This is a long article this week, but a great way to usher in December: http://lds.org/general-conference/1993/04/gifts?lang=eng&format=conference
From President Monson, it'a all about the gifts of the season. We celebrate, first and foremost, the gift of life over spiritual and physical death that the Christ child brought to each of us as he descended from glory to earth. His birth, life and death are the ultimate gifts. But when we break it down into 4 distinct thoughts, we can better understand the applications to our lives.
1. The gift of birth
2. The gift of peace
3. The gift of love
4. The gift of life eternal.jpg)
With the pregnancy and birth of each of my 4 children, I was reminded again and again of the miraculous power of procreation. It is amazing to know that a little soul and body develop inside. There is glimpses of divine in that power. The power of creation. And because I struggled to conceive with 1 child, I appreciate the gift of birth better. Isaiah talks about the condescension of God in chapter 9: For unto us a a) child is b) born, unto us a c)son is given: and the d)government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, e)Counsellor, The f) mighty gGod, The h) everlasting Father, The Prince of i)peace. There is a loaded statement: a child is innocent, born into earthy clay, given freely by parents. This child is so powerful, that the government of eternity shall be his responsibility, a ruler. Then each name describes a different facet of this child, the babe born in Bethlehem. I challenge you to study each of these names this week. Each is unique. How does it add to your understanding of the Son of God? In my studies, I have gained greater insight to the gift of peace and love that the Christ Child brings to me personally and to the whole wholly. He bring the desired peace we all seek in turmoil and trouble, calming the storm just like he did for His disciples upon the Dead Sea. It was love that compelled Him to condescend to earth and below us all. It is that love that can bouy us up, comfort and protect us as we place our burdens upon his cross. It is only through Him that we can reconcile our shortcomings to gain eternal life.
From President Monson, it'a all about the gifts of the season. We celebrate, first and foremost, the gift of life over spiritual and physical death that the Christ child brought to each of us as he descended from glory to earth. His birth, life and death are the ultimate gifts. But when we break it down into 4 distinct thoughts, we can better understand the applications to our lives.
1. The gift of birth
2. The gift of peace
3. The gift of love
4. The gift of life eternal
.jpg)
With the pregnancy and birth of each of my 4 children, I was reminded again and again of the miraculous power of procreation. It is amazing to know that a little soul and body develop inside. There is glimpses of divine in that power. The power of creation. And because I struggled to conceive with 1 child, I appreciate the gift of birth better. Isaiah talks about the condescension of God in chapter 9: For unto us a a) child is b) born, unto us a c)son is given: and the d)government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, e)Counsellor, The f) mighty gGod, The h) everlasting Father, The Prince of i)peace. There is a loaded statement: a child is innocent, born into earthy clay, given freely by parents. This child is so powerful, that the government of eternity shall be his responsibility, a ruler. Then each name describes a different facet of this child, the babe born in Bethlehem. I challenge you to study each of these names this week. Each is unique. How does it add to your understanding of the Son of God? In my studies, I have gained greater insight to the gift of peace and love that the Christ Child brings to me personally and to the whole wholly. He bring the desired peace we all seek in turmoil and trouble, calming the storm just like he did for His disciples upon the Dead Sea. It was love that compelled Him to condescend to earth and below us all. It is that love that can bouy us up, comfort and protect us as we place our burdens upon his cross. It is only through Him that we can reconcile our shortcomings to gain eternal life.
Pres Monson gave some great stories, as always, with each of these gifts. It is important to understand and remember these gifts from the Lord during Christmas. More importantly: What will you give the Christ child this Christmas? Life is God's gift to man. What we do with that life is our gift to God. A favorite family tradition during Christmas is to fill the manger with straws of kindness to each other through December. Then, on Christmas Eve to place the Christ child in the full manger and give him gifts. These are wrapped gifts thoughtfully given. Sometimes, its been a piano book to work on a talent of music. Other times its been the Book of Mormon as a promise to read it that year. What will you give the Christ child?
Merry Christmas!
Sarena
What a wondeful family tradition! I will definitely incoporate that.The thought of breaking down all the components of that famous verse from Isaiah is a wonderful gift for the Christ Child, and one that I know I need to do. Perhaps as family scripture study or FHE...
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