Dear Sisters,
This week's reflection was shared by Kelly Jones, secretary in the stake Relief Society presidency. Thank you Kelly for sharing your insights about the return of Christ, the return of light, and the return of hope!
Kelly's Message:
In Catholicism there is a tradition at Christmas time to light a new candle on each of the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. This tradition symbolizes the countdown until Christ comes back to us. What a wonderful opportunity we have had this week to read in 3 Nephi 9-26 where Christ come to America to visit the people there. I am impressed with the love He gives to everyone. Even as He is giving his law, his tone is always kind and loving. One scripture I liked was in 3 Nephi 15:9: "Behold, I am the law and the light. Look unto me, and endure to the end, and ye shall live; for he that endureth to the end, will I give eternal life."
The message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is plain and simple. If we can look to Him and endure to the end we will be able to return back to our Heavenly Father.
Day 86 (12.20.15)
Read: 3 Nephi 27-28
Mark: 3 Nephi 27:19-20
“The most important of all the commandments of God is the one that you’re having the most difficulty keeping…Today is the day for you to work…until you’ve been able to conquer that weakness. Then you start on the next one that’s most difficult for you to keep. That’s the way to sanctify yourselves by keeping the commandments of God.” ~ President Harold B. Lee
What commandments are most difficult for you? What are you doing to be more obedient? Who can help you?
Day 87 (12.21.15)
Read: 3 Nephi 29 – Mormon 1
Mark: Mormon 1:13-15
“[President Brigham Young said] ‘I want you to teach the people – and I want you to follow this counsel yourself – that they must labor and so live as to obtain the Holy Spirit, for without this you cannot build up the kingdom; without the spirit of God you are in danger of walking in the dark.’”
~ President Wilford Woodruff
As a young man, Mormon enjoyed the blessings of the Lord despite living in a wicked society. How can you keep the Spirit with you regardless of conditions in the world?
Day 88 (12.22.15)
Read: Mormon 2-4
Mark: Mormon 2:12-13
“Full repentance involves a 180-degree turn, and without looking back! …In ritual regret, we mourn our mistakes but without mending them. There can be no real repentance without personal suffering and the passage of sufficient time for the needed cleansing and turning…Chastening is often needed until the turning is really under way!” ~ Elder Neal A. Maxwell
We can be sorry for the wrong reasons (like when we’re caught or punished). What can help you be sorry for the right reason?
Day 89 (12.23.15)
Read: Mormon 5-7
Mark: Mormon 6:16-20
“The tragedy of the Book of Mormon is not what became of the Nephites but what the Nephites became.” ~ Hugh Nibley
What led to the fall of the Nephites? What things do you do each day to stay strong?
Day 90 (12.24.15)
Read: Mormon 8-9
Mark: Mormon 9:11-12, 21
“The Lord will never forsake or abandon anyone. You may abandon him, but he will never abandon you. You never need to feel that you are alone.” ~ Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin
Mormon’s ministry ends in these chapters. Pay attention to Moroni’s warnings for our day. Righteousness sometimes seems to bring loneliness? Why are we not really as alone as we sometimes feel? In chapter 9, look for reasons why you can rely on the Lord.
Day 91 (12.25.15)
Read: Ether 1-3
Mark: Ether 3:4-5
“Whatever Jesus lays his hand upon lives. If Jesus lays his hands upon a marriage, it lives. If he is allowed to lay his hands upon the family, it lives.” ~ President Howard W Hunter
Look at the symbolism in the account of the Savior touching the stones that lit the way for the Jaredites. What does this account teach you about the touch of the Savior’s hand? How have you felt the Lord’s hand in your life?
Day 92 – Catch Up or Extra Study (12.26.15)
Use your reading chart to find the chapters you still need to read to be caught up through: Ether 3
or
If you’re up to date with your reading, take time to study: 3 Nephi 27
What did the Lord teach His disciples about the name of His church? What is the gospel, or good news, that He has given us. What things did Jesus say we must do in His church?
Day 93 (12.27.15)
Read: Ether 4-7
Mark: Ether 6:9
“Sometimes ...we get nearer to the Lord through music than perhaps through any other thing than prayer.” ~ President J. Reuben Clark, Jr.
“Music is one of the most forceful instruments for governing the mind and spirit of man.” ~ President Boyd K. Packer
In what ways do you use music in your personal worship? How do you use music to help others feel the Lord’s influence?
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