Old-Fashioned Town Nativity Scene
A few December evenings ago, we were excited to see a lovely, old-fashioned town nativity scene as we entered Homedale, Idaho!
Such displays symbolize the faith, good will, and determination of the townspeople regardless of creed.
Sunday, December 8, 2013
The Spirit Of Christmas
"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS; for he shall save his people from their sins." Matthew 1:21
What a treasure the stained glass window below is as it depicts the various scenes of the nativity story complete with scripture verses!
Just like this exquisite stained glass window, the spirit of Christmas illuminates
the picture window of the soul.
LDS President Thomas S. Monson
"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS; for he shall save his people from their sins." Matthew 1:21
The Story of Christmas is more than merely retelling the advent of a babe in Bethlehem. It is one of the seminal events in human history.
That babe in Bethlehem, born in a lowly manger, was Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world and the Son of God—our Redeemer.
Jesus Christ suffered and was crucified for the sins of the world, giving each of God’s children the gift of repentance and forgiveness. Only through His mercy and grace can we be saved. His subsequent resurrection prepared the way for every person to overcome physical death as well. These events are called the Atonement. In short, Jesus Christ saves us from sin and death. For that, he is very literally our Savior and Redeemer.
This season, we invite you to read the Christmas story anew with your family and friends. Look for the hope and meaning it can bring to your life.
We join with the angels of old as they announced the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, to the shepherds: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." Luke 2:14
Small Simple Things
Phillips Brooks, an American man of distinction in the religious world, a graduate of Harvard, a friend to all races and creeds, was born in Boston, Massachusetts and died in Boston.
Despite his many, admired accomplishments, when I raised my eyes to study his inspiring statue in Boston, his worldly skills did not even enter my mind.
Rather, I, like I suppose most people, focused with pride on him as the American author of the words to one of our Christmas carols, O Little Town of Bethlehem.
There are three stanzas to his Christmas poem and I am so glad he didn't quit after the second stanza!
The last line of the third stanza reads
"Where meek souls will receive Him still
The dear Christ enters in."
The glories of the world fade rather quickly when the humble in heart pierce our beings to the very soul with profound, but simple, easily understandable truths.
During this special season, let us take the opportunity to close our eyes, pause for a brief moment, and humble ourselves before our Savior.
The result will be immediate, no doubt about it. He surely will enter our hearts and souls creating in us a desire to serve His Father and ours, to recognize the needs of others, and to bless their lives throiugh devoted service.
Phillips Brooks, an American man of distinction in the religious world, a graduate of Harvard, a friend to all races and creeds, was born in Boston, Massachusetts and died in Boston.
Despite his many, admired accomplishments, when I raised my eyes to study his inspiring statue in Boston, his worldly skills did not even enter my mind.
Rather, I, like I suppose most people, focused with pride on him as the American author of the words to one of our Christmas carols, O Little Town of Bethlehem.
There are three stanzas to his Christmas poem and I am so glad he didn't quit after the second stanza!
The last line of the third stanza reads
"Where meek souls will receive Him still
The dear Christ enters in."
The glories of the world fade rather quickly when the humble in heart pierce our beings to the very soul with profound, but simple, easily understandable truths.
During this special season, let us take the opportunity to close our eyes, pause for a brief moment, and humble ourselves before our Savior.
The result will be immediate, no doubt about it. He surely will enter our hearts and souls creating in us a desire to serve His Father and ours, to recognize the needs of others, and to bless their lives throiugh devoted service.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Monday, December 2, 2013
Titles Of Honor and Respect
Times have changed and using titles of respect have come down a notch or two since I was a child. For example, I would never dream of addressing my parents, grandparents, aunts, or uncles with their first names.
Some people like the change and feel the familiarity brings more opportunity for bonding.
Our mission president, President Cannon, gave the missionaries an assignment to read the Book of Mormon underlining all references to Deity. We were then given a copy of the Book of Mormon. I decided to also list all the titles of Deity I could find.
The references to Deity in the Book of Mormon, as well as in the Holy Bible, are many. While they are all most sacred, the titles of Deity in the list below especially touch my heart and mind.
The Eternal Father Of Heaven
A God Of Miracles
Creator of All Things From The Beginning
Our Great And Everlasting God
A God Of Truth
The Eternal Judge Of Both Quick And Dead
Lord God Omnipotent
The God Of The Whole Earth
Times have changed and using titles of respect have come down a notch or two since I was a child. For example, I would never dream of addressing my parents, grandparents, aunts, or uncles with their first names.
Some people like the change and feel the familiarity brings more opportunity for bonding.
Our mission president, President Cannon, gave the missionaries an assignment to read the Book of Mormon underlining all references to Deity. We were then given a copy of the Book of Mormon. I decided to also list all the titles of Deity I could find.
The references to Deity in the Book of Mormon, as well as in the Holy Bible, are many. While they are all most sacred, the titles of Deity in the list below especially touch my heart and mind.
The Eternal Father Of Heaven
A God Of Miracles
Creator of All Things From The Beginning
Our Great And Everlasting God
A God Of Truth
The Eternal Judge Of Both Quick And Dead
Lord God Omnipotent
The God Of The Whole Earth
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Ready, Set, Go!
Are you ready? Pull out those Christmas lights and decorations!
Decorate the tree, set up the outdoor and indoor decor, put the wreath on the door, arrange those Christmas villages, pull out the Christmas recipes, and set up your nativity scene.
There are only 24 more days until Christmas. Off we go!
Last Christmas 2012, I admired my sister Janette and brother-in-law Gary's nativity scene.
When asked why the wise men and the shepherds were so far away from the manger,
Gary explained that his mother always started off the season with the the wise men and shepherds quite far from the manger.
Each day preceeding Christmas, they were moved a bit closer until on Christmas Day they reached their destination.
What a great idea to visually prepare our hearts to welcome our Savior Jesus on this His most special day!
Are you ready? Pull out those Christmas lights and decorations!
Decorate the tree, set up the outdoor and indoor decor, put the wreath on the door, arrange those Christmas villages, pull out the Christmas recipes, and set up your nativity scene.
There are only 24 more days until Christmas. Off we go!
Last Christmas 2012, I admired my sister Janette and brother-in-law Gary's nativity scene.
When asked why the wise men and the shepherds were so far away from the manger,
Gary explained that his mother always started off the season with the the wise men and shepherds quite far from the manger.
Each day preceeding Christmas, they were moved a bit closer until on Christmas Day they reached their destination.
What a great idea to visually prepare our hearts to welcome our Savior Jesus on this His most special day!
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