Gospel Message Day 88

Christmas Scripture Advent Calendar, Part 21

Day 21 Scripture - 3 Nephi 1:19
And it came to pass that there was no darkness in all that night, but it was as light as though it was mid-day. And it came to pass that the sun did rise in the morning again, according to its proper order; and they knew that it was the day that the Lord should be born, because of the sign which had been given.

This continues on the story I summed up yesterday, and refers to when the sign did actually come about. A new star also appeared, which is mentioned in verse 21. Not sure what else to say about either sign, since they have been mentioned in previous scriptures on this calendar. I love the connection of Christ being the light of the world, and signs of His birth coming in the forms of light. His death brought signs of darkness, showing how the Light of the World had gone out. But He was resurrected, and light was restored.

Love and light are often used interchangeably, or at least are connected. It makes sense to me. The Savior is our Light; the Savior is love.

"Son of God; Love's pure light."

Gospel Message Day 87

Christmas Scripture Advent Calendar, Part 20

Day 20 scripture - 3 Nephi 1:13
Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfil all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets.

This is by far my favorite part of all the parts of the Christmas story. If you are unfamiliar with the story from the other side of the world, here is a little synopsis:

Samuel, a prophet in the ancient Americas, had prophesied of Christ's birth about 5 years before He came. There was turmoil in those years, but as the five drew to a close, there were basically two groups--those who believed Christ would come, and those who did not. The believers looked for the sign Samuel prophesied of (referenced two days ago). But the unbelievers would have none of it. They set a day and told the believers that if the sign had not occurred by then, they would kill them.

The last day came before the one the unbelievers had appointed. And the believers were understandably scared. So Nephi prayed for help, comfort, reassurance, and the like. And his prayer was answered. By Jesus himself. And the scripture above is what He said.

I can only imagine the great peace and joy they felt to hear the Savior Himself reassure that He was coming, coming for each of us. That they would be saved not just from the evil that might have befallen them the next day, but that all would be saved from the evils of this world.

I'm sharing this version of this song because it makes me cry every time I hear MoTab sing it, because I've sung it before, and because my ward choir will sing it in our Christmas program tomorrow. The 3rd verse (or in the lyrics listed below, the last verse), which is rarely sung, is what makes this version one of my favorite Christmas songs.


Lyrics:

The First Noel, the Angels did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
On a cold winter's night that was so deep.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!

They looked up and saw a star
Shining in the East beyond them far
And to the earth it gave great light
And so it continued both day and night.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!

And by the light of that same star
Three Wise men came from country far
To seek for a King was their intent
And to follow the star wherever it went.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!

This star drew nigh to the northwest
O'er Bethlehem it took its rest
And there it did both Pause and stay
Right o'er the place where Jesus lay.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!

Then entered in those Wise men three
Full reverently upon their knee
And offered there in His presence
Their gold and myrrh and frankincense.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!


Then let us all with one accord

Sing praises to our heavenly Lord

That hath made Heaven and earth of nought
And with his blood mankind has bought.

Born is the King of Israel!

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel

Gospel Message Day 86

Christmas Scripture Advent Calendar, Part 19

Day 19 scripture - Luke 1:30-31

And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.

And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

Forgive me for being brief today. Migraine accompanied with nausea. It's another scripture about Mary. What must it have been like to raise your son, knowing He was meant for the world?

Here's a song I've never heard before but simple and pretty. I like it. Love the pictures going with it.

Gospel Message Day 85

Christmas Scripture Advent Calendar, Part 18

Day 18 scripture - Helaman 14: 5-6

And behold, there shall a new star arise, such an one as ye never have beheld; and this also shall be a sign unto you.

And behold this is not all, there shall be many signs and wonders in heaven.

I would love to have seen the star that the world saw that night. Like what I said yesterday, the star is symbolic of the Savior shining through the night. Just like the star guided the shepherds and later the wise men, He guides us in our lives--but it is our choice if we will follow.

The scripture puts me in mind of a song the BYU choirs sang in their Christmas concert in 2002. Our concert is often aired on BYUtv, but I can't find a showing for it this year. This was the only recording I found of the version we sang.

Gospel Message Day 84

Christmas Scripture Advent Calendar, Part 17

Day 17 scripture - Helaman 14:3
And behold, this will I give unto you for a sign at the time of his coming; for behold, there shall be great lights in heaven, insomuch that in the night before he cometh there shall be no darkness, insomuch that it shall appear unto man as if it was day.

I love the story of the Savior's coming as seen in the Americas (which is what this prophecy is concerning). Could you imagine being there at that time? That would be the most undeniable thing--the sun went down and it is still light outside! And how beautifully symbolic. Jesus is the Light that shines through the darkness. That darkness can be our own personal one(s), but it can also be that in the world where ignorance or misunderstanding or cruelty or hatred might be. Jesus is full of Love, and that is the Light that can drive away the darkness.

Gospel Message Day 83

Christmas Scripture Advent Calendar, Part 16

Day 16 scripture - 1 Nephi 11:27, to which I also add verse 28-33:

And I looked and beheld the Redeemer of the world, of whom my father had spoken; and I also beheld the prophet who should prepare the way before him. And the Lamb of God went forth and was baptized of him; and after he was baptized, I beheld the heavens open, and the Holy Ghost come down out of heaven and abide upon him in the form of a dove.

And I beheld that he went forth ministering unto the people, in power and great glory; and the multitudes were gathered together to hear him; and I beheld that they cast him out from among them.

And I also beheld twelve others following him. And it came to pass that they were carried away in the Spirit from before my face, and I saw them not.

And it came to pass that the angel spake unto me again, saying: Look! And I looked, and I beheld the heavens open again, and I saw angels descending upon the children of men; and they did minister unto them.

And he spake unto me again, saying: Look! And I looked, and I beheld the Lamb of God going forth among the children of men. And I beheld multitudes of people who were sick, and who were afflicted with all manner of diseases, and with devils and unclean spirits; and the angel spake and showed all these things unto me. And they were healed by the power of the Lamb of God; and the devils and the unclean spirits were cast out.

And it came to pass that the angel spake unto me again, saying: Look! And I looked and beheld the Lamb of God, that he was taken by the people; yea, the Son of the everlasting God was judged of the world; and I saw and bear record.

And I, Nephi, saw that he was lifted up upon the cross and slain for the sins of the world.

These verses prophesied of what the Savior would do in and for this world. Though He was perfect, He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness (since it is a requirement for exaltation) and to set an example for us. And He went about teaching (many blog posts about that a few weeks ago). He ministered unto others. He served them. He blessed them. He healed them. And He died for our sins. Every thing He did was because He selflessly and sincerely loved each one of us.

And that is the example for us to follow every day: peace on earth, good will toward men--because that's what the first gift of Christmas brought to us. And we need to continue to give it to others.

Gospel Message Day 82

Christmas Scripture Advent Calendar, Part 15

Day 15 scripture - 1 Nephi 11:20-24

And I looked and beheld the virgin again, bearing a child in her arms.

And the angel said unto me: Behold the Lamb of God, yea, even the Son of the Eternal Father! Knowest thou the meaning of the tree which thy father saw?

And I answered him, saying: Yea, it is the love of God, which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men; wherefore, it is the most desirable above all things.

And he spake unto me, saying: Yea, and the most joyous to the soul.

And after he had said these words, he said unto me: Look! And I looked, and I beheld the Son of God going forth among the children of men; and I saw many fall down at his feet and worship him.

How I wish I could link to a sound clip of the Nephi musical, With Mine Own Hand. This is one of my favorite songs, especially v. 22 & 23. (I can share the trailer for it.) The music for "most joyous to the soul" conveys the utmost joy. As it should.

For the love of God was made manifest to us through Heavenly Father's beloved Son, who came to teach us how to live, then allowed himself to be sacrificed for our sins, and then was resurrected which opened up the door for our being resurrected one day after we die. But that wasn't it. He is still there for us every day to give us continued guidance and comfort. He is the greatest reason that we have to rejoice.