Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah 31 December 2017

 Bulletin

Of this be sure: You do not find the happy life—you make it” (Elder Thomas S Monson, “Attitudes of Accomplishment,” BYU devotional, May 19, 1970).

Sacrament Service 

First Speaker

Like a new year can bring change, so it is with repentance.

“We often associate the advent of a new year with resolutions and goals. We resolve to improve, to change, to try again. Perhaps the most important way we can try again is by embracing what President Monson has called ‘the gift of repentance.’” (The Gift of Repentance, Liahona January 2018)

“We have all made incorrect choices. If we have not already corrected such choices, I assure you that there is a way to do so. The process is called repentance. I plead with you to correct your mistakes. Our Savior died to provide you and me that blessed gift. Although the path is not easy, the promise is real: ‘Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow’ [Isaiah 1:18]. ‘And I, the Lord, remember them no more’ [D&C 58:42]. Don’t put your eternal life at risk. If you have sinned, the sooner you begin to make your way back, the sooner you will find the sweet peace and joy that come with the miracle of forgiveness.” (President Thomas S Monson, “The Three Rs of Choice,” Liahona, Nov. 2010, 69.)

DnC 58:42

42 Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more.

Isaiah 1:18

18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

“Although it is imperative that we choose wisely, there are times when we will make foolish choices. The gift of repentance, provided by our Savior, enables us to correct our course settings, that we might return to the path which will lead us to that celestial glory we seek.”

“Although it is imperative that we choose wisely, there are times when we will make foolish choices. The gift of repentance, provided by our Savior, enables us to correct our course settings, that we might return to the path which will lead us to that celestial glory we seek.” (President Thomas S Monson, “Choices”, April 2016 General Conference)

“In our lives of trials and tribulations and constant changes, it is obvious that we all seek for some measure of security—something steady and unchanging to cling to—and we have surrounded ourselves with all kinds of devices or organizations that carry the word security. For example, we use security blankets to soothe and comfort our children. We install security systems to protect our homes and our personal possessions. The Social Security system was created as a protection against temporal storms. In the political arena, the Security Council of the United Nations attempts to maintain peace among the nations of the world. At times we are amused by this all-consuming search for so-called security, but we require it and are willing to pay for it. However, despite all our efforts, we still do not gain the real security that we seek. Is it because we put our trust in the arm of flesh?” (Elder Charles Didier, “Spiritual Security”, April 1987 General Conference)

Beware of relative righteousness.  We might feel that we are righteous because we compare what we do to what others do.

Next Speaker

“Unfortunately, some in the Church may believe sincerely that their testimony is a raging bonfire when it really is little more than the faint flickering of a candle. Their faithfulness has more to do with habit than holiness, and their pursuit of personal righteousness almost always takes a back seat to their pursuit of personal interests and pleasure.” (Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Spiritual Bonfires of Testimony”, October 1992 General Conference)

“Life turns out to be a succession of trials and errors. Add “repent often” to your list of things to do. This will bring you lasting peace that cannot be purchased at any earthly price. Understanding the Atonement may be the one most important truth that you can learn in your youth.” (President Boyd K. Packer, “How to Survive in Enemy Territory”, April 2012 General Conference)

Mosiah 28
3 Now they were desirous that salvation should be declared to every creature, for they could not bear that any human soul should perish; yea, even the very thoughts that any soul should endure endless torment did cause them to quake and tremble.

Repentance restores perspective.

Isaiah 13:9-10

9 Behold, the day of the Lord cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it.

10 For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine.

Don’t try to convince.  Just be a witness.

2 Kings 6

15 And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?

16 And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.

17 And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.

2 Nephi 25

26 And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.

Next Speaker

Sometimes we get off route, sometimes it is because we don’t pay attention to those who know the route.

DnC 58

27 Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;

28 For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward.

We are allowed to serve as agents of God

Listen above the distracting noises of the world to find that still small voice.

Prayer is essential.

Sunday School 

John 5

39 ¶ Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.

The scriptures the saints had in the New Testament were from the old testament time period, since the scripture in our new testament hadn't been fully written or compiled yet. 

The Old Testament testifies of Christ. That is why it is called the old testament. It is a testament or testimony of Christ. 

2 Tim 3:15-17

15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Timothy is speaking likely of the old testament or other scripture from the old testament time period. 

1 Nephi 19

Seven keys for understanding the Old Testament:

1 - Study

2 - Live the Commandments 

3 - Get Insight from Latter-day Scripture

4 - The Ancients Had Knowledge of the Gospel

5 - Understand the Nature of God

6 - Understand the Nature of Covenants

7 - Liken the Scriptures Unto Ourselves

We should not just believe things, but we should do them. 

DnC 89

18 And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;

19 And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;

Deut 6:4-5

4 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord:

5 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

Leviticus 19:18

18 ¶ Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord.

Elders Quorum 

Be interested in others in order to best serve them. 

Be proactive in helping others or finding out their needs. 

Be a true neighbor. 

Treat everyone as our brothers and sisters, not just our ward and stake members of the church. 

Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah 17 Dec 2017

 Bulletin

“May you have a wonderful Christmas. May there be love and kindness and peace within your hearts and homes. May even those whose hearts are heavy rise with the healing which comes alone from Him who comforts and assures. With the Spirit of Christ in our lives, we will have goodwill and love toward all mankind, not only during this season, but throughout the year as well.” - President Thomas S Monson

Sacrament Service 

First Speaker

A missionary leaving for Ventura, CA, Spanish speaking, spoke to us.

JST, Hebrews 11:1

1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Alma 37

38 And now, my son, I have somewhat to say concerning the thing which our fathers call a ball, or director—or our fathers called it Liahona, which is, being interpreted, a compass; and the Lord prepared it.

39 And behold, there cannot any man work after the manner of so curious a workmanship. And behold, it was prepared to show unto our fathers the course which they should travel in the wilderness.

40 And it did work for them according to their faith in God; therefore, if they had faith to believe that God could cause that those spindles should point the way they should go, behold, it was done; therefore they had this miracle, and also many other miracles wrought by the power of God, day by day.

1 Nephi 3:7

7 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.

1 Corinthians 10

13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

“When, in situations of stress, we wonder if there is any more in us to give, we can be comforted to know that God, who knows our capacities perfectly, placed us here to succeed. No one was foreordained to fail or to be wicked.” (Elder Neal A. Maxwell, “A More Determined Discipleship”, February 1979 Ensign)

James 2

18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

Next Speaker

Away in a Manger Verse 3

3. 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.

Bedrock is seismically stable.  Not moved by water.  It is solid rock under loose top soil.

Bedrock is formed by pebbles, sand, and soil that come under intense pressure for lengthy periods of time.

Helaman 5:17

17 And it came to pass that they did preach with great power, insomuch that they did confound many of those dissenters who had gone over from the Nephites, insomuch that they came forth and did confess their sins and were baptized unto repentance, and immediately returned to the Nephites to endeavor to repair unto them the wrongs which they had done.

What bedrock characteristics did the following people have?

Moses, Abraham, Joseph Smith, the pioneers.

Luke 6:16-49

“In 2 Peter and in Doctrine and Covenants section 4, we learn that faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the foundation. We measure our faith by what it leads us to do—by our obedience.” (Elder Robert D. Hales, “Becoming a Disciple of Our Lord Jesus Christ”, April 2017 General Conference)

The rock around the core of Earth has been created by intense heat and pressure.

“If you have never had the foundation we speak of, or through neglect have let it crack or crumble, it is not too late to put on a hard hat and go to work. All the tools you need are available to you. These are the same tools used to maintain an established foundation.” (Elder Donald L. Hallstrom, “How Firm a Foundation”, CES Devotional for Young Adults • November 2, 2014 • Ogden Tabernacle, Ogden, Utah)

Sunday School 

Liberty Jail - Prison or Temple

Much revelation was received there. How can revelation be received in such a place? How can we receive revelation in the darkness of our trials? 

A glow stick must be broken for it to reach its full potential and in order to glow brightly.  We cannot see our full potential until the Lord breaks us, until we have a broken heart and a contrite spirit.  A horse is not a useful worker and companion until it is broken.

Dnc 121:41-42

41 No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned;

42 By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile

“...remember that in the midst of these difficult feelings when one could justifiably be angry or reactionary or vengeful, wanting to demand an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, the Lord reminds us from the Liberty Jail prison-temple that “the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only [or ‘except’] upon the principles of righteousness” (D&C 121:36).” (Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, “Lessons from Liberty Jail”, September 2009 Ensign)

Elders Quorum 

The lesson was based on Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Gordon B Hinckley, Chapter 23 Gordon B Hinckley - Blessings of the Holy Temple

“I believe that no member of the Church has received the ultimate which this Church has to give until he or she has received his or her temple blessings in the house of the Lord,”

“We will construct small temples in some of these areas. … They [will] be built to temple standards, which are much higher than meetinghouse standards. They [will] accommodate baptisms for the dead, the endowment service, sealings, and all other ordinances to be had in the Lord’s house for both the living and the dead.”

Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah 10 Dec 2017

Bulletin

Isaiah 9:6

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.

Sacrament Service 

First Speaker

Work and Self Reliance

DnC 60:13

13 Behold, they have been sent to preach my gospel among the congregations of the wicked; wherefore, I give unto them a commandment, thus: Thou shalt not idle away thy time, neither shalt thou bury thy talent that it may not be known.

Next Speaker

“A trek back to our Heavenly Father is the most important trek of our lives, and it continues each day, each week, each month, and each year as we increase our faith in Him and in His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ.

“We must be careful where our footsteps in life take us.” (Elder M. Russell Ballard, “The Trek Continues!”, October 2017 General Conference)

“I want to say right here, that my faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ as taught by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is as strong today, nay, it is if possible stronger than it was the day I was first baptized. I pay my tithes and offerings, keep the word of wisdom, I go to bed early and rise early, I try in my feeble way to set a good example to all.”(Jane Manning James autobiography, ca. 1902, Church History Library, Salt Lake City; see also James Goldberg, “The Autobiography of Jane Manning James,” Dec. 11, 2013, history.lds.org.)

“Many of us are on amazing journeys of discovery—leading to personal fulfillment and spiritual enlightenment. Some of us, however, are on a trek that leads to sorrow, sin, anguish, and despair.

“In this context, please ask yourself: What is your final destination? Where are your footsteps taking you? And is your journey leading you to that ‘multiplicity of blessings’ the Savior has promised?” (Elder M. Russell Ballard, “The Trek Continues!”, October 2017 General Conference)

Next Speaker

“My brothers and sisters, there is no tomorrow to remember if we don’t do something today.”

…

“Let us relish life as we live it, find joy in the journey, and share our love with friends and family. One day each of us will run out of tomorrows.” (President Thomas S. Monson, “Finding Joy in the Journey”, October 2008 General Conference)

Sunday School 

Dnc 97:21

21 Therefore, verily, thus saith the Lord, let Zion rejoice, for this is Zion—the pure in heart; therefore, let Zion rejoice, while all the wicked shall mourn.

Moses 7:19

19 And Enoch continued his preaching in righteousness unto the people of God. And it came to pass in his days, that he built a city that was called the City of Holiness, even Zion.

Article of Faith 10

We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.

Hebrews 12:22-23

22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,

23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,

Even when our lives are busy and hectic, we can feel the spirit, especially in our homes. 

The people bring the spirit or drive away the spirit in the home by their choices. 

Elders Quorum 

My Lesson Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Gordon B Hinckley, Chapter 24

Chapter 24 - The Atonement of Jesus Christ: Vast in Its Reach, Intimate in Its Effect

From the manual:

“On January 1, 2000, President Gordon B. Hinckley led the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in publishing their unified testimony of the Savior. In this message, titled ‘The Living Christ,” they declared: ‘We offer our testimony of the reality of His matchless life and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice. None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth.’” 

In 1995, we had the family proclamation given. Then in 2000 we were given The Living Christ document. One could say that The Living Christ is also a proclamation. Any thoughts on why they were both given around the same time? Any thoughts on why they needed to spell out these things in this way when these doctrines were already given throughout the scriptures and modern revelation? 

Perhaps these documents are for a broader audience than those already familiar with scripture and prophets.  The prophet is the prophet for the whole earth. Perhaps the message would be more likely revived in a concise document for those not actively studying. 

A few months after “The Living Christ” was given, President Hinckley shared some things about The Savior:

“Jesus is my friend.”

“He is my exemplar.”

“He is my healer.”

“He is my leader.”

“He is my Savior and my Redeemer.”

“He is my God and my King.”

“None other can take His place.  None other ever will.”

What experiences have you had with Christ that make you think He is my…? 

Let’s read about The Savior’s struggle as he played and let’s try to identify with what he was going through in small measure by thinking of our prayers that we pray to Father with the burdens we carry.

Page 325, Heading “Suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane”:

“There followed the suffering of Gethsemane, “which suffering,” He said, “caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit” (D&C 19:18).

“In the Garden of Gethsemane, He suffered so greatly that he sweat drops of blood as He pleaded with His Father. But this was all a part of His great atoning sacrifice.

“[I once sat] in the shadow of an old olive tree [in the Garden of Gethsemane] and read of that terrible wrestling of the Son of God as He faced the certain future, sweating drops of blood and praying to His Father to let the cup pass if it might—but saying, Nevertheless, Thy will be done, not mine. . . . I had an overwhelming feeling that He wasn’t making His plea, He wasn’t facing that ordeal in terms of the physical pain He was about to face, the terrible, brutal crucifixion on the cross. That was part of it, I am sure. But in large measure it was, I think, a sense on His part of His role in the eternal welfare of all of the sons and daughters of God, of all generations of time.

“Everything depended on Him—His atoning sacrifice. That was the key. That was the keystone in the arch of the great plan which the Father had brought forth for the eternal life of His sons and daughters. Terrible as it was to face it, and burdensome as it was to realize it, He faced it, He accomplished it, and it was a marvelous and wonderful thing. It is beyond our comprehension, I believe. Nevertheless, we glimpse it in small part and must learn to appreciate it more and more and more.”

For some reason as. I read this I thought about the ferventness of the Savior’s prayer as compared to how fervent my prayers are not at times.  

I also thought about all of the trials I have gone through and him carrying all of those at that time in Gethsemane.  I thought of all my sins and the Savior carrying all of those at that time in Gethsemane.  I also thought of some people that had struggles more intense than mine and the Savior carrying all of those in addition to mine in Gethsemane. Job, Joseph and the men in Liberty Jail, the saints constantly being moved from placed to place, the sins of Saul and of Alma the younger and of Alma the elder before they repented.

My struggles aren’t anything like The Savior’s, but sometimes they feel very heavy and often it should be necessary to put a lot of effort into praying for understanding of Father’s will.

I thought about the Savior as our example in how to pray.  Often we think of that example as being the Lord’s Prayer:  “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.”, but His prayer in the garden seems very instructive as well for determination to get an answer and determination to do God’s will.

It made me ponder on how I go about my prayers when I need an answer or need to get through a struggle.  The Savior’s example reminds us that one of the purposes of prayer is to align our will to His, not change His to ours.

It made me reflect on something I heard recently, “You can’t expect a $1000 answer from a 2 cent prayer.”

President Hinckley said - Page 326:

“I remember being with President Harold B. Lee . . . in the Garden of Gethsemane in Jerusalem. We could sense, if only in a very small degree, the terrible struggle that took place there, a struggle so intense, as Jesus wrestled alone in the spirit, that blood came from every pore (see Luke 22:44; D&C 19:18). We recalled the betrayal by one who had been called to a position of trust. We recalled that evil men laid brutal hands upon the Son of God. We recalled that lonely figure on the cross, crying out in anguish, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Matt. 27:46). Yet, courageously, the Savior of the world moved forward to bring about the Atonement in our behalf.”

Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah 3 Dec 2017

Bulletin 

“Let us be a temple-attending and a temple-loving people”  (President Howard W Hunter,  “A Temple-Motivated People”, Ensign October 2010)

Sacrament Service

Sunday School 

The Family: A Proclamation to the World 

“When President Gordon B. Hinckley first read “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” 20 years ago this year, we were grateful for and valued the clarity, simplicity, and truth of this revelatory document. Little did we realize then how very desperately we would need these basic declarations in today’s world as the criteria by which we could judge each new wind of worldly dogma coming at us from the media, the Internet, scholars, TV and films, and even legislators. The proclamation on the family has become our benchmark for judging the philosophies of the world, and I testify that the principles set forth within this statement are as true today as they were when they were given to us by a prophet of God nearly 20 years ago.”(President Bonnie L. Oscarson, “Defenders of the Family Proclamation”, )

“With so much of sophistry that is passed off as truth, with so much of deception concerning standards and values, with so much of allurement and enticement to take on the slow stain of the world, we have felt to warn and forewarn. In furtherance of this we of the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles now issue a proclamation to the Church and to the world as a declaration and reaffirmation of standards, doctrines, and practices relative to the family which the prophets, seers, and revelators of this church have repeatedly stated throughout its history.” (President Gordon B. Hinckley, “Stand Strong against the Wiles of the World”, October 1995 General Conference)

“I believe our attitude toward and use of the family proclamation is one of those tests for this generation. I pray for all Latter-day Saints to stand firm in that test.” (Elder Dallin H. Oaks, “The Plan and the Proclamation”, October 2017 General Conference)

Elders Quorum 

First Presidency Devotional

Sister Christina B Franco, “Forgive One Another”

“It is really good to give something that we truly like, something that’s hard to give because we are fond of it, something that would be a sacrifice. That is what our Heavenly Father’s gift for us was. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ—not just any son. He sent His Beloved and perfect Son so we can go back to live with Him once again.”

“Give these gifts throughout the year…”

1. Christmas is the season to give love.

“The full and essential nature of love we may not understand, but there are tests by which it may be recognized.

“Love is always founded in truth. … Lies and deceit, or any other violation of the moral law, are proofs of love’s absence. Love perishes in the midst of untruth. … Thus, … [he] who falsifies to his loved one, or offers her any act contrary to truth, does not really love her.

“Further, love does not offend or hurt or injure the loved one. … Cruelty is as absent from love … as truth is from untruth. …

“Love is a positive active force. It helps the loved one. If there is need, love tries to supply it. If there is weakness, love supplants it with strength. … Love that does not help is a faked or transient love.

“Good as these tests are, there is a greater one. True love sacrifices for the loved one. … That is the final test. Christ gave of Himself, gave His life, for us, and thereby proclaimed the reality of his love for his mortal brethren and sisters.”

2. Christmas is a season to give service.

3. Christmas is the season to give forgiveness.

“However late you think you are, however many chances you think you have missed, however many mistakes you feel you have made or talents you think you don’t have, or however far from home and family and God you feel you have traveled, I testify that you have not traveled beyond the reach of divine love. It is not possible for you to sink lower than the infinite light of Christ’s Atonement shines.” (Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Laborers in the Vineyard,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2012, 33.)

“Brothers and sisters, at this Christmas season, let us all give the best gifts. Let us sacrifice with grateful hearts our favorite toys—not the ones we’ve worn out. And let us give the gift of love, the gift of service to those around us, and the true gift of forgiveness. For as we repent, the Holy One of Israel forgives us.”

Elder Kevin R Duncan, “Heavenly Gifts”

“Brothers and sisters, all of us at one time or another have or will feel lonely, sick, depressed, poor, or far from home. Thankfully, we have an Eternal Father and a Savior who understand us. As we go to Them, They will take us by the hand and help us through every challenge.

“And brothers and sisters, at one time or another we will all know someone else who is lonely, sick, depressed, poor, or far from home. Our Father and the Savior may direct us to help others, and it will be our privilege to do so.”

“As a child, I thought Christmas came just one day a year. As an adult, I now realize it is Christmas every day. Because of the benevolence of a loving Heavenly Father and a beloved Savior, Jesus Christ, we are the recipients of a continuous flow of heavenly gifts—every day. Heavenly gifts too numerous to mention.”

“Yes, it is Jesus Christ’s birthday that we celebrate each Christmas season, but because of the goodness of the Father and the Son, we still get all the presents.”

President Dieter F Uchtdorf, “Scatter Your Crumbs”

“Christmas traditions are celebrated in the cultures and nations of this world in amazing, unique ways. They are each beautiful and remarkable, and still very different.

“But they all have a common feeling, a common spirit that always seems to be present when we celebrate the birth of Christ the King, our Comforter and Confidence, the Consolation of Israel!”

“Christmas inspires us to love better.”

“But the love of which I speak is something far more profound. Our mortal concept of love is a speck of sand on a vast seashore compared to the love God feels for us.”

Luke 4

18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

“Regardless of our position in life, every one of us is a timid robin—a beggar—before God. We depend on His grace.”

“But let us never forget that we are disciples and followers of Jesus Christ, the living Son of the living God. To truly honor His coming into the world, we must do as He did and reach out in compassion and mercy to our fellowmen.”