M. Russell Ballard on the joyful Sabbath Day

Elder M. Russell Ballard (1928- ) was called as a Seventy in 1976, and has served as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles since 1985.

"The recent emphasis of making the Sabbath a delight is a direct result of inspiration from the Lord through the leaders of the Church....

"All of us are blessed when the Sabbath is filled with love for the Lord at home and at church. When our children are taught in the ways of the Lord, they learn to feel and to respond to His Spirit. We will all desire to attend each Sunday to partake of the sacrament when we feel the Spirit of the Lord. And all, young and old, who are carrying heavy burdens will feel the spiritual uplift and comfort that comes from a Sabbath day of devoted contemplation of our Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

"Thankfully, Christ is always near, waiting and willing to help us when we pray for help and are willing to repent and come unto Him."

- M. Russell Ballard, "God is at the Helm," Ensign, November 2015, pp. 24-27
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What a blessing the Sabbath day is — truly a gift from God to man! And like all gifts, it can be received or ignored. Elder Ballard mentions several ways we actively receive that gift. When "the Sabbath is filled with love for the Lord" then we are richly blessed.

I particularly like the statement, "And all, young and old, who are carrying heavy burdens will feel the spiritual uplift and comfort that comes from a Sabbath day of devoted contemplation of our Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." I have truly felt that, and am grateful for the blessings that come when the gift of the Sabbath is received. How blessed we are that "Christ is always near" when we are willing to invite Him into our lives!