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I believe it's significant that the Savior's birth was accompanied by the singing of heavenly choirs. Sacred music can be an important part of our celebration of His birth as well. As we reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, sacred music can invite the spirit of the Lord into our homes, adding to the peace and joy in our hearts at this wonderful time of year. This lovely rendition of "O Come, Emmanuel" is illustrated with scenes from the Savior's life.
On the night of Jesus Christ's birth the stars were brightly shining and angels were rejoicing. We can celebrate this Christmas with the same light and joy in our hearts.
This beautiful video was created especially for us by The Mormon Channel (a source of many great LDS family resources). “I pray that we may each be filled with the spirit and love of this Christmas season. I testify that we have a caring Heavenly Father whose plan of happiness for us is the ultimate expression of love. "May we always remember that once we shouted with joy as we understood that plan. "I testify that Jesus Christ, whose birth and mission we honor and celebrate, is the light of the world, our Savior and Redeemer, our hope, our anchor, and the author of our salvation. There is such great joy in that knowledge. "May we all feel the Savior’s love in abundance this Christmas season.” ~Sister Bonnie Oscarson
The first gift of Christmas was a simple gift given by a Father to all His children, to us. He gave us His son, the Christ. He is the gift. This is a beautiful video of what truly matters in life. Merry Christmas! #ShareTheGift
 By the time they reached the shores of America, the Pilgrims had sacrificed much of what they held dear to worship God. They left their native country, family, friends, home, livelihood and many of the comforts of life, and landed in a cold and hostile wilderness. William Bradford tells us, “Being thus arrived in a good harbor, and brought safe to land, they fell upon their knees and blessed the God of Heaven who had brought them over the vast and furious ocean, and delivered them from all the perils and miseries thereof, again to set their feet on the firm and stable earth, their proper element.” But their troubles were far from over. Bradford recounts, “It pleased God to visit us then with death daily, and with so general a disease that the living were scarce able to bury the dead.” More than half of the Pilgrims died the first winter. And yet, when spring arrived and the captain of their ship offered to return them to England for free, not one Pilgrim accepted his invitation. Their faith in God gave them the strength to persevere. Governor William Bradford declared, “Thus out of small beginnings greater things have grown by His hand. Who made all things out of nothing, and gives being to all things that are; and as one small candle may light a thousand, so the light enkindled here has shone to many, yea, in a sense, to our whole nation; let the glorious name of Jehovah have all the praise.” The Pilgrims were willing to sacrifice everything for the freedom to worship God as they believed. In so doing, they laid the foundation for the creation of the greatest nation in the history of the world. As we enjoy a feast with friends and loved ones, let’s take time to give thanks to God, to retell the story of the Pilgrims and the incredible price they paid to be faithful, and to recommit ourselves to pay the price to be true in our day. Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving! Here are some resources to help your family create happy, meaningful memories. “The refiner’s fire is real, and qualities of character and righteousness that are forged in the furnace of affliction perfect and purify us and prepare us to meet God.” ~Elder Quentin L.Cook
We live in troubled times. Many are looking for work. Others have jobs but can't make ends meet as prices continue to rise. We can all take comfort in our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, realizing that as we move forward in faith, we can rely on Him to provide.
At school, at work, with friends, even at home, our youth are sometimes confronted by sin and temptation through no fault of their own. Thank goodness for the strength available to them through the gospel of Jesus Christ! As parents we need to teach our children that as they humbly seek to do the will of the Lord, they can stand in holy places.  This week the Church released an official video teaching about temple robes and temple garments. It explains in a simple and beautiful manner why Latter-day Saint adults who have made covenants in the temple wear sacred garments. Most of us have friends who have asked us about the temple. Many of us have tried to teach our children the sacred significance of the temple and the garments we wear. This video explains reverently and clearly their history and their ongoing importance in the lives of Latter-day Saints throughout the world. "From ancient times, men and women have embraced sacred music, different forms of prayer, religious vestments full of symbolism, gestures and rituals to express their innermost feelings of devotion to God. "The variety of these forms of expression is as wide and diverse as the human family. Yet all have the same ultimate purpose: to connect the believer with the object of their devotion in the most personal way—to draw close to God." Learn More Temple Garments "Meet the Mormons," the wonderful new movie produced by the Church has been called inspirational, adventurous, captivating, entertaining, hopeful, powerful, and so much more! I couldn't agree more! Best movie ever! Don't miss it! "Featuring interviews with scholars and historians, this documentary tells the story of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon and how it is affecting people today--even some people you might not expect." ~BYUTV
One of the most important things we can teach our children is how they can stay on the Lord's side of the line.
Love watching how Elder Bednar teaches this cute young man a powerful lesson he will never forget...  BYU Women's Conference 2014 was awesome! Here are links to transcripts of all your favorite talks. It's wonderful we can enjoy them in the comfort of our homes all year long! Annette Burton: “Replenishing and Fortifying our Spiritual Reserves.”
Clayton and Ann Christensen: “Missionary Opportunities: The Courage to Open Our Mouths.” David V. Clare: “Attaining, Accessing, Using Priesthood Power.” Gaye Strathearn: “Let Us Therefore Come Boldly to the Throne of Grace.” Elder and Sister Hafen: “The Redeeming and Strengthening Powers of the Atonement.” Heidi Swinton: “The Powerful Privilege of Women.” Janie Penfield Rasmussen: “The Moral Force That is Within You.” Mary Ellen Edmunds: “Replenishing and Fortifying our Spiritual Reserves.” Nora Nyland Kerr: “Come Boldly [with Confidence] Find Grace to Help in Time of Need.” Sheri Dew: “Sweet Above All That Is Sweet.” Virginia Pearce: “Thin Places.” Strength From Grace: Faithful LDS Women Linda K. Burton Cheryl A. Esplin Neil F. Marriott Carol F. McConkie Bonnie L. Oscarson Linda S. Reeves Carole M. Stephens Jean A. Stevens Rosemary M. Wixom The Atonement Heals, Comforts, Consoles, and Enables Us to Show Mercy and Grace unto Ourselves Linda K. Burton Bonnie L. Oscarson Rosemary M. Wixom Elder Quentin L. and Sister Mary G. Cook |
