Daily Reflection

So I got this great little book for Christmas....
A Lamp Unto My Feet: a Daily Reflection on the old testament by Lloyd D Newell and Robert L Millet.

So I opened it up for today's reflection and this is what I found:

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion. Zechariah 9.9
President Gordon B Hinckley Said; "Put on they beautiful garments, O Daughters of Zion. Live up to the great and magnificent inheritance which the Lord God, your Father in Heaven, has provided you. Rise above the dust of the world. Know that you are daughters of God, Children with a divine birthrights. Walk in the sun with your heads high. Know that you are loved and honored, that you are part of His kingdom, and that there is for you a great work to be done which cannot be left to others" (Ensign, November 1983, 84). It is gospel light that gives us comfort and direction, peace and contentment in this life. An abiding testimony of the Father's great plan of happiness for us, his children, empowers us to climb the mountains of morality with courage and steadfastness. Yes, we'll have our sorrows and setbacks, and we'll have our joys and triumphs. Surely the Lord will strengthen us as we rise to the divinity within us.

If found this to be incredibly fitting. I totally expected a reflection on Isaiah or something of the sort to do with Christmas, but you know this was exactly what i needed to share today. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints we fully believe that we are the literal children of our Heavenly Father. We believe that when the bible tells us we were known before we were born we really were. We believe that our spirits were created by Heavenly Father and therefore he is our Father. He loves each of us and he provided a way for all of his children to return home. We believe that we lived with our Father in Heaven before this earth life and that we made a decision to follow him and to come to earth to receive bodies and be tested. We believe that as his children we are entitled to a divine inheritance and that if we do everything we can in this life then through the Atonement of Jesus Christ that all will be saved and that we will return to our home in heaven.

I have been reading another wonderful book all about Eve in the Garden. And even she had a diving purpose that only she could fulfill. Just like her each of us have our own purpose here on earth. We have not inherited some horrible sin of Eve's just because we are women. Eve may have transgressed but it was not a Sin. She had been told that she needed to multiply and replenish the earth. In her wisdom she knew that to remain in the garden in a pure state would not allow her to fulfill her commandment from Heavenly Father. She chose to enter mortality that all of us might be. Just like her we have our own choices and ability to think for ourself. We have the ability to understand the consequences of all actions good or bad and we are Daughters of a Diving Heavenly Father and As long as we remember that we are divine we will succeed.

Jesus Christ

On this marvelous and holy day I want to take a minute to share a link with you. The following excerpts are from the linked page...
http://www.mormon.org/jesus-christ/

“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

Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world and the Son of God. He is our Redeemer. The Holy Bible teaches us that Jesus Christ's mother was Mary, His father on earth was Joseph, that He was born in Bethlehem and raised in Nazareth, and labored with Joseph as a carpenter. When he turned 30, He began a three-year ministry of teaching, blessing, and healing the people of the Holy Land. He also organized His Church and gave His apostles "power and authority" (Luke 9:1) to assist in His work.

But what do we mean when we say He is the Savior of the world? The Redeemer? Each of these titles point to the truth that Jesus Christ is the only way by which we can return to live with our Heavenly Father. Jesus suffered and was crucified for the sins of the world, giving each of God’s children the gift of repentance and forgiveness. Only by His mercy and grace can anyone 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. In the future Jesus Christ will return to reign on earth in peace for a thousand years. Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and He will be our Lord forever.

This is a divine season and while the birth of Christ did not actually happen in December (historically the information we have available indicates he was born in the spring) it is still important to remember that Because of the Birth of Christ the Atonement of all mankind is possible. Christ died and was ressurected for every man, women and child to ever live...before or after him. He suffered for all mankind, Is the savior of all even those who do not know or recognize him. He fulfilled prophesy and he gave the greatest gift to the world, His life. So this Holiday season don't just dwell on his miraculous birth remember the gift he give all mankind freely and that is the ability to overcome death and return home. Every one gets it and none will be forbidden. 

There is a Children's song sung in our church and It is the most beautiful of songs....

HE SENT HIS SON

How could the Father tell the world of love and tenderness?
He sent his Son, a newborn babe, with peace and holiness.
How could the Father show the world the pathway we should go?
He sent his Son to walk with men on earth, that we may know.
How could the Father tell the world of sacrifice, of death?
He sent his Son to die for us and rise with living breath.
What does the Father ask of us? What do the scriptures say?
Have faith, have hope, live like his Son, help others on their way.
What does he ask? Live like his Son.

Words: Mabel Jones Gabbott, b. 1910

Music: Michael Finlinson Moody, b. 1941
© 1982 by Mabel Jones Gabbott and Michael Finlinson Moody. Arr. © 1989 IRI

I leave this with you and that Is I know He lives, I know he loves each of everyone of us, and most important he knows what is in our life and he will help if we only ask. This holiday season and the months to come are a time to reflect and remember a glorious and amazing life. The life of one who would give everything for everyone even if they never know his name. I bare this witness that I Know he loves us and that he truly will take our burdens if we just have faith and as for his help.

I type these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Tis the season

This is a great message about giving this holiday season for a wonderful man of God.

Enjoy this wonderful song of the Season.