President Russell M. Nelson on the symbolism of the temple

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 became president of that quorum on July 15, 2015. Following the death of President Monson, he was set apart as president of the Church on January 14, 2018.

"In the temples, symbols are utilized to teach us spiritual things. For example, we admire that beautiful chandelier in the celestial room.... Look at the many innumerable pieces in that chandelier, each one made beautiful as it reflects the light behind it. Can you see that each piece in that chandelier could represent some of the lineage of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob illuminated by the light of the Lord?

"Elsewhere in the temple we admire the altars. They become more important to us when they symbolize the importance of prayer. The sculptured carpets on the floor signify the sure foundation of truth, below which we do not descend, as devoted Latter-day Saints....

"The whiteness of temple clothing suggests purity, and the similarity of our dress symbolizes the fact that we are all sons and daughters of God. In the temple there is no segregation according to position held, color, wealth, or the lack of it.

"In this temple there is a symbolic pathway of progression. The baptismal font is located in the lowest part of the temple, symbolizing the fact that Jesus was baptized in the lowest body of fresh water on planet earth. There He descended below all things to rise above all things. In Solomon’s temple, the baptismal font was supported by twelve oxen that symbolized the twelve tribes of Israel.... From the baptismal font of the temple, we progress upward through the telestial and terrestrial realms to the room that represents the celestial home of God."

- Russell M. Nelson, "Symbols and the Temple," St. Louis Missouri Temple Dedication, session eighteen, June 5, 1997; see Teachings of Russell M. Nelson pp. 371-372

President Nelson helps us ponder some of the symbols we might be missing in the external aspects of temples. It's interesting to consider why they are built the way they are, and to learn from these aspects of their construction, layout, and appointments.

Light is a particularly powerful symbol, and I appreciated this insight into beautiful chandeliers and their ability to reflect and enhance light. We must all learn to be light-reflectors and light-transmitters, helping those around us to be blessed by His true light!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)

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
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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)