Friday, November 30, 2012

Let us see this thing which is come to pass

 
 
"We all enjoy given and receiving presents. But there is a difference between presents and gifts.
The true gifts may be part of ourselves giving of the riches of the heart and mind and therefore more enduring and of far greater worth than presents bought at the store."
 
James E. Faust
 
 
"This is a glorious time of the year, simple in origin, deep in meaning, beautiful in tradition and custom, rich in memories, and charitable in spirit. It has an attraction to which our hearts are readily drawn. This joyful season brings to each of us a measure of happiness that corresponds to the degree in which we have turned our mind, feelings, and actions to the spirit of Christmas."
 
Thomas S. Monson
 
"William George Jordan once said, 'Man has two creators, his God and himself. The first creator furnishes him the raw materials of his life the laws and conformity with which he can make that life what he will. The second creator himself has powers he rarely realizes. It is what a man makes of himself that counts.'"
Marvin J. Ashton
 
We do not worship Mary, but we do regard her very highly. She is among the most worthy and noble of women the most privileged of all mothers. And while Mary is not typical, she is an example to all mothers.
If we listen we can still hear the echo of the angel's words: "Hail, thou that art highly favoured, … blessed art thou among women." And likewise we hear Mary's own exclamation: "… My soul doth magnify the Lord,
And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
"For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. … from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed."
Robert J. Matthews
I wonder how many in Bethlehem knew that right there, close to them, the Savior had been born? The Son of God, the long-awaited and promised Messiah He was in their midst!
Do you remember what the angel told the shepherds?
"Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." And they said to themselves,
"Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass"
Like the shepherds of old, we need to say in our hearts, "Let us see this thing which is come to pass." We need to desire it in our hearts. Let us see the Holy One of Israel in the manger, in the temple, on the mount, and on the cross. Like the shepherds, let us glorify and praise God for these tidings of great joy!
Sometimes the most difficult things to see are those that have been right in front of us all along. Like the grandfather who failed to see the stars on the ceiling, we sometimes cannot see that which is in plain sight.
We who have heard the glorious message of the coming of the Son of God, we who have taken upon us His name and have covenanted to walk in His path as His disciples we must not fail to open our hearts and minds and truly see Him.
The Christmas season is wonderful in many ways. It is a season of charitable acts of kindness and brotherly love. It is a season of being more reflective about our own lives and about the many blessings that are ours. It is a season of forgiving and being forgiven. It is a season to enjoy the music and lights, parties and presents. But the glitter of the season should never dim our sight and prevent us from truly seeing the Prince of Peace in His majesty.
Let us all make this year's Christmas season a time of rejoicing and celebration, a time when we acknowledge the miracle that our Almighty God sent His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem the world!
Dieter F. Uchtcord
 
 
 
 

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