and how we fulfilled the commandments of God in teaching our children (Doctrine and Covenants 68:25, 28).

A well know scripture in Proverbs (22:6) says, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it”. How do we do this? How do we effectively deliver the message?

One of the best ways I found in the scriptures was to be an example,

Matthew 5:14-16 says, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven”.

Alma, from the Book of Mormon, gives us another great example of this. He was called to preach the gospel to a group of people called the Lamanites who were under the rule of King Lamoni. He went to the king and offered himself as a servant, building the trust of the King and his people before sharing the gospel in words. As he served righteously and protected the lives of the servants, the following occurred:

Alma 18:2 And when they had all testified [the servants] to the things which they had seen, and he [King Lamoni] had learned of the faithfulness of Ammon in preserving his flocks, and also of his great power in contending against those who sought to slay him, he was astonished exceedingly, and said: Surely, this is more than a man.

This experience opened the heart of King Lamoni to hearing the words Alma had been sent to preach. Later King Lamoni and thousands of his people (Alma 37:10) were converted to the Gospel through the Holy Ghost.

Colleen Menlove said in the April 2005 General Conference meeting, “As you include children at your family dinner table, as you involve them in daily family prayer and scripture study and in family home evening, you are following the example of the Savior by loving and teaching them. As you do this, let them know that together your family is striving to keep the commandments and to be worthy to be an eternal family. It may be during the informal one-on-one times that the Spirit will prompt us to ask just the right questions or to say just the right thing to help our children know and feel the light of the Lord. If we make the opportunities, the Spirit will guide us… It will take time and effort to teach children, but we must not become distracted or give up. Our children so need the fulfillment of the promise “and great shall be the peace of thy children.” Let no child wonder if he or she is loved by Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Let all children know who they are, what they are to do, and who they can become.” (All Thy Children Shall be Taught.)

I believe this is what it means to ‘deliver the message’ that we are commanded to give. As we live by example, nurture and teach our children (whether formally (e.g. FHE) or informally (e.g. within everyday conversations)), the Holy Ghost will testify to them “and by the power of the Holy Ghost [they] may know the truth of all things” (Moroni 10:5) and be converted unto the Lord and our responsibilities to ‘teach [our] children’ (Doctrine and Covenants 68:25, 28), will be fulfilled.

Happiness~ How to Live a Happy Life

The Prophet Joseph stated, “Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God.”
 
Happiness in Daily Living

2 Nephi Chapter 5 "And it came to pass that we lived after the manner of happiness" (5:27)

1. 2 Nephi 5:10 And we did observe to keep the judgments, and the statutes, and the commandments of the Lord in all things… Obedience & Righteousness

“True, enduring happiness, with the accompanying strength, courage, and capacity to overcome the greatest difficulties, will come as you center your life in Jesus Christ. Obedience to His teachings provides a secure ascent in the journey of life. That takes effort. While there is no guarantee of overnight results, there is the assurance that, in the Lord’s time, solutions will come, peace will prevail, and happiness will be yours.” Richard G. Scott, The Atonement can secure your peace & happiness. 

2. 2 Nephi 5:11, 17 & 5:14; And the Lord was with us; and we did prosper exceedingly; for we did sow seed, and we did reap again in abundance. And we began to raise flocks, and herds, and animals of every kind. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did cause my people to be industrious, and to labor with their hands... Self-Reliance, Raising Animals
...And I, Nephi, did take the sword of Laban, and after the manner of it did make many swords, lest by any means the people who were now called Lamanites should come upon us and destroy us; for I knew their hatred towards me and my children and those who were called my people... Preparation

“Every [home] should have a budget. Why, we would not think of going one day without a budget in church or our business. We need to know approximately what we may receive and we must know what we are going to spend…” Marvin J. Ashton

“If there is any one thing that will bring peace & contentment into the human heart and into the family, it is to live within our means. If there is anything grinding and discouraging and disheartening, it is to have debts and obligations that one cannot meet.” Heber J. Grant

3. 2 Nephi 5:12; And I, Nephi, had also brought the records. Kept a record (Family History/Scriptures).

2 Nephi  9:5; Wherefore, the Lord hath commanded me to make these plates for a wise purpose in him, which purpose I know not. 

4. 2 Nephi 5:13 And it came to pass that we began to prosper exceedingly, and to multiply in the land. Having Families

Marriage is perhaps the most vital of all the decisions and has the most far-reaching effects, for it has to do not only with immediate happiness, but also with eternal joys. . . Marriage can be more an exultant (exalt) ecstasy than the human mind can conceive. This is within the reach of every couple, every person (Spencer W. Kimball, “Oneness in Marriage,” Ensign, Mar. 1977, 3-4)

5. 2 Nephi 5:15 And I did teach my people to build buildings, and to work in all manner of wood, and of iron, and of copper, and of brass, and of steel, and of gold, and of silver, and of precious ores, which were in great abundance. Learned

Doctrine & Covenants 88:118; ...Seek learning, even by study and also by faith.

6. 2 Nephi 5:16 And I, Nephi, did build a temple; Temple Worship

7. 2 Nephi 5:18-26 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did consecrate Jacob and Joseph, that they should be priests and teachers over the land of my people. Organization-Leadership and Priesthood

Happiness in Affliction

2 Nephi 2:11, 23 For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so… righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad… having no joy, for they knew no misery…

Elder Boyd K. Packer “It was meant to be that life would be a challenge. To suffer some anxiety, some depression, some disappointment, even some failure is normal. Teach our members that if they have a good, miserable day once in a while, or several in a row, to stand steady and face them. Things will straighten out. There is great purpose in our struggle in life” (“That All May Be Edified” [1982], 94).

Achieving Happiness

“Happiness is contentedness, joy, delight, and satisfaction.” Claudio Costa, “Fun and Happiness” Ensign, October 2002. 

“Creating and being compassionate are two objectives that contribute to our Heavenly Father’s perfect happiness.” Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Happiness, your Heritage” Ensign, October 2002.

“Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.” J. M. Barrie, A Window in Thrums (1917), 137.

“… Unless we lose ourselves in service to others, there is little purpose to our own lives” (President Thomas S. Monson, “What Have I Done for Someone Today?” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2009, 85).

“…Our small and simple acts of kindness and service will accumulate into a life filled with love for Heavenly Father, devotion to the work of the Lord Jesus Christ, and a sense of peace and joy each time we reach out to one another.” Russell M. Ballard, “Finding Joy Through Loving Service” Ensign April 2011.

“I am pleased to again express my witness that God lives, that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, that this work is true, and that happiness comes through serving our Heavenly Father and serving our fellowmen.” Thomas S. Monson, “Happiness Through Service”, Ensign April 1988

“In our premortal existence, “all the sons of God shouted for joy” (Job 38:7) as we accepted the great eternal plan of happiness. We happily anticipated coming to earth to experience opportunities to grow spiritually. “Men are, that they might have joy” (2 Ne. 2:25). The opportunity is here and now to obtain happiness that extends beyond our earth life; however, we need to know what it is and where to find it.” Coleen K. Menlove, “Living Happily Ever After” Ensign, April 2000

God's Love for Us

 "Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God." Doctrine & Covenants 18:10

"God Loves Me"

It was an early winter day, just south of the city of Houston. The woman sitting on her bed in front of us was frail and thin. Jewelry ornamented her clothing and ears, matching the brightly colored bandana covering her bare head. As she visited with us, it seemed that the rounds of chemical treatments had taken as much toll on mind as it had her body. Although she had excitedly greeted us in her usual manner when we had entered her small apartment, the heavy feeling of hopelessness that occupied her thoughts became apparent. I sat quietly next to my mission companion who shared some thoughts to bring her hope. It was a story of a butterfly. The details of the story I don’t remember, however, there was one crowning part that did. Seeing a butterfly was a reminder that, “God loves me”.

It was hot. It was summer and the weather was in stark contrast to that winter day earlier in the sweet woman’s home. I was walking down the bug-infested side of the highway a few steps behind my companion. I was now in a city just northeast of Houston. As I ran through them in my mind, thoughts of the morning weighed more heavily with each step. It had been a difficult last few months with the companion I was serving with, but this morning seemed to be the worst. I had let frustration swell within me each passing minute as I had waited for her to wake. The minutes passed and the hours as she slept further into the day. My frustration manifested itself through the heated conversation that came after she woke. As we went out to serve, the friction between us had followed. Our appointment called to cancel and every door we knocked on was empty. We were on our way now to visit a family in hopes that they would help us feel the spirit of Christ in their home and bring us peace so we were better prepared to teach. The vexations I had felt earlier now melted away into feelings of worthlessness. We hadn’t accomplished anything this day. I had handled the situation with my companion earlier poorly and felt like I was far from deserving anything including peace. I was watching my feet as we trudged along wiping my dripping face and feeling the hot sun on my sticky back. As I stepped forward, I saw a black and orange butterfly in the grass below. I reached down to touch it, encouraging it to fly but it stayed stationary. I looked closer. Something had hollowed out its abdomen and it was preserved in an almost perfect form. As I held it up in my hand, an overwhelming peace filled my soul and the thought came to me, “God loves me.”

The same companion that had shared this story with me early that winter had also said, “God’s love for us never changes, only our ability to feel it.” At that moment, I knew that no matter what happens, what choices I make, God will always love me. I still have that butterfly, framed in a box as a reminder of that day and that no matter what, my Heavenly Father knows me, my every struggle and need. I know that, “God loves me.”

Charity: The Pure Love of Christ

 “Charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever.” Moroni 7:47 

What Charity is:

Elder Marvin J. Ashton (1915–94) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: “We often equate charity with visiting the sick, taking in casseroles to those in need, or sharing our excess with those who are less fortunate. But really, true charity is much, much more.
“Real charity is not something you give away; it is something that you acquire and make a part of yourself. And when the virtue of charity becomes implanted in your heart, you are never the same again. …
“Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don’t judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting someone’s differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended. … Charity is refusing to take advantage of another’s weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us. Charity is expecting the best of each other” (“The Tongue Can Be a Sharp Sword,” Ensign, May 1992, 18–19).
Moroni 7:45-47, And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail—But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.

It is the highest, noblest, and strongest kind of love and the most joyous to the soul (see 1 Nephi 11:23, Bible Dictionary, Charity)   

1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

We Need Charity:

Moroni 7:46-47, Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail— But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.

Either 12:34, And now I know that this love which thou hast had for the children of men is charity; wherefore, except men shall have charity they cannot inherit that place which thou hast prepared in the mansions of thy Father.

“Don’t be limited in your views with regard to your neighbors’ virtues. … You must enlarge your souls toward others if you [would] do like Jesus. … As you increase in innocence and virtue, as you increase in goodness, let your hearts expand—let them be enlarged towards others—you must be longsuffering and bear with the faults and errors of mankind. How precious are the souls of men!” Joseph Smith, in Daughters in My Kingdom: The History and Work of Relief Society (2011), 23

Charity in Action:

“His religion is not doctrine in cold storage. It is not theory. It means more to him than a beautiful plan to be admired. It is more than a philosophy of life. To one of his practical turn of mind, religion is the spirit in which a man lives, in which he does things, if it be only to say a kind word or give a cup of cold water. His religion must find expression in deeds. It must carry over into the details of daily life.” Bryant S. Hinckley, said of George Albert Smith

“But perhaps the grandest and most sublime of the apostolic utterances concerning the love that saves, is found in the epistles of Paul to the Saints at Corinth. In our current English translation of the Bible, the virtue which the apostle declares superior to all the miraculous gifts of the Spirit, and which is to continue after all the rest have passed away, is designated as Charity; but the original word meant love; and surely Paul had in mind something grander than mere alms-giving, as is evident from his expression:- “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, * * * and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.” Though a man speak with the tongue of angels; though he possess the power of prophecy-the greatest of the ordinary gifts; though he be versed in knowledge and understand all mysteries; though he give his all, including even his life, -yet without love he is nothing. Charity, or alms-giving, even though it be performed with the sincerest of motives, devoid of all desire for praise or hope of return, is but a feeble manifestation of the love that is to make one’s neighbor as dear to him as himself; the love that suffers long; that envies not others; that vaunts not itself; that knows no pride; that subdues selfishness; that rejoices in the truth. When “That which is perfect” is come, the gifts which have been bestowed in part only will be superseded. “Perfection will then swallow up imperfection; the healing power will then be done away, for no sickness will be there; tongues and interpretations will then cease, for one pure language alone will be spoken; the casting out of devils and power against deadly poisons will not then be needed, for in heaven circumstances will render them unnecessary. But charity, which is the pure love of God, never faileth; it will sit enthroned in the midst of the glorified throng, clothed in all the glory and splendor of its native heaven.” If man would win eternal life, he cannot afford to neglect the duty of love to his fellow, for “Love is the fulfilling of the law.”” James E. Talmage, Articles of Faith, pp. 444-445

Moroni 7:44-45, …And if a man be meek and lowly in heart, and confesses by the power of the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Christ, he must needs have charity; for if he have not charity he is nothing; wherefore he must needs have charity. And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
Anne C. Pingree, second counselor in the Relief Society general presidency: “I testify as did Alma that ‘by small and simple things are great things brought to pass’ (Alma 37:6). In our homes, those small and simple things—our daily acts of charity—proclaim our conviction, ‘Here am I; send me.’ I leave my witness that the greatest act of charity in time and all eternity was the Atonement of Jesus Christ. He willingly laid down His life to atone for my sins and yours. I express my devotion to His cause and my desire to serve Him always, wherever He calls me” (“Charity: One Family, One Home at a Time,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2002, 110).
President Howard W. Hunter (1907–95): “We entreat you to minister with your powerful influence for good in strengthening our families, our church, and our communities. …

“Those who follow Christ seek to follow his example. His suffering in behalf of our sins, shortcomings, sorrows, and sicknesses should motivate us to similarly reach out in charity and compassion to those around us. It is most appropriate that the motto of the longest-standing women’s organization in the world—the Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—is ‘Charity Never Faileth’” (“Stand Firm in the Faith,” Ensign, Nov. 1994, 97)

Being Bestowed with Charity:

Moroni 7:48, Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen.

“I conclude with an invitation to all… plead for a desire to be filled with the gift of charity, the pure love of Christ. Use all your resources to do good, bringing relief and salvation to those around you, including your own family. The Lord will crown your efforts with success.” Silvia Allred, Relief Society General Presidency, October 2011.

Enduring Trials and Tribulations in this Life

“No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. … All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable. … It is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire.”  Elder Orson F. Whitney

We All Face Trials:

“…It is a false idea that the Saints will escape all the judgments, whilst the wicked suffer; for all flesh is subject to suffer, and ‘the righteous shall hardly escape’ [see D&C 63:34]; still many of the Saints will escape, for the just shall live by faith [see Habakkuk 2:4]; yet many of the righteous shall fall a prey to disease, to pestilence, etc., by reason of the weakness of the flesh, and yet be saved in the Kingdom of God. So that it is an unhallowed principle to say that such and such have transgressed because they have been preyed upon by disease or death, for all flesh is subject to death; and the Savior has said, ‘Judge not, lest ye be judged.’ [See Matthew 7:1.]” Joseph Smith, Teachings of the Prophets

Why We Face Trials:

Earth life includes tests, trials, and tribulations, and some of the trials we face in life can be excruciating. Whether it be illness, betrayal, temptations, loss of a loved one, natural disasters, or some other ordeal, affliction is part of our mortal experience. Many have wondered why we must face difficult challenges. We know that one reason is to provide a trial of our faith to see if we will do all the Lord has commanded. Fortunately this earth life is the perfect setting to face—and pass—these tests. But these trials are not just to test us. They are vitally important to the process of putting on the divine nature. If we handle these afflictions properly, they will be consecrated for our gain. Paul v. Johnson, April 2011 General Conference

“That in which we persist in doing becomes easier to do; not that the nature of the thing has changed, but our power to do it has increased.” President Heber J. Grant

You faith in the Lord must be stronger then your testimony so He can give you the experience to help you become stronger.

One of the essential doctrines illuminated by the Restoration is that there must be opposition in all things for righteousness to be brought to pass. This life is not always easy, nor was it meant to be; it is a time of testing and proving. As we read in Abraham [3:25], “And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them.” Quentin L. Cook, October 2008 General Conference.

Doctrine & Covenants 122:5-7, If thou art called to pass through tribulation; if thou art in perils among false brethren; if thou art in perils among robbers; if thou art in perils by land or by sea; If thou art accused with all manner of false accusations; if thine enemies fall upon thee; if they tear thee from the society of thy father and mother and brethren and sisters; and if with a drawn sword thine enemies tear thee from the bosom of thy wife, and of thine offspring… and if then he shall be thrust from thee by the sword, and thou be dragged to prison, and thine enemies prowl around thee like wolves for the blood of the lamb; And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.

Romans 5:3-5, Tribulation worketh patience, patience àexperience, experience àhope, hope àknowing the love of God through the power of the Holy Ghost.

The Lord Gives Us Strength:

Mosiah 24:13-15, And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage. And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions. And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.

Doctrine & Covenants 121:7-8; My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.

Alma 36:3, …For I do know that whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day.

The Gift of Patience:

Life is full of difficulties, some minor & others of a more serious nature. There seems to be an unending supply of challenges for one and all. Our problem is that we often expect instantaneous solutions go such challenges, forgetting that frequently the heavenly virtue of patience is required. President Thomas S. Monson

“Patience is accepting a divine rhythm to life, allowing Heavenly Father’s plan to unfold. Patience is being willing to submit to what the scriptures call the ‘process of time’.” Neal A. Maxwell

Blessings From Trials and Tribulations:

Doctrine & Covenants 58:3-4, Endure trials, glory shall follow in the life hereafter. “For after much tribulation come the blessings.”

“Our most trying years over life are often the best years of our lives. Every challenge you receive is a blessing. It is a challenge with a silver lining… Thank Him for that trial, for that time to grow, that time to progress.” Mission President Stephen R. Sutherland.

Doctrine & Covenants 54:10, And again, be patient in tribulation until I come; and, behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me, and they who have sought me early shall find rest to their souls. Even so. Amen.

Christmas, A Celebration of Christ’s Birth

“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, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

All the prophets witnessed of Christ:
Acts 10:42-43; And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

Prophets in the Old Testament:
Isaiah 7:14; Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Micah 5:2; But thou, Beth-lehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

Prophets in the Book of Mormon:
1 Nephi 10:4 Yea, even six hundred years from the time that my father left Jerusalem, a prophet would the Lord God raise up among the Jews—even a Messiah, or, in other words, a Savior of the world.

2 Nephi 11:13,18,20; And it came to pass that I looked and beheld the great city of Jerusalem, and also other cities. And I beheld the city of Nazareth; and in the city of Nazareth I beheld a virgin, and she was exceedingly fair and white… And he said unto me: Behold, the virgin whom thou seest is the mother of the Son of God, after the manner of the flesh…And I looked and beheld the virgin again, bearing a child in her arms.

Alma 7:10; And behold, he shall be born of Mary, at Jerusalem which is the land of our forefathers, she being a virgin, a precious and chosen vessel, who shall be overshadowed and conceive by the power of the Holy Ghost, and bring forth a son, yea, even the Son of God.

Helaman 14:4; Therefore, there shall be one day and a night and a day, as if it were one day and there were no night; and this shall be unto you for a sign; for ye shall know of the rising of the sun and also of its setting; therefore they shall know of a surety that there shall be two days and a night; nevertheless the night shall not be darkened; and it shall be the night before he is born.

What happened in America when Christ was Born:
3 Nephi 1:19; And it came to pass that there was no darkness in all that night, but it was as light as though it was mid-day. And it came to pass that the sun did rise in the morning again, according to its proper order; and they knew that it was the day that the Lord should be born, because of the sign, which had been given.



Christ’s Birth in the New Testament:
Matthew 1:20-23; Matthew 2:1-2, 9-11, Luke 2:4-20; 40;
     …Behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
     And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 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. 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. 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. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
     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, 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.
    And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.