Category Archives: Christmas

The Spirit of Christmas

22 Monday Dec 2014

Posted by in Christmas, Music, Poems

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Christmas time is a special time.  I think we all feel that.  One of the reasons that I feel it is such a special time, is because Christmas music has a special way of inviting the spirit.  This is because the spirit testifies of truth no matter what, and Christmas time is the one time all year, that everyone has Christmas music playing, and the likelihood of feeling that spirit of truth is greatly increased.  The spirit confirms all truth, and Christmas music is full of truth, whether we fully realize it or not.

As part of this Christmas season, and in a very real effort to invite that spirit into all of our lives, I am listing 5 of my favorite Christmas songs, that contain some of the most powerful phrases that we may or may not realize we are singing or hearing.

  1. O Holy Night

One of my absolute favorites is O Holy Night, which was originally a French poem (Minuit, Chrétiens) which means Midnight, Christians.1 I am including the English (traditional translation) with the literal (non-traditional) translation, since I think if we know where it came from, it may help.

Traditional

Oh Holy Night

The stars are brightly shining

It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth

Long lay the world in sin and error pining

‘Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees O hear the angels voices.

O night divine O night when Christ was born

O night divine, O night, O night divine.

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming,

With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.

So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,

Here came the wise men from Orient land.

The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger;

In all our trials born to be our friend.

He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger,

Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!

Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another;

His law is love and His gospel is peace.

Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother;

And in His name all oppression shall cease.

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,

Let all within us praise His holy name.

Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever,

His power and glory evermore proclaim.

O night divine, O night, O night divine

Literal

Midnight, Christians, is the solemn hour,

When God as man descended unto us

To erase the stain of original sin

And to end the wrath of His Father.

The entire world thrills with hope

On this night that gives it a Saviour.

People, kneel down, await your deliverance.

Christmas, Christmas, here is the Redeemer,

Christmas, Christmas, here is the Redeemer!

May the ardent light of our Faith

Guide us all to the cradle of the infant,

As in ancient times a brilliant star

Guided the Oriental kings there.

The King of Kings was born in a humble manger;

O mighty ones of today, proud of your greatness,

It is to your pride that God preaches.

Bow your heads before the Redeemer!

Bow your heads before the Redeemer!

The Redeemer has broken every bond:

The Earth is free, and Heaven is open.

He sees a brother where there was only a slave,

Love unites those that iron had chained.

Who will tell Him of our gratitude,

For all of us He is born, He suffers and dies.

People, stand up! Sing of your deliverance,

Christmas, Christmas, sing of the Redeemer,

Christmas, Christmas, sing of the Redeemer!

  1. Still, Still, Still

Another of my favorites has always been still, still, still.  We actually sang this in our choir performance yesterday, and our director, in an inspired effort included a little handout with the ward program that included the words to all of the songs that we sang, and my wife mentioned to me that she had never really read the words to this song.

Still, still, still,

One can hear the falling snow.

For all is hushed,

The world is sleeping,

Holy Star its vigil keeping.

Still, still, still,

One can hear the falling snow.

Sleep, sleep, sleep,

‘Tis the eve of our Saviour’s birth.

The night is peaceful all around you,

Close your eyes,

Let sleep surround you.

Sleep, sleep, sleep,

‘Tis the eve of our Saviour’s birth.

Dream, dream, dream,

Of the joyous day to come.

While guardian angels without number,

Watch you as you sweetly slumber.

Dream, dream, dream,

Of the joyous day to come.

  1. Silent Night

Silent night is such a Christmas classic, that we often forget how much of a powerhouse it is.  As a note, I like to change the wording in verse 2 (Radiant to Radiance), and verse 3 (Glories stream to Glory streams) since President Dalquist instructed us to when I was in high school.  I’ve never been able to sing it any other way since then.  Please note the use of exclamation points in this soft lullaby.

Silent night! Holy night!

All is calm, all is bright

Round yon virgin, mother and Child.

Holy infant, tender and mild,

Sleep in heavenly peace;

Sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night! Holy night!

Shepherds quake at the sight!

Glory streams from heaven afar

Heav’nly hosts sing Alleluia!

Christ the Savior is born!

Christ the Savior is born!

Silent night! Holy night!

Son of God, love’s pure light

Radiance beams from thy holy face,

With the dawn of redeeming grace,

Jesus, Lord at thy birth

Jesus, Lord at thy birth.

  1. Joy to the World

If there was ever a Christmas song that you can’t sing loud enough, it might be this one.  Our choir sang this while being accompanied by both the piano and the organ – and even when the congregation joined in for the 4th verse, it wasn’t nearly loud enough.  This is the one song that I relate very directly to the choirs of angels referenced in Luke 2:13-14.

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!

Let earth receive her King!

Let ev’ry heart prepare him room,

And Saints and angels sing.

And Saints and angles sing,

And Saints, and saints and angels sing.

Rejoice! Rejoice when Jesus reigns

And saints their songs employ,

While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains

Repeat the sounding joy,

Repeat the sounding joy,

Repeat, repeat the sounding joy

No more will sin and sorrow grow,

Nor thorns infest the ground;

He’ll come and make the blessings flow

Far as the curse was found,

Far as the curse was found,

Far as, far as the curse was found

Rejoice! Rejoice in the Most High,

While Israel spreads abroud

Like stars that glitter in the sky,

And ever worship God,

And ever worship God,

And ever, and ever worship God.

  1. In the Bleak Midwinter

This is a relatively unknown Christmas song, but the message is still crystal clear, and is sung by many great artists.

In the bleak mid-winter

Frosty wind made moan,

Earth stood hard as iron,

Water like a stone;

Snow had fallen, snow on snow,

Snow on snow,

In the bleak midwinter

Long ago.

Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him

Nor earth sustain;

Heaven and earth shall flee away

When He comes to reign:

In the bleak mid-winter

A stable-place sufficed

The Lord God Almighty,

Jesus Christ.

Angels and archangels

May have gathered there,

Cherubim and seraphim

Thronged the air –

But only His mother

In her maiden bliss

Worshipped the Beloved

With a kiss.

What can I give Him,

Poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd

I would bring a lamb;

If I were a wise man

I would do my part;

Yet what I can, I give Him

Give my heart.

Other notable lines/phrases:

He came down to earth from heaven,

Who is God and Lord of all,

And his shelter was a stable,

And his cradle was a stall;

With the poor, and mean, and lowly,

Lived on earth our Savior holy.

And our eyes at last shall see him,

Through his own redeeming love;

For that child so dear and gentle

Is our Lord in heav’n above,

And he leads his children on

To the place where he is gone.

(Once in Royal David’s City)

Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay

Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.

Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,

And fit us for heaven to live with thee there.

(Away in a Manager)

How silently, how silently

The wondrous gift is giv’n!

So God imparts to human hearts

The blessings of his heav’n.

No ear may hear his coming;

But in this world of sin,

Where meek souls will receive him, still

The dear Christ enters in.

(O Little Town of Bethlehem)

Hail the heav’n-born Prince of Peace!

Hail the Son of Righteousness!

Light and life to all he brings,

Ris’n with healing in his wings.

Mild he lays his glory by,

Born that man no more may die;

Born to raise the sons of earth,

Born to give them second birth.

(Hark! The Herald Angels Sing)

Ring in the valiant men and free,

The larger heart, the kindlier hand.

Ring out the darkness of the land;

Ring in the Christ that is to be.

Ring out the darkness of the land;

Ring in the Christ that is to be.

(Ring Out, Wild Bells)

What child is this, who, laid to rest,

On Mary’s lap is sleeping?

Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,

While shepherds watch are keeping?

This, this is Christ the King,

Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:

Haste, haste to bring Him laud,

The babe, the son of Mary.

(What Child is This)

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free

Thine own from Satan’s tyranny

From depths of Hell Thy people save

And give them victory o’er the grave

Disperse the gloomy clouds of night

And death’s dark shadows put to flight.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

(O Come O Come Emmanuel)

Come, thou long expected Jesus,

Born to set thy people free;

From our fears and sins release us,

Let us find our rest in thee.

Israel’s strength and consolation,

Hope of all the earth thou art;

Dear desire of every nation,

Joy of every longing heart.

Born thy people to deliver,

Born a child and yet a King,

Born to reign in us forever,

Now thy gracious kingdom bring.

By thine own eternal spirit

Rule in all our hearts alone;

By thine all sufficient merit,

Raise us to thy glorious throne

(Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus)

Notes

1 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O_Holy_Night

The Greatest Gift Exchange Ever

08 Monday Dec 2014

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We’ve all been there before. Christmas is approaching and you have that one person on your list that is impossible to buy for. It’s your mother in law, your boss, or Ted from accounting whose name you drew in the company gift exchange you immediately regret participating in. The following is a story that I wished really happened to me, at a company I wished really existed, that I really wish I really worked for. Even though it’s just a story, I hope you’ll still get the point.

I was working as an employee of Heaven Incorporated, the biggest company in the Universe. Owned and operated by God, with Jesus Christ as President and CEO. The esteemed Joseph Smith headed the board of Directors which also includes Nephi, Abinadi, King Benjamin, Heleman, Moroni, Alma, and Samuel the Lamanite. It’s a flawlessly run company with about 150 gazillion employees. The annual birthday celebration of our CEO was approaching and I was so excited because the owner always makes it a big deal! For this event all the employees from all divisions are called to the Great Hall where the annual drawing of names takes place for the gift exchange. This year It was also announced that for the first time ever, God would also be entered in the annual gift exchange. How Exiting!

I was in the elevator heading down with Ephraim Hanks, Tiancum, and 7 of the stripling warriors singing “everything is awesome” in unison because at Heaven Incorporated everything really is awesome. The gift exchange from the year prior was a breeze! I drew was Frank from shipping. It was super easy, I just had my wife gift wrap his Olive Garden gift certificate and then stuffed myself silly with Moses’s famous Cinnamon Manna bread that is a huge hit every year.

I reached the lobby and said Hi to Gordon B Hinckley who runs the product develop division and his assistant Hyrum Smith. I hopped in line to draw the name from the hat. My turn finally came and I stuck my hand in among the gazillion names and pulled out a paper. Oh boy, wait… this must be a mistake! My knees buckled as I read it again. Sure enough it was unmistakable. My paper read: God.

No way! Suddenly my jokes with Lehi and Ammon a minute ago in line about the difficulties of buying gifts for our wives didn’t seem that funny anymore. I had a real conundrum on my hands. What would I, what should I and what could I possibly give God? It was obvious it was going to have to be more heartfelt then an Olive Garden Gift certificate. I couldn’t get it off my mind.

I stressed all day and upon getting home I wracked my brain. How about the new iphone 6? Nah. Everybody knows he’s totally an android guy. How about a super exotic bore hair brush for him to comb his beard? Nah. How about a sweet new Calvin Klein robe? No way. Making no progress I started “googling” all sorts of stuff like “what to get the guy who has everything” and “what to give the almighty at the Christmas party gift exchange” but it didn’t help. Finally I gave up and went to bed still empty handed for the gift exchange the following day. At work the next morning I finally had the “ah hah” moment I was waiting for! I knew what I would get God! Duh, it’s what everyone would love! (at least I knew I would) I would get him A Gopro Hero 4 Black Edition Video Camera! “Yes! Nailed it” I thought! I went and purchased the gift and arrived back at work just in time for the party and gift exchange full of confidence and feeling like 10 thousand talents!

The gift exchanges commenced as the employees gathered in the great hall and were called up two by two to be witnessed by all. Everyone was having a good time. Peter, James and John all got matching ugly Christmas sweaters while Mathew, Mark, and Luke all got the new Piano Guys album on Itunes they all wanted. John the Baptist got a pair of waterproof waders, Enos got a pair of knee pads and Porter Rockwell got a new Norelco beard and mustache trimmer set. Everything was going swell and then the moment of truth arrived. The last two people to exchange gifts were called forward, God and myself.

God politely asked to go first and presented my gift. It was small and wrapped beautifully. With my hands shaking I opened it. It was a handwritten note. I began reading out loud for all to hear:

To Riley,

You may think I do not know you, as I oversee countless from a far, but that my child just isn’t true, I know exactly who you are!

I know your talents and your gifts, for I gave them all to you, the very body which you have, your abilities and senses too.

The very air you breathe, through the lungs that fill your chest, your very soul within you, and the heart beating within your breast.

I granted you your very life, and everything joyful you find, my greatest gift above all these, was my Son so perfect and so kind.

I’ve provided for you the Priesthood, and Temples to dot the earth, that you may help others also, for I consider you of great worth!

I make possible your way, every day of your life, I’ve lead you to a beautiful woman, who you are blessed to call your wife.

I knew she would make you happy, and in you bring out your best, to support you in all things, and leave you richly blessed.

Not a single day I’ve left you, and that I will never do, for without me you would be lost, and I will not forsake you.

I love you more than you can know, but please know this my Son, I will be waiting here to greet you again, when your life is done

Signed,

You’re Boss, God.

Filled with incredible love and gratitude for God and his Son I realized the very works I had read aloud had brought not only myself but the entire hall to their knees in gratitude for the Father. The words from God which I had read had entered the hearts of those watching. With tears down my face I pondered for a second. I was stumped on how to respond. My simple vocabulary wouldn’t suffice to portray the love and gratitude I was feeling. I felt inadequate to the highest degree. I turned around to view those in the hall, many with tears streaks down their face also.  The entire Hall was filled to its entirety yet was completely and totally silent. Then, reality entered again and I realized I was TOAST! I thought back at the gift I had to give God and lost all confidence in it. Nothing could even come close to measuring up to what I had been given. I came to this gift exchange feeling like 10 thousand talents and now I felt more like 100 pence. My gift wouldn’t even qualify as a “white elephant gift” in comparison. Then a gentle thought entered my mind. I found the courage and raised myself to my feet and though my very frame shook, I spoke simply and clearly.

“Father, as you know I am a simple man, born as the mortal Son of a school teacher in a small town. I am not of royalty or of riches or esteem. I speak but a single language, and have never traveled to any foreign countries. I do not have decades of advanced learning to claim, nor do I hold any degrees in physics, law, or chemistry. I know little of science or astronomy or of different cultures of the world…”

“However, I will tell thee what I do know. I know exactly who thou art! I know of thy power, thy abilities and incredible unfailing love for myself and all that ever were or will be. I know of thy patience, tenderness, mercy, guidance, and forgiveness. I know thy Son also, even Jesus the Christ!  I know of his sacrifice for all that we might be able to again live within thy presence. I know and revere the Priesthood and its power and ability to perform thy will, with thy power in the name of thy Son! I know thou hast given me the body which I care for, along with the gifts, talents, and abilities I am grateful and thankful unto thee for. I know thou art in control of all things and hast all power. How do I know this? Because I feel it! The very soul which thou hast given me explodes with gratitude, love and joy for thee and thy son! I know that thou art God, and that Christ is Christ because I feel it! The Spirit has made it manifest unto me! I have felt thy love, I have felt thy presence, I love thee and I know that thou does love me also! I have used the Priesthood in the name of thy Son and spoke the very words which thou placed into my mind! I have seen miracles performed by thee for my benefit! I know that thou art here, and that thou does live, and that thy son does live also! I know that thy Son is perfect and hast provided the perfect example of how I should live. I seek to live by that example every day of my life. I seek to follow thee and thy son in all ways each and every day. I know that I am imperfect and I am grateful for the sacrifice of thy son and for the means to one day remain with thee. I am grateful for the gifts, talents and abilities which thou so generously bestows upon my head. I am grateful for the type of spirit thou has made me Father. I am grateful to at times be allowed to be a tool in thy hands and I am grateful for all things thou hast done or will do for me”.

At these words I again found myself upon my knees drained, as if the words and feeling of love had exhausted my physical body. Looking down I continued…

“Father, I have nothing to give to thee of worth but myself. The very gifts I have received from thee I have sought to also share with others. I know these gifts are above the worth of the world and I seek to freely give of them. I have not, for I cannot keep them unto myself. However, if thou does at this point or at any other want them back, know that I will freely give them unto thee. Thou canst have my very body, my life, even my very soul if it pleases thee Father, for that is what I strive only to do. Praise and glory be to thee for all things. Slowly, raising my head again still feeling inadequate and meeting my Father’s eyes I said “Father, I give myself to thee for that is all I have to give”.

With these words tears rolled down my Father’s eyes. He replied “What greater gift than this can there be? This gift, is the gift which I seek. Well done Riley, my good and faithful servant. The smallest gift of all is a man wrapped in himself, for he gives not even that to others”. He opened his arms and beckoned me forward. Our embrace was the sweetest I have ever known with a feeling of love and gratitude beyond description. At this, the hall exploded with joy! It was as if all the words both received and given between God and myself were received and given by all.

Then, with words only for me to hear and a smile and wink God said “by the way, you can keep the GoPro Hero 4 Black Edition Camera you bought for me, you’ll enjoy it more than I will”. Wahoo!! It was officially the best gift exchange ever!

There are multiple morals of this story, and I’ll let you distinguish them for yourself. However, if you take nothing more from this story just remember what this Christmas season is all about. Know that Christ truly is “the gift” which is the greatest gift ever given, and it was given to all. Let us all remember that “The smallest gift of all is a man wrapped in himself”. This season and always let’s strive to #sharethegift

My Christmas Carol

07 Sunday Dec 2014

Posted by in Christmas, Poems

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My Christmas Carol

Prophetic whispers from the dust,
Foretold of One who’d come to us1.
King of Kings, and Lord of Lords2,
Master, Savior of the world.

And though He’d rule o’er all mankind,
Raise the dead3, let see the blind4,
In quiet humble birth he’d be,
Born in peace, giv’n privily.

No silk would wrap the newborn babe,
But swaddling clothes5, a bed of hay.
No mansion grand and opulent,
Fit for wealthy affluent.

Not to the wise, but shepherds showed6
Not in the learned’s halls of gold.
Not to the wealthy, but the poor,
Not to the haughty, but the pure,

Who in a manger sweetly lay,
When by an inn-keep, was turned away7.
Shepherds, Father, Mother saw,
Angels sang with wondering awe8.

Singing praises, Heaven’s hosts,
God the Father, Holy Ghost,
Blessed, sustained that infant Son,
Through whom eternal life would come9.

Magi trekked and risked their lives,
To see His face with their own eyes,
Their path enlightened, star decreed10,
To Him bestowed their gifts of three.

The Son of Man, the King of Kings,
Beholden not to earthly things,
The Mighty God, the Chosen One,
For us, He gave His eldest Son11

That silent night, that holy night,
A child was born to cure man’s plight.
For peace and calm, shone ever bright,
Through Son of God, and love’s pure light.

Oh how I wish to be found worthy,
Of this babe, so meek and lowly,
Swaddled, loved, and held so closely,
Honored, worshipped, sacred, Holy.

Raise your head, gaze up, and see,
Moon, and stars go endlessly,
All created by this child,
Lying quiet, meek and mild.

Who’s condescension to the earth,
Accentuated by His birth,
Would save all man on earth from sin,
If they’d believe and follow him12.

Come! Now together praise the Son!
In Bethlehem, today is come!
Our hearts within will burst with Joy!
As we behold this little Boy!

“Joy to the world, he Lord is come,
Let earth receive her King.
Let ev’ry heart prepare Him room.
With saints, the Angels sing!13”.

Notes:

1 Isaiah 9:6 “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”

2 Revelation 19:16 “And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”

3 John 11:43,44 “And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth..”

4 John 9:11 “He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight”

5 Luke 2:7 “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes..”

6 Luke 2:15,16 “And it came to pass..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.”

7 Luke 2:7 “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”

8 Hymn #210 With Wondering Awe “With wond’ring awe the wisemen saw the star in heaven springing, and with delight, in peaceful night, they heard the angels singing.”

9 1 John 5:11 “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.”

10 Mathew 2:1,2 “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”

11 John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life”

12 3 Nephi 11:33 “And whoso believeth in me, and is baptized, the same shall be saved; and they are they who shall inherit the kingdom of God” 

13 Hymn #201 Joy to the World 

Less is More in Christmas Math

04 Thursday Dec 2014

Posted by in Christmas, Math

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When we think of the greatest events in history, and we categorize them based on attendance and/or statistical viewing and ratings that are monitored by people with computers and calculators and stuff like that – we get an idea of how many people across the world tune in their TV’s for certain events.  The following table represents one report of the 10 most watched television broadcasts on earth: 1

Keep in mind the population of the world today is estimated to be over 7.2 billion, 2 so if 2 billion people watched a single event, that’s pretty good – in fact, that’s nearly 30% of the entire world.  That’s a lot of people watching the same thing.  For reference, approximately 111 million people have tuned in for the Super Bowl the past 5 years.3 Of those millions, there is likely a high percentage of those viewers that recorded the events for repeated viewing or sharing via DVR or other similar devices, not to mention the recordings that have been made and are available online or in packages of various types.  This allows these events to live on in history, in a very real and visual way – extending their viewership even further than what is listed above.

Whether or not you think the 10 most watched events as reported above are great or not, they provide us with some statistical data to review, especially when we reference and contrast them with one of the absolutely greatest events4 in this world’s history; the birth of Jesus Christ. 5 

The birth of our savior was witnessed by only a few privileged enough to see it with their mortal eyes, along with some humble, yet very lucky animals.

There was not a single recording of this birth event made, and thus made available on DVR, DVD, or online6 that we as mortals can view – no matter how much we’d like to. But, I would suggest that there were more people watching this great event – and watching with more rapt attention – than any statistical group would ever be able to measure.  I like to think of the “heavenly host” which appeared suddenly to the shepherds [with the angel] that said “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” as referenced in Luke chapter 2 (vs. 13-14) as part of the witnessing party to that first great event.  I like to think of my pre-mortal self as part of that ‘host’ and I like to think that the ‘heavenly host’ was indeed immeasurable, innumerable, or without number.

This viewing demographic just wasn’t of the mortal type.  The host without number was not a group of mortal beings with mortal eyes seen by other mortal beings, but it was a group every bit as real as the viewers who watched any super bowl, sporting event, or political event here on this earth.  In fact, the number of viewers watching the truly great events that are recorded in the list above is probably an accurate number, since the immortal world likely has little to no interest in most of the events documented there.  However, the inverse of that trend would continue in the things that really matter, as immortals tend to view (in higher and higher numbers) the events that are truly great, but are not thought to be so, and thus not recorded as such, by the world.  Therefore, the seemingly unimportant or unheralded events, are in fact those witnessed by the most viewers, they just aren’t mortal viewers that can be tracked online or through a TV viewing poll.

This illustrates the skewed way in which we often think of ‘great events’ or at least in how they are measured by worldly standards.  We cannot and should not think if ‘great events’ as determined by the number of mortals that are aware of the event, or how many ‘views’ it has on real TV, YouTube or any other social media site.  We can liken this to ourselves and can rest assured that our ‘greatest events’ are the ones that are witnessed by few mortal eyes, if any at all.  We can also rest assured that our ‘greatest events’ are inversely the ones that are witnessed by hosts of immortal eyes that are immeasurable, innumerable, and potentially without number.  These ‘great events’ are very often the most basic and simple everyday activities that have power to change a heart, save a life, and therefore change the world.  These are also the very events that turn the tide for our families and us in the great battle between good and evil.  This is our blessing and our challenge every day here on the earth.

We can also be very confident, that this great birth scene (and many of our great events) indeed have been and are recorded in the book of life, and can be viewed by those who are privileged enough to be shown the vision(s). 7 Someday whether in life or death or with our mortal or immortal eyes – and if it suits the needs of the Lord to further his purposes – we can be blessed with the privilege of viewing the actual birth of our Savior; the very first Christmas or any number of other ‘great events’ as it furthers the impact of the spirit on each of us, and motivates us to do the most good in his kingdom, and to become more like him.

Let us remember that we do the most good at home where nobody sees us, and where there is no fanfare, no press coverage, no interviews, and little acclaim.  We are doing the most good when it appears as if nobody is even paying attention, just like the Savior did.

Notes

1 See http://www.worldlistmania.com/most-watched-television-events-world/

2 http://www.worldometers.info/world-population/

3 2014 http://www.ibtimes.com/super-bowl-2014-ratings-how-many-people-watched-seattle-seahawks-vs-denver-broncos-1552989

2013 http://www.ibtimes.com/super-bowl-2013-how-many-people-watched-baltimore-ravens-over-san-francisco-49ers-1060698

2012 http://www.politico.com/blogs/media/2012/02/million-people-watched-super-bowl-113632.html

2011 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/07/super-bowl-2011-ratings-s_n_819559.html

2010 http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/02/08/super-bowl-gets-1065-million-viewers-most-in-american-tv-history/

4 This may sound like my opinion, but whether or not you or I or anyone else believes it or feels differently about the ranking of the greatest events in history, the truth is what it is, and it will not change based on anyone’s opinion.  Thus, I have left it as an absolute since inspired men and scriptures call these events the greatest.  In addition, whether you believe in the atonement, or choose to apply its healing and enabling powers or not, that does not diminish or change that fact that Jesus Christ did in fact come to earth, and that the events that took place as mentioned above made every other event on the earth possible, including the joy, pleasure, pain, and love that we feel when we experience any other type of event.

5 This gift, the birth of Jesus Christ, and his subsequent atonement in its truest sense also encompasses the crucifixion, and the following resurrection.  And really, encompasses the entire life and mission of Jesus Christ since his coming to earth was in order to complete the atonement and make salvation possible through repentance and obedience to his gospel.

6 There has obviously been several videos, movies, clips, etc. made to depict the birth of Christ, but my point here is the actual (live) event was not recorded and is not available to be viewed in the way we think when we ‘watch movies’.

7 Several prophets were shown the birth in vision in order to prophesy of his coming/birth.  There are too many to mention by name – so I will not make an attempt.  For a complete list and explanation of all of them, see “The Promised Messiah” by Bruce R. McConkie.

Contracts at Christmas

02 Tuesday Dec 2014

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When I was a kid, probably around 10 or 11 years old, I took Christmas wish list formulation to a whole new level.  Im sure my mom never saw it coming and my dad just shook his head and wondered what planet I came from. Let me take you back.

It was the good old days when the original nintendo was a highly advanced gaming system whose crisp sharp substandard definition 2 pixel characters dazzled the eyes. It was absolutely amazing. Its controller was only to be wielded by the most advanced of technicians. It consisted of a directional pad, and two, yes, two, other buttons, brilliantly named A and B.  For the supremely advanced, there were also “start”, and “select” buttons.  It came with probably the most famous video game in the known universe in Mario brothers, and later would be known for other greats such as Bugs Bunny, Marble Madness and Tecmo Bowl. Those names alone bring back floods of memories that cannot be forsaken. This Nintendo, was the sole item on my christmas list.

During this time known as “the great video game awakening”, Christmas at our house was fast approaching, and I remember Tyson and I lying awake in our beds for HOURS, scheming, planning, brain-storming (most of this was me, I don’t think Tyson actually cared that much) for any ideas to make our (my) dream of NES ownership come true.  Finally, it came to me one night in a revelation (loose interpretation of that word). I would create a contract. This  contract would consist of absolutely legit and legally binding agreements between I, the executer, and mom and dad. They,  the enforcers, would lay out some terms that would guarantee that upon receiving the NES system, we, the children of said household, would always do homework, chores, practice piano, and any other wish or desire of the parents prior to partaking in its awesomeness.  We basically would sign our whole lives, and time away to be in the complete control of our parents.

I then went and strongly suggested (forced) each child sign the paper, contractually binding them to their word.  After the signing ceremony, I presented the first completed contract upon our Mother’s desk and stated that, “Hereupon lies the signatures of your children, we, the undersigned, do agree to be perfect, in exchange for a consent to allow a Mr. Santa Clause to deliver a NES system, and that you, the aforementioned parents will, upon adequate fulfillment of said children’s obligations, shall not inhibit the awesome participation thereof. Pretty impressive legalese for a 10 year old right?

Subsequently, because of overwhelming evidence that the children of the contract, were, in fact, perfect, Santa did bring a Nintendo Entertainment System, and it was enjoyed for many years thenceforth.  It seemed at the time to be the most precious gift ever bestowed upon the children of man,  that is, until I grew up….

Lets now take off our frost covered, candy cane Christmas glasses and see things as they should be. The greatest gift we can receive is not a plastic box that melts our brains slowly over time, but that which our oldest brother, our Savior, has already given us.

Isaiah said it in a beautiful way, “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.

Isaiah’s declaration summarizes exactly who Jesus Christ would be. His words also explain that Jesus Christ was a gift that would be given. He was born unto us, a Son given to us. So, how was Jesus Christ himself a gift? What is it about the King of Kings that qualifies him as a gift? In His own words he explained, “I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” So, our older brother gave himself as a gift.  Himself, as in, he gave his flesh, and his life. Remember the words used to describe his last mortal moment, He “gave up the ghost”.

Every act, every breath, every word, every thought was a gift to us. He learned how to give from His Father.  John explained, ” For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Our Father gave us His only begotten Son, in order to enable all of us to return to Him. And its more than just returning to live with Him. Because of the gift of Jesus Christ, we were promised that if we believe in Him, we would not perish but have everlasting life. Everlasting  life is not an adjective describing how long we will live, but more like a noun describing what we can be. Eternal life is Christ’s life. Christ’s life is eternal life. This is ultimately the gift that He has given us. His life. To  live as he does. To be a joint heir with Him. He alone made it possible. Our Father in Heaven gave us Jesus Christ, and Jesus Christ gave himself to us.  This is the most precious and greatest gift ever bestowed upon mankind. Ever.

Receiving Gifts

02 Tuesday Dec 2014

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Many people, stories, talks, blog posts, commentaries, thoughts, etc. this Christmas season will likely turn and encourage all of us to spend a bit more time sharing or giving gifts, but since I am selfish I will focus this particular post on the act of receiving gifts this Christmas season.  And not just receiving gifts when they are packaged up nicely with a bow, but also rummaging through the house looking for them.

In one of the most amazing revelations ever given the Lord Himself declared “…they shall return again to their own place, to enjoy that which they are willing to receive, because they were not willing to enjoy that which they might have received.  For what doth it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him, and he receive not the gift?  Behold, he rejoices not in that which is given unto him, neither rejoices in him who is the giver of the gift”. 1

To make the point of receiving gifts even more clearly at the outset, I think it is appropriate to make a list, since lists are always appropriate.

  1. We can only enjoythat which we are willing to receive.  This statement is made very clear, by indicating that those who do not enjoy the gifts of the celestial kingdom, do (not) so by their own choice, since they were not willing to enjoy that which they might have received.  Yet for us to understand this statement, we must define ‘enjoy’, and we must understand the use of ‘willing’ in this sentence.
  2. The best definition for enjoy is “to have and usewith satisfaction or joy”.  The critical term ‘and use’ indicates that there is some action of difference between simply having, and actually using that creates the state that can be termed ‘enjoy[ment]’.   After all, we’ve all been given gifts that we ‘have’ (you know, the ones sitting in a box on the shelf in the garage…in its original package) and we’ve all been given gifts that we have and use.  That is the difference, and with that we can understand the word ‘enjoy’.
  3. The footnote in verse 32 (b) for ‘willing’ indicates a study of the word ‘agency’ or ‘choice’.

With the understanding of item 1 (on our list), we could perhaps re-phrase verse 32 to read something like this: “…they shall return again to their own place, [to have and use with satisfaction and joy] that which they [chose] to receive, because they did not [choose] [to have and use with satisfaction and joy] that which they might have received.  For what doth it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him, and he receive not the gift?

I know the answer, and the answer is nothing.

I am going to throw my two youngest sisters and under the bus now, and I don’t feel too bad about it because 1) the older of my two sisters is currently on a mission in Tijjana, Mexico, and the younger of the two leaves tomorrow for her mission in Tokyo, Japan; 2) they are both awesome and amazing and probably won’t read this blog post anyway2; and 3) it provides me with an excellent example to illustrate this point.

Backstory: For Christmas last year, I gave each of my 7 siblings, plus each of my parents a book.  The book I gave the 4 sisters was the same, but the note that I wrote in the front was personalized, and indicated why I thought they should read it, or what they could hope to gain from reading it.  It was a book that I had read and that I thought would help them a great deal with life, lessons, and the gospel.  I thought that if they read it, they could learn a lot of things, just like I had learned.  A couple of months ago, while at my parent’s house, I happened upon a bookshelf (in my sisters room – the one in Tijuana) – where I spotted the book that I had given her for Christmas.  I naturally grabbed it, opened it up and fully expected to see markings, highlights, insights, and many documented proofs of her great love and appreciation for the book that I had given her.  What I did see was her bookmark located about page 3 of the book.  I won’t lie, I did not feel like she had ‘received the gift’ and therefore had not ‘profited’ by reading it.  Then, only a few weeks later, we were staying at my parents house again and we happened to be in my youngest sisters room – where I beheld on her book shelf the book that I had given her for Christmas – and the same sad story was repeated.3

Verse 33 of this passage also highlights two more lessons that we must know in order to properly receive a gift.  They are also best explained by a list, which identifies the missed opportunities if we “receive not the gift”:

  1. He rejoices not in that which is givenunto him
  2. Neither rejoices in him who is the giver of the gift

I imagine we can all think of a gift that we have either received or that has been given by us, that has been used with satisfaction or joy. These types of gifts, allow both the giver and the receiver “to understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together”. 4 The opposite of this potential joy as described above, is the lack of enjoyment, rejoicing, and satisfaction that can only come with the active receiving of gifts (like the book I gave my sisters).

Therefore, my purpose in this post – and in the making of lists to highlight important positive and negative consequences – is to make sure that this Christmas season, all of us focus on becoming the best gift receivers that we can be.   Because after all, by being great gift receivers, we can 1) “rejoice in that which is given” and 2) “rejoice in him who is the giver of the gift”.  In order to accomplish this feat, there are three critical objectives necessary for gift receiving:

  1. Recognizethat which is given

Our first objective in becoming great gift receivers is to recognize “that which is given”.  At this point, I could try to come up with some fancy words, or great points (or lists) to make about the best gift, but someone much more talented than me has already done it.  So, as a very real motivation and invitation to proclaim (discover, embrace, and share) the greatest gift this Christmas season, please go here to recognize “that which is given” to each of us.  Once we have recognized what has been given, it allows us to truly “rejoice in him who is the giver of the gift”.

Much has been said, and much will continue to be said about this gift, and the giver of this amazing gift, and it is literally the gift that keeps on giving.  It is the source of all other gifts, the source of all joy, all light, all hope, and all love, and this gift gets better with age and with increased use as we personalize and “use it with satisfaction”.  The gift of a savior is the most loving, caring, wise, and needful thing that could ever be given.  “At the very core of our mortal probation is the choice to receive Jesus as the Christ”. 5

  1. Seek for more gifts

Our second objective in becoming great gift receivers is to continually want more gifts.  That shouldn’t be hard right?  I don’t know if I’ve ever heard a child tell me on Christmas that they were tired of receiving gifts.  We can have more and more gifts too; we just need to know how and where to find them.  “No message appears in scripture more times, in more ways than, ask, and ye shall receive”. 6 And not only is it an invitation, but “each of us accepts a sacred and ongoing responsibility to desire, to seek, to work, and to live that we indeed receive…”.7 At this point, we are even encouraged to become a bit greedy – supported by the commandments to “lay hold upon every good gift,”8 “Seek  ye earnestly the best gifts”,9 and even “Covet earnestly the best gifts”.10 

The best gifts include “long-suffering, gentleness, meekness, love unfeigned, kindness, pure knowledge”, 11 unshakeable faith and/or testimony12, or maybe even “his image in our countenance”. 13 But, perhaps more than anything, we should “covet earnestly” His unselfish and infinite love.  We should seek for it, lay hold upon it, and covet it earnestly.  It should be noted again here that the Lord himself said “seek ye diligently and ye shall find me; ask and ye shall receive”.14  Perhaps this is the process that Alma and Enos followed, because they both indicate that they also ‘received’ a remission of their sins.15

The Father’s gift of His son, and Jesus Christ’s gift of His life (His atonement and His declaration of love) are Their gift to us.  Let that gift sink in.  Appreciate it.  Savor it.  Let it change us.  Let it help us.  Let it give us peace.  Let it calm our troubled hearts.16 Let it bless us.  Let it feed our hungry souls.  Let it bless in time of need.17 Enjoy it (let us have it and use it for our satisfaction).  Let us feel grateful for it.  Let us share it. Let it move us to action.  Let it change our hearts and our eyes so that we can see as He sees.

  1. Give it away

The last and maybe most important element in becoming great gift receivers – is the understanding that in order to fully receive anything it is necessary to give it away.  While this may seem like an opposite, the truth is that giving is in fact the truest form of receiving.  So, in all of our seeking, coveting, and asking for gifts, let it be understood that we should be giving them all away in order to fully receive them.  Let us covet his love so that we can give it away freely.  Let us covet our free will so that we can voluntarily submit and place it on God’s altar as the only uniquely personal thing that we have to offer.18 

How silently, how silently

The wondrous gift is giv’n

So God imparts to human hearts

The blessings of his heav’n

No ear may hear his coming

But in this world of sin

Where meek souls will receive him

The dear Christ enters in19 

Let us rejoice in Him who is the giver of the gift by receiving His love and His gift and helping Him to give it away.

#ShareTheGift

Notes

1 D&C 88:32-33

2 Dear Kaitlyn and Kallie, if you read this years from now, or really any time at all.  Know that I love you and think you are both amazing.  In addition, I realize that I am just as much at fault in this story, if I presented you with a gift that you did not ‘choose’ to receive because it wasn’t what you wanted (even though I may have thought you needed it) at the time. Maybe someday you will read it and we can rejoice together.

3 It should be noted that Kaitlyn and Kallie are the only siblings that I have proof of not reading my gift from last Christmas – it could be possible that the other two sisters, and my parents have failed to read the books that I gave them for Christmas as well.  I refuse to believe however that my three brothers didn’t read the book that I gave them, because if they didn’t It would be a personal insult to everything that I hold dear, and since they are fellow writers on this blog, I hold them to a much higher standard than anyone else.

4 D&C 50:22

5 See “Receiving by The Spirit”, by A. Roger Merrill – October 2006

6 See “Reverence Invites Revelation”, by Boyd K. Packer – October 1991.  He also lists Matt. 21:22; James 4:3; 1 Jn. 3:22; 1 Ne. 15:11; Enos 1:15; Mosiah 4:21; D&C 4:7; and Moses 6:52 as examples of this.

7 See “Receive the Holy Ghost”, by David A. Bednar, October 2010

8 See Moroni 10

9 See D&C 46

10 1 Cor. 13:31

11 See D&C 121:41-42

12 See Enos 1:11, Mormon 9:28, 2 Ne. 31:19, and Jacob 7:5.

13 Alma 5:14

14 D&C 88:63

15 See Alma 38:8 and Enos 1:2

16 See Hymn 136 “I Know That My Redeemer Lives”

17 Ibid.

18 See “Swallowed up in the Will of The Father”, by Neal A. Maxwell, October 1995

19 See Hymn 208 “O Little Town of Bethlehem”

Introduction to December

01 Monday Dec 2014

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Some stories never get old – and the Christmas story is one of those stories.  It seems like every year, we forget how amazing of a story it really is.

The month of December starts today.  It is the month that the world celebrates the birth of our Savior by gathering as friends and families and by giving gifts to those we love.  It’s also the month that we listen to Christmas music and get reminded of silent nights, holy nights, drummer boys, angels singing from on high, peace on earth, joy to the earth, glorias, bleak midwinters, manger stalls, carols of bells, noels, hallelujahs, gleaming stars, merry gentlemen, midnight clears, Judea’s plains, and David’s city.  Each of which remind us of a small child wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  It is a month when the world tries to share a little more love, a little more peace, a little more joy, and is generally a little more humbled by the amazing Christmas story.

We – the writers of this blog – are therefore focusing each entry this month on this amazing story.  The story that is the birth of the most amazing story of all.   We hope that the entries this month will help you feel the true spirit of Christmas, and the true reason for all of us celebrating the greatest gift that has ever been given.