President Joseph F. Smith on Christmas as a reminder of past and future

President Joseph F. Smith (1838-1918) was the son of Joseph's brother Hyrum. He was ordained an apostle in 1866 at age 28, and served as a counselor to Brigham Young and the three presidents who followed.  He became the 6th president of the Church in 1901, and served until his death in 1918 at age 80.

"Christmas, to the Latter-day Saint, is both reminiscent and prophetic—a reminder of two great and solemn events, which will yet be regarded universally as the mightiest and most wonderful happenings in the history of the human race. These events were predestined to take place upon this planet before it was created. One of these was the coming of the Savior in the meridian of time, to die for the sins of the world; and the other is the prospective event of the risen and glorified Redeemer, to reign upon the earth as King of kings."

- The First Presidency (Joseph F. Smith, John R. Winder, Anthon H. Lund), Millennial Star, 70:1 (January 2, 1908)
Click here to read the full talk

We typically do a lot of the "reminiscing" half of what President Smith and his counselors describe at Christmastime. But perhaps we don't do enough of the prophetic anticipation, looking forward to that second "most wonderful happening" for mortal existence:

It's good to consider how we might incorporate that second part into our Christmas celebrations, reviewing the prophetic descriptions of the upcoming second visit to earth, and pondering how best to prepare for that glorious time!

This is one of my favorite "Christmas scriptures," as a prophet anticipated the first coming. We can learn some things about our own anticipatory condition:

And now we only wait to hear the joyful news declared unto us by the mouth of angels, of his coming; for the time cometh, we know not how soon. Would to God that it might be in my day; but let it be sooner or later, in it I will rejoice. (Alma 13:25)

Alma was well aware of the prophecies of the coming Christ. In spite of opposition and disagreement from others who didn't understand, he held firm to his faith in the prophecies and knew of the joy that was to come for those who were prepared and ready. Alma was hopeful and eager for that event to come during his lifetime (unfortunately it didn't), but he knew it would be a time of "joyful news" regardless, and he was living in such a way that he was eager for the events to come. A great lesson for each of us!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)

President Russell M. Nelson on the beautiful symbolism of the Savior's birth

President Russell M. Nelson (born Sept 9, 1924) was an internationally-renowned heart surgeon when he was called to serve as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984. He was set apart as president of the Quorum of Twelve on July 15, 2015.

"Yes, after millennia of preparation, the long awaited event occurred. Christ was born among men. No wonder angelic choirs sang as they knew that extended centuries of death and darkness were to be relieved by the Atonement, which was finally to come through this Babe of Bethlehem.

"Why Bethlehem? Is there symbolic significance in the meaning of the name Bethlehem, which in Hebrew means 'house of bread'? The Great Provider declared Himself to be the 'bread of life.' (See John 6:48.) How appropriate it was that He, the 'bread of life,' was to come from the 'house of bread.'

"But why among the animals? He, whom John declared to be the 'Lamb of God' (John 1:29), was born during the season of Passover amongst the animals, as were other lambs being prepared for Paschal sacrifice.

"At the birth of Him who is called the 'good shepherd' (John 10:14), shepherds were the first to receive the announcement of His holy birth (see Luke 2:8–16).

"At the birth of Him who once identified Himself as the 'bright and morning star' (Rev. 22:16), a new star appeared in the heavens (see Matt. 2:2; 3 Ne. 1:21). Shining brightly over Bethlehem, that star had been placed in orbit far in advance of the foretold event in order that its light could coincide in time and place with His blessed birth.

"At the arrival of Him who is called 'the light of the world' (John 8:12), darkness was banished as a sign of His holy birth (see 3 Ne. 1:15, 19). He was born the Son of God and the son of a virgin mother, as foretold by Isaiah (see Isa. 7:14) and other prophets. (See 1 Ne. 11:13–21; Alma 7:9–10.)"

- Russell M. Nelson, "Why This Holy Land?," Ensign, December 1989, p. 14
Click here to read the full article

In this very interesting article, President Nelson (then a relatively new member of the Twelve) considered many aspects of symbolism and meaning related to the Christmas season, the Holy Land, and the life of the Savior. He answers the question, "Have you ever wondered why the Lord chose to accomplish His mortal ministry in the exact location that He did?"

There is beautiful symbolism in so many aspects of the Savior's birth, that we sometimes forget in the onslaught of the modern Christmas season. This is a good summary to help draw our attention back to the sacred events, and would be appropriate to review in a quiet family setting. The rest of the article draws further attention to additional aspects of the Savior's life, and is highly recommended for personal or family study!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)

Elder Bruce R. McConkie on how scripture study prepares us for revelation

Elder Bruce R. McConkie (July 29, 1915 - April 19, 1985) served as a Seventy from 1946-1972 when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve.  He served in that assignment until his death from cancer at age 69.

"As we all know, revelation comes from the Revelator; he is the Holy Ghost, and he will not dwell in an unclean tabernacle. Hence we strive eternally to keep the commandments so we may be in tune with the Lord and always have his Spirit to be with us. But I sometimes think that one of the best-kept secrets of the kingdom is that the scriptures open the door to the receipt of revelation....

"Some are sustained as prophets, seers, and revelators to the Church. Others will be in due course. But all of us are entitled to the spirit of prophecy and of revelation in our lives, both for our personal affairs and in our ministry. The prayerful study and pondering of the holy scriptures will do as much, or more than any other single thing, to bring that spirit, the spirit of prophecy and the spirit of revelation, into our lives."

- Bruce R. McConkie, Doctrines of the Restoration (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1989), p. 243-4

We are promised the opportunity to receive revelation in our life. But revelation can come only to those who are clean and worthy. So we strive to be obedient and faithful in every way, in order to unlock that door and be blessed with divine inspiration. But we can do more; Elder McConkie's comment about the relationship between scripture study and personal revelation struck me as profound:

While only a few have the calling and assignment to function as prophets and revelators to the Church, we all are "entitled to the spirit of prophecy and of revelation in our lives" to help with our ministry and our personal needs. In order to prepare to receive that blessing of revelation, Elder McConkie's message is that prayerfully studying and pondering the scriptures likely does more than any other act we can perform to bring that spirit and blessing to our lives. That should make us eager to "feast on the word" in order to merit the spiritual feast that will follow!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)