I clearly understand the importance of forgiving and I want to forgive. I know that Jesus Christ expects us to forgive everyone, whether or not they have repented, and if I do not forgive others, a greater sin is upon me than whatever the other person did (D&C 54:8-9). I know I need to keep forgiving others even if they keep hurting me (Matthew 18:21). I know I will receive forgiveness only to the extent I forgive others (Matthew 6:12) and that to become worthy of the atonement of Jesus Christ and to be forgiven of my sins, I must forgive others (Matthew 18:23-35).

I know that holding on to offense and not forgiving can rob me of happiness and the light of Christ, and that the path to the greatest joy and peace in life includes frankly and immediately forgiving others. However, I don’t remember any Sunday School lessons teaching me how to forgive.

What do I do if I feel I have forgiven the offender, have prayed for God’s help in forgiving that person, yet when that person continues to commit similar offenses, the feelings of animosity return? I think those feelings are a sign I have not completely forgiven that person despite my desire and efforts to do so. I don’t want to feel those negative feelings. I want to forgive . . . but how do I forgive more deeply and permanently?

I have been struggling with this question for more than a month, and studying to understand “How do I forgive?”. My answer came through the scripture “Charity suffereth long and is kind” (1 Corinthians 13:4). As someone continues do things that cause me to suffer, I need to have charity towards that person and be kind. Saying I forgive someone, and stopping to have negative feelings towards that person is not enough. I must fill the void left by the abandoned negative feelings with feelings of love, charity, kindness and compassion towards that person. When I fill that void with the pure love of Christ for that person, it becomes almost impossible for those feelings of animosity to return when the person trespasses against me again.

The love for that person make it easier to bear any additional offenses, helps us to minimize the severity of those offenses, and helps us to understand where that person is coming from so we might not even need to take offense.

It is important to note that forgiveness does not mean we must continue to allow abusive behavior. We have a right and a responsibility to protect ourselves and others within our stewardships from dangerous situations. For example, we might forgive someone who has abused one of our children, but we might wisely choose to never let that person babysit our children again.

It is also important to note that forgiveness and trust are not necessarily the same. It is required of us that we forgive everyone (D&C 64:10). However, we and those within our stewardships deserve to be treated respectfully. It is reasonable for us to respectfully set healthy boundaries for our association with those people who have not acted respectfully. For example, if a child yells at my wife and hits her, it is appropriate for me to remove my child from that situation, explain the behavior unacceptable, and let the child know that they can return to be with the family when they are ready to act respectfully. Forgiving someone does not mean allowing unacceptable behavior to continue.

As we seek to forgive it is also important that we stop talking bad about the offender, even if it is true. We also need to stop blaming the offender and take back ownership in our lives.

I am grateful for the gift of forgiveness. As I fill my heart with charity and forgiveness towards others I can receive the peace that comes from forgiving others, and qualify for forgiveness from the Savior.

What have you done to help you to forgive, and how has forgiveness blessed your life?

This year, in addition to the pageant itself, the story of Christ was told through a special presentation of video, photography and music in the Visitor’s Center. This special presentation, Reflections of Christ, was created by talented artists, including my friend Jason Barney, who produced the music.

The presentation at the Visitors Center has touched many thousands of people who attended. However, this week Richard Miller showed me the website for the project. I was moved by a beautiful introduction with photography and music. Then, after I registered, I found 13 additional videos about the project in the “videos” section.

This website has only been online for a couple of months, but according to Quantcast it received more than 15,000 unique visits in March. This is a great example of the marketing concept that great sites don’t have to pay for advertising, they spread virally. ReflectionsofChrist.org would definitely fit in the “great sites” category.

The cloud of ash and smoke caused pitch darkness for two days as far away as 370 miles. The clouds of thick ash were still covering the summit more than a week later. The eruption reached the stratosphere. Course particles fell for 1-2 weeks, but some of the finer particles of ash stayed in the atmosphere for more than a year.

The number of direct deaths was about 10,000. On the Sumbawa and Lombok islands, 48,000 people died as a result of starvation and disease. Average global temperatures decreased slightly, but enough to cause agricultural problems around the globe. Abnormal weather, including frost and snow, lasted for 3 months and destroyed most agricultural crops in North America. The climate abnormalites were blamed for a severe typhus epedemic in Europe and the Mediterranean. Cool temperatures and heavy rains caused wheat, oat and potato harvests to fail in the British isles. The 1810s are coldest decade on record.

Although tremendous death and devastation was caused by the erupting magma, a much greater destruction was caused by the sulpher ash which was projected into the atmosphere, blocked light from reaching the earth, and resulted in severe weather abnormalities.

What are the spiritual clouds of ash in our lives which block a portion of God’s light from reaching us?  Any form of sin could act as a spiritual cloud that prevents light from blessing our lives.  Inappropriate media influences are an example. Many movies, television shows, books and other forms of entertainment are otherwise good except for one or two inappropriate parts. Those inappropriate parts may be like clouds of volcanic ash, blocking a portion of God’s light from shining down into our lives. As a result, our lives are a little colder and a little darker, and the consequences can be tragic, just as with the Tambora volcanic eruption.

John 12:46 – I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

We demonstrate that we believe Christ by abiding in His light and not the darkness. Another volcanic cloud which blocks light from Christ in our lives is hatred or refusing to forgive:

1 John 2:9-10 – He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.

As we follow Christ by keeping his commandments, and as we love others and forgive, we can avoid unnecessary darkness and live in His light.

(The source for much of this article was the Wikipedia Tambora article.)

There is a loneliness in all aspects of leadership. . . It was ever thus. The price of leadership is loneliness. The price of adherence to conscience is loneliness. The price of adherence to principle is loneliness. I think it is inescapable. The Savior of the world was a man who walked in loneliness. I do not know of any statement more underlined with the pathos of loneliness than His Statement: ‘The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man hath not where to lay his head.’ (Matthew 8:20).

In general conference today, Elder Craig Zwick encouraged us to stand for right. But, as we do so, he said that we may be standing alone for a while.  Elder Neuenschwander gave examples in general conference about righteous individual in a crowd.  He reminded us about Alma, who was one of the priests of the wicked King Noah in the Book of Mormon.  Alma stood up and spoke out in favor of the prophet Abinadi.  When King Noah sought to kill him, Alma fled, and started the Church of God among those people.  Elder Neuenschwander also gave the example of the one woman in the crowd who touched the hem of the Saviour’s robe and was healed. In Nephi’s dream of the tree of life in the Book of Mormon, a multitude of people partied in a great and spacious building.  They mocked a small number of people who had arrived at the tree of life and were partaking of it’s fruit, which symbolized the love of God.

Standing up for something often means standing alone. Moral leadership often does not have followers at first. Doing what’s right is usually not the popular position. However, in time our examples of standing for right can help others draw the strength they need to also stand up.  I’m grateful for courageous people who I have observed standing as moral leaders, and the strength they have given me through their example.

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The More Good Foundation has produced “badges” (see example above), which are graphical icons that can be added to a website, a blog or a social networking page to do online missionary work.  People who click on the image are sent to LDS.net. Visit this page to see samples of the badges and the code which you can copy and paste into your web page.

The LDS Church as also produced badges (see example above) which can be used to promote the new JesusChrist.LDS.org website. Visit this page to see samples of the badges and the code which you can copy and paste into your web page.

Jesus Christ lives! He is my Savior and Redeemer. I am forever grateful for the atonement which I need in my life. He is my light and my life. Because of His great sacrifice I can be resurrected and live again eternally. We all can find true and lasting happiness in this life and the life to come if we follow the path which He established that leads thereto.

Many prophets, apostles, and other great men and women have given us their witnesses of Christ which can help strengthen our faith in and personal witnesses of Him. This blog entry compiles more than fifty of these witnesses of Jesus Christ and his mission:

For I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God.
(Job, Job 19: 26)

I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me… When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unot me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!
(Joseph Smith, JS-H 1: 16-17)

I testify that he is utterly incomparable in what he is, what he knows, what he has accomplished, and what he has experienced. Yet movingly, he calls us his friends.
(Elder Neal A. Maxwell)

Behold the Lord hath redeemed my soul from hell; I have beheld his glory, and I am encircled about eternally in the arms of his love.
(Lehi, 2 Ne. 1: 15)

There was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law. Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
(Luke speaking of Simeon, Luke 2: 25-32)

And there was one Anna, a prophetess…which departed not from the temple but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord and spake of him to all them that looked for a redemption in Jerusalem.
(Luke speaking of Anna, Luke 2: 36-38)

And I saw and bare record that this is the Son of God…And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!
(John the Baptist, John 1: 34)

Whom say ye that I am?
Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
(Peter answering Christ, Matt. 16: 15-16)

As pertaining to Jesus Christ, I testify that he is the Son of the Living God and was crucified for the sins of the world. He is our Lord, our God, and our King. This I know of myself independent of any other person. I am one of his witnesses, and in a coming day I shall feel the nail marks in his hands and in his feet and shall wet his feet with my tears. But I shall not know any better then than I know now that he is God’s Almighty Son, that he is our Savior and Redeemer, and that salvation comes in and through his atoning blood and in no other way.
(Elder Bruce R. McConkie)

Towering above all mankind stands Jesus the Christ, the King of glory, the unblemished Messiah, the Lord Emmanuel. . . He is our King, our Lord, our Master, THE LIVING CHRIST, who stands on the right hand of His Father. He lives! He lives, resplendent and wonderful, the living Son of the living God.
(President Gordon B. Hinkley)

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. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever.
(Isaiah prophesying about Christ, Isa. 9: 6-7)

Mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of Hosts.
(Isaiah, Isa. 6: 5)

I, Abraham, and Lot, my brother’s son, prayed unto the Lord, and the Lord appeared unto me.
(Abraham, Abr. 2: 6, 19)

Jesus Christ is our Redeemer and Savior. He was begotten of the Father in the spirit, the Firstborn of the Father, and is the Only Begotten of the Father in the flesh. He is our elder brother. He is the second member of the Godhead. He was the Creator of heaven and earth under the direction of the Father. He is the Jehovah of the Old Testament. He is Jesus of Nazareth. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He is the Light of the world. He is the Author of our salvation. He was chosen before the foundation of the world to be the Lamb slain as an offering for our sins. Ultimately every knee must bow and every tongue confess that he is the Christ.
(Elder Joseph Andersen)

I am he that liveth and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore.
(Jesus Christ, Rev. 1: 18)

I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.
(Jesus, appearing after His death to Saul/Paul who was persecuting the saints, Acts 9: 5)

But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, and said, Behold I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
(Stephen the apostle, recounted by Paul, Acts 7: 55 )

Human history has no ultimate meaning without Christ. Christ is the verification of God’s purposes for mankind, of the meaning of his life; He is the assurance of life to come. To accept him is an act drenched in meaning and significance. To testify of him is to testify to the reality of all that matters.
(Elder Neal A. Maxwell)

I am Jesus Christ the Son of God. I created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are. I was with the Father from the beginning. I am in the Father, and the Father in me; and in me hath the Father glorified his name. I came unto my own, and my own received me not. And the scriptures concerning my coming are fulfilled. And as many as have received me, to them have I given to become the sons of God; and even so will I to as many as shall believe on my name, for behold, by me redemption cometh, and in me is the law of Moses fulfilled. I am the light and the life of the world. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.
(Jesus Christ to the Nephites, 3 Ne. 9: 15-18)

Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.
(Alma, Alma 7: 13)

For as sure as thou livest, behold, I have seen my Redeemer; and he shall come forth, and be born of a woman, and he shall redeem all mankind who believe on his name.
(Lamoni, a Lamanite king, Alma 19: 13)

Because of the knowledge of this man he could not be kept from beholding within the veil; and he saw the finger of Jesus, which, when he saw, he fell with fear; for he knew that it was the finger of the Lord; and he had faith no longer, for he knew, nothing doubting. Wherefore, having this perfect knowledge of God, he could not be kept from within the veil; therefore he baw Jesus; and he did minister unto him.
(Brother of Jared, Ether 3: 19-20)

He even saw the Son of Righteousness, and did rejoice and glory in his day.
(Ether speaking of Emer, a Jaredite king, Ether 9: 22)

We rejoice in the knowledge of the Living Christ, and we reverently acknowledge the miracles He continues to work today in the lives of those who have faith in Him. He is the head of the Church, which bears His name. He is our Savior and our Redeemer. Through Him we worship and pray to our Heavenly Father. We are grateful beyond measure for the essential and awesome power His Atonement has in each of our lives.
(Elder M. Russell Ballard)

The most important doctrine I can declare, and the most powerful testimony I can bear, is the atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ. His atonement is the most transcendent event that ever has or ever will occur from Creation’s dawn through all the ages of a never-ending eternity. It is the supreme act of goodness and grace that only a god could perform. Through it, all of the terms and conditions of the Father’s eternal plan of salvation became operative. Through it are brought to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. Through it, all men are saved from death, hell, the devil, and endless torment. And through it, all who believe and obey the glorious gospel of God, all who are true and faithful and overcome the world, all who suffer for Christ and his word, all who are chastened and scourged in the Cause of him whose we are—all shall become as their Maker and sit with him on his throne and reign with him forever in everlasting glory.
(Elder Bruce R. McConkie)

The crux of our message is that Jesus of Nazareth is Christ the Lord, the Redeemer of all mankind, the Savior of the Christians and the Messiah of the Jews. We affirm most solemnly that this same Jesus was the literal begotten Son of God, born of Mary, and that without him there is no Savior.
(Elder Mark E. Petersen)

I testify that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, is a resurrected being of perfect love and compassion. I witness that He gave His life that we might live eternally with Him and our Father in Heaven and our loved ones who qualify, through obedience to the commandments and receipt of all of the ordinances of salvation.
(Elder Richard G. Scott)

I Nephi write more of the words of Isaiah…for he verily saw my Redeemer, even as I have seen him. And my brother, Jacob, also has seen him…
(Nephi, 2 Ne. 11: 2)

I was visited of the Lord, and tasted and knew of the goodness of Jesus.
(Mormon, Morm. 1: 15)

Let us remember that the Savior is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and there can be no greater promise than to know that if we are faithful and true, we will one day be safely encircled in the arms of His love. He is always there to give encouragement, to forgive, and to rescue. Therefore, as we exercise faith and are diligent in keeping the commandments, we have nothing to fear from the journey.
(Elder M. Russell Ballard)

Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of God, the Creator, the great Jehovah, the promised Immanuel, our atoning Savior and Redeemer, our advocate with the Father, our great Exemplar. And one day we will stand before Him as our just and merciful Judge.
(Elder Russell M. Nelson)

And He shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind, and this that the word might be fulfilled which he saith he will take upon him the pains and the sickness of his people. And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.
(Alma, Alma 7: 11-12)

I have seen God face to face.
(Jacob, Gen. 32: 30)

This is His Gospel. He stands at the head—holy, divine, supreme, full of power, majesty, grace, and truth. He lived for us, and He died for us, because He loves us. I love Him more deeply and powerfully than I can find words to express. He is my Lord, my Savior, my Redeemer, and my friend. I know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God our Eternal Father. He lives and directs His Church today through His prophet and His Apostles. His great work will continue to roll forth until it fills the whole earth.
(Elder M. Russell Ballard)

We joyfully accept him without reservation as the greatest personage who ever lived on the face of the earth. We believe him to be the Messiah, the Redeemer. We glory in his mission and his doctrine. We delight in him as the firstfruits of them that slept. We worship him as the second member of the Godhead of three. We humbly come to the Father through him, believing his words “I am the way, the trugh, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
(Elder James E. Faust)

They saw the God of Israel.
(Moses writing in Exodus about himself, Aaron and 9 other elders of Israel, Ex. 24: 10-11)

The Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend.
(Moses, Ex. 33: 11)

I saw the Lord standing upon the alter.
(Amos, Amos 9: 1)

Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world, and behold, I am the light and the life of the world, and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning…The Lord spake unto them saying: Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world. And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come. And when they had all gone forth and had witnessed for themselves, they did cry out with one accord, saying: Hosanna! Blessed be the name of the Most High God! And they did fall down at the feet of Jesus, and did worship him.
(Christ to the Nephites, 3 Ne. 11: 10-17)

The gift of resurrection is the Lord’s consummate act of healing. Thanks to Him, each body will be restored to its proper and perfect frame. Thanks to Him, no condition is hopeless. Thanks to Him, brighter days are ahead, both here and hereafter. Real joy awaits each of us—on the other side of sorrow.
(Russel M. Nelson)

And now I, Moroni, bid farewell unto the Gentiles, yea, and also unto my brethren whom I love, until we shall meet before the judgment-seat of Christ, where all men shall know that my garments are not spotted with your blood. And then shall ye know that I have seen Jesus, and that he hath talked with me face to face, and that he told me in plain humility, even as a man telleth another in mine own language, concerning these things.
(Moroni, Ether 12: 38-39)

In our modern age, where glory and fame is wrapped around medals and world wealth, it seems almost inconceivable to us that a solitary man, without home, without political influence, could change the course of history and eternity. But I testify to you that He did. Jesus the Christ taught the words of life. He showed the way to truth, the way to peace, the way to happiness. I testify that when He walked the earth, thousands looked into His eyes—yearning for answers, yearning for release from suffering and grief, yearning that the burdens they carried would be lightened. Everyone who looked into His eyes with faith found healing, peace, and happiness. As an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, I testify to you this day that the time will come when every one of us will look into the Savior’s loving eyes. And we will know then with a surety that a child was born to Mary who was indeed the Son of God, the Savior of the world. We will know that no grief is so great, no pain so profound, no burden so unbearable that it is beyond His healing touch.
(Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin)

Christ died for our sins… he was buried… he rose again the third day… he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve… After that, he was seen of about five hundred brethren at once.
(Paul, 1 Cor. 15: 6)

Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene.
(Mark, speaking of Mary Magdalene, Mark 16: 9)

The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
(Peter and the other apostles, Acts 5: 31)

I know of Christ’s reality as if I had seen with my eyes and heard with my ears.
(President Howard W. Hunter)

We knew our Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son before we came into this life. We felt peace with Them then, and we long to be with Them again, with our families and those we love.
(Elder Henry B. Eyring)

The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer.
(King David, 2 Sam. 22: 2)

The Lamb of God is the Son of the Eternal Father, and the Savior of the world.
(An angel speaking to Nephi, 1 Ne. 13: 40)

We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles—that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son.
(The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve in The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles)

The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God.
(Sung by Moses and the children of Israel, Ex. 15: 2)

We saw the Lord standing upon the breastwork of the pulpit before us…His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying: I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father.
(Joseph Smith the Prophet and Oliver Cowdery in the temple at Kirtland Ohio, D&C 110: 2)

And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives! For we saw him even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father– That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God.
(Joseph Smith, Jr., D&C 76: 22)

I compiled this list of symbols from various sources, such as the Gospel Doctrine manual, Truman Madsen, and lesson outlines posted by other Gospel Doctrine teachers. As such, I do not take credit for most of this list. All things testify of Him, and so with the symbolism of the babe of Bethlehem:

1. SPRING: It was spring, the season when life begins, when Christ was born and he came to bring life to the world.

2. PASSOVER: It was during the season of Passover, when the Jews were remembering their deliverance from Egypt that Jesus was born into the world as the Deliverer from death and sin.

3. TRAVEL TO BETHLEHEM: Luke 2:4 – In order to fulfill the requirements of the census or registration, Joseph and Mary had to travel between 80 and 92 miles, depending on which rout was taken from Nazareth in Galilee to Bethlehem in Judea. The last leg from Jericho through the desert of Bethlehem (if that is the rout they took) is an uphill climb of 3,300 feet. 80 miles doesn’t seem like much to us in our day. We can drive that distance in an hour and a half. Consider walking that distance, or riding a donkey on unfinished roads while 9 months pregnant. This difficult road Joseph and Mary traveled is a symbol of difficult roads we must travel in our lives. However, if we successfully follow these roads, will reach the foreordained destination in our lives.

Elder Bruce R. McConkie: “We cannot suppose that a considerate and loving husband, having a wife big with child, would cause her to walk, or ride a slow stepping donkey, or traverse in any manner the dusty roads of Palestine, camping out overnight as they traveled—all as the hour of her confinement approached—unless there was a reason. Joseph and Mary were going to Bethlehem for a purpose. It was the one and only place where the Messiah could be born, and we cannot but suppose that they knew it and acted wittingly.” (Mortal Messiah, 1:341)

4. ROYAL LINEAGE: Luke 2:1&4 – Christ was the literal heir to be King of Israel had it not been under Roman bondage. Yet, His kingdom was not of this world.

Elder James E. Talmage: ‘Had Judah been a free and independent nation, ruled by her rightful sovereign, Joseph the carpenter would have been her crowned king; and his lawful successor to the throne would have been Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews’ (Jesus the Christ [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1948], p. 87).” (Robert J. Matthews, Behold the Messiah [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1994], 78-79.)

5. CITY OF DAVID: Luke 2:4 – It was in the City of David (Bethlehem) where Christ came, a Son of David, to be the King of kings.

6. BETHLEHEM / HOUSE OF BREAD: Luke 2:4 – Bethlehem in Hebrew means “house of bread,” and Christ was born there to be the Bread of Life to a spiritually hungry world.

7. LITERAL BIRTH: Luke 2:6 – In Portugues “give birth” is “dar a luz”. In Spanish it is “dio a luz”. Both of these are directly translated as “give light”. On that holy night the world was given light as the Light of the World was born.

8. NO ROOM IN THE “INNS”: Luke 2:7 – In what ways do people today refuse to make room for the Savior in their lives? What can we do to make room for him in our lives? In Bethlehem, “there was no room for them in the inn,” but the Joseph Smith Translation tells us: “There was none to give room for them in the inn” (JST Luke 2:7) It is hard to imagine that no one could find room for a woman who was clearly in travail and close to delivery. But, apparently, it wasn’t just a question of room, but, as it always is, of heart. This is a symbol of our lives and our willingness to make room for Him.

9. HUMBLE BIRTH: Luke 2:7 – Christ came in humility to Bethlehem, with an estimated population at the time of about 25 families, yet he came to be the King of kings to rule the earth. He was the creator of the star that shone, the rock manger he laid his head on. He was the creator of everything grand, yet he chose to come into the most humble circumstances. He was clothed in swaddling clothes, not fine linens. The least among you shall be the greatest. The Greatest of all would enter mortality in virtually the humblest circumstances imaginable. Christ was born and died with virtually nothing of this earth. Christ’s humble birth was a symbol of his condescension, and our need to humble ourselves to be like Him. How did these circumstances foreshadow his mortal ministry and his atoning sacrifice? If the Savior can condescend to come to earth to do the will of the Father, then surely we should humble ourselves and submit our will to the Father.

Orson F. Whitney: “We are too prone to judge by outward appearances. Men are often estimated by what they possess of this world’s goods. What would the answer have been two thousand years ago had the question been asked: Who is the greatest man in all the world? Augustus Caesar, the Roman emperor, would doubtless have been the general reply. It would certainly not have been Jesus of Nazareth. And yet in the body of that babe, who was born in a manger, was enshrined the spirit of a God. He came to save that great emperor, if he would be saved. Jesus was infinitely the greater, though cast out and spit upon, and hung as one accursed upon the cross.” (Brian H. Stuy, ed., Collected Discourses, 5 vols. [Burbank, Calif., and Woodland Hills, Ut.: B.H.S. Publishing, 1987-1992], vol. 2, June 21, 1891)

10. STONE MANGER: Luke 2:7 – We have been trained by European nativity scenes to think of the manger as a wooden trough. In Palestine, animals were fed from stone troughs. Even the resting place of the infant Jesus was symbolic. The Rock of Israel was laid in a stone crib.

11. CAVE: Again, the European nativity scenes generally depict the stable as a wooden building. However, it is commonly believed that the stable was actually a cave where animals were held. This cave where Christ was born was also a symbol of death and burial in the tomb, which was also a cave.

12. SACRIFICIAL LAMBS: Luke 2:8 – This is one of the most misquoted scriptures in the Bible. We generally hear that the shepherds were “abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks”. However, the verse actually reads “flock” not “flocks”. Some authorities propose that the flocks destined for sacrifice on the great altar of the Temple were kept year round in the fields near Bethlehem. Lambs to be sacrificed in the temple roamed its countryside, and Christ was born to be the sacrificial Lamb.

Elder Bruce R. McConkie: “In the fields of Bethlehem, not far from Jerusalem and the Temple of Jehovah, there were shepherds watching their flocks by night. These were not ordinary shepherds nor ordinary flocks. The sheep there being herded—nay, not herded, but watched over, cared for with love and devotion—were destined for sacrifice on the great altar in the Lord’s House, in similitude of the eternal sacrifice of Him who that wondrous night lay in a stable, perhaps among sheep of lesser destiny…. As there were many widows in Israel, and only to the one in Zarephath was Elijah sent, so there were many shepherds in Palestine, but only to those who watched over the temple flocks did the herald angel come; only they heard the heavenly choir.” (Mortal Messiah, 1:347)

13. PRINCE OF PEACE: What did the angels say as they announced Jesus’ birth? (See Luke 2:13–14.) How has Jesus glorified the Father? How has he brought peace and goodwill to all people and to you personally? Christ came to be the Prince of Peace, born in a land that had been vanquished by foreign conquerors for centuries, born near Jerusalem, which has been destroyed and rebuilt dozens of time.

14. SHEPHERDS: The news of his birth was proclaimed to the shepherds, who came to visit the baby born to be the Good Shepherd. What can we as shepherds in Israel do to follow their example?

15. POOLS OF SOLOMON: Bethlehem’s Pools of Solomon were a principle clean water source for Jerusalem. Christ was born near these pools and his mission was to be the source of living water.

16. SHEPHERDS CAME WITH HASTE: Luke 2:16 – After the angels appeared to the shepherds, the came with haste. They didn’t wait. Their action is a symbol of our need for immediate obedience to the Lord’s commands so that we are able to come to him.

17. SHEPHERDS MADE IT KNOWN ABROAD: Luke 2:17 – Not many people were privileged to know the Savior at the time of his birth. The Shepherds who did have this privilege, were commanded to proclaim it to others. A very small percentage of the people on the earth or who have ever lived the earth have had the privilege to know the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Those who have his privilege have been commanded to proclaim it to others. The shepherds at the time of Christ making the glad tidings known abroad is a symbol of our responsibility to share our witnesses of Christ once we have the privilege of knowing him.

18. MARY PONDERING IN HER HEART: Luke 2:19 – After Jesus’ birth and the visit of the shepherds Mary pondered those things in her heart. Like Mary it is important for us to take time to cherish and ponder sacred experiences and responsibilities.

Elder James E. Talmage: “There is meaning as deep as the pathos that all must feel in the seemingly parenthetical remark by Luke. ‘But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.’ It is apparent that the great truth as to the personality and mission of her divine Son had not yet unfolded itself in its fullness to her mind. The whole course of events, from the salutation of Gabriel to the reverent testimony of the shepherds concerning the announcing angel and the heavenly hosts, was largely a mystery to that stainless mother and wife” (Jesus the Christ, p95).

19. CIRCUMCISION AFTER 8 DAYS: Luke 2: 21 – According to Truman Madsen, Christ was circumcised after 8 days, and this is a symbol that a child is not accountable until 8 years of age.

20. SACRIFICE TO REDEEM FROM TEMPLE SERVICE: Luke 2:24 – Christ’s parents offered a traditional sacrifice to redeem their newborn son from otherwise required temple service. This was a symbol that Christ was the sacrifice to redeem the world.

21. NAMING OF JESUS – Luke 2:21 – In Hebrew Christ was named “Yeshua”, which is in English translated to “Jesus”. This means “Savior” or “Salvation”.

22. ADOPTIVE FATHER/STEPPARENT: Luke 2:33 and Matt 1:24 – Christ was adopted by Joseph, and so we are adopted into the family of Christ when we are baptized.

23. PART HUMAN/PART GOD: Matt 1:20 – God was Christ’s literal father and Mary, a mortal woman was his mother. As such, Christ was part God and part human. This is symbolic of how each of us is also part human and part God. We are each Gods in embryo who need to overcome the natural man

24. WISE MEN SEEKING JESUS: Matthew 2:1–2 – “Wise men from the east” sought Jesus. The Bible Dictionary teaches that these “Maggi” may have been prophets. This is a symbol of how wise men and women still seek him today.

25. STAR LIGHT: Matt 2:2 – A new star, brighter than any other, shone over Bethlehem to announce Christ’s birth, as He came to be the Light of the world.

26. STAR MOVEMENT: Matt. 2:9 – Only recently did I realize that the star moved as it guided the wise men to the babe of Bethlehem. Matt 2:9 says that “The star which they saw in the east went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child wad. This star movement is a symbol for our lives and how we must take the first steps in following Savior. Then, when we obediently reach that point, more light and knowledge can be given to lead us to our next destination, or the next step in our progression or journey.

27. SYMBOLISM OF GIFTS: Matthew 2:11 – The three gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh which the wise men brought to the Christ child were also symbols. The gold symbolized Christ’s royalty. The frankincense, which was burned by the priests in religious rites, symbolized the priesthood Christ held. The myrrh symbolized Christ’s death as it was used in the embalming of bodies prior to burial. What gifts can we offer to the Lord?

28. HEROD’S HATRED: Matthew 2:6 & 13 – Herod was threatened by this story of a baby born to be the King of the Jews. He wanted to find Jesus so that he could destroy this threat to his rule. This hatred is a symbol of eternal hatred of forces who had fought against Christ and his followers and who would fight against him throughout his life.

29. CHRIST’S PRESEVATION FROM HEROD: Matthew 2:13–14 – An angel was sent to warn Joseph to take his family and flee into Egypt to protect them from Herod. This divine protection as an infant is a symbol of divine assistance Christ would receive and possess throughout his life until His time of martyrdom, and how we can be likewise preserved.

30. HEROD’S INFANTICIDE: Matt 2:16 – When the wise men did not return to report to Herod of Christ’s location, as they had promised, Herod became “exceedingly wroth” and send soldiers to kill all of the children two years old or younger in the region around Bethlehem. This failed infanticide of Christ is a symbol that the Christ’s death would ultimately not have power over Him.

31. GRACE FOR GRACE: D&C 93:12-13 – In his preparation to be our Redeemer, Jesus did not receive all the necessary intelligence, power, wisdom, and glory at once. He received these things “grace for grace,” or a little at a time. This gradual enlightenment is a symbol of our spiritual preparation and progression. (D&C 93:20 – How does this truth apply to us? Preparation precedes power.

President Thomas S. Monson: “When we contemplate the eternal nature of our choices, preparation is a vital factor in our lives. The day will come when we will look back upon our period of preparation and be grateful that we properly applied ourselves… Preparation precedes power. To obtain the knowledge and skill we require need not be an insurmountable task if we adopt for our pattern the experience of the sons of Mosiah. Alma was journeying from the land of Gideon southward, away to the land of Manti, when he met the sons of Mosiah journeying toward the land of Zarahemla. Alma rejoiced “exceedingly to see his brethren; and what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in the Lord; yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and had searched the scriptures diligently that they might know the word of God. But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore, they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God.” (Alma 17:1-3) (Pathways to Perfection, 276-277)

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