Seek the Christ

"Christmas and some of the cherished traditions of the season remind us that we, like the Wise Men of old, should seek the Christ and lay before Him the most precious of gifts: a broken heart, and a contrite spirit. We should offer Him our love. We should give Him our willingness to take upon ourselves Him name and walk in the path of discipleship. We should promise to remember Him always, to emulate His example, and to go about doing good.

"We cannot offer Him the gift of perfection in all things because this is a gift beyond our capacity to give--at least for now. The Lord does not expect that we commit to move mountains. But He does require that we bring as gifts our best efforts to move ourselves, one foot in front of the other, walking in the ways He has prepared and taught."

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Of Curtains, Contentment, and Christmas," 2011 First Presidency Christmas Devotional, available at lds.org/broadcasts.

Not Home For Christmas

"On this Christmas I send my love to every missionary, every man or woman in the military, every student, and every employee and traveler who won't "be home for Christmas," as the carol says. Keep your faith. Look for the good in your situation. Do something kind for someone. Seek Christ devoid of wrapping and tinsel. You will find that despite external circumstances, Christmas-like the kingdom of God-is "within you" (Luke 17:21)."

Jeffrey R. Holland, "Christmas Within You," Ensign, Dec 2012, 12. or From "A Mission Christmas," Church News, Dec. 17, 2011, 10.

The Spirit of Christmas

"The spirit of Christmas is something I hope all of us would have in our hearts and lives-not only at this particular season but also throughout the year.

"When we have the spirit of Christmas, we remember Him whose birth we commemorate at this season of the year.

"...I wonder if we might profit by asking ourselves, What gifts would the Lord have me give to Him or to others at this precious season of the year?

"May I suggest that our Heavenly Father would want each of us to render to Him and to His Son the gift of obedience. I also feel that He would ask us to give of ourselves and not be selfish or greedy or quarrelsome."

President Thomas S. Monson, "Rediscovering the Christmas Spirit," Ensign, Dec 2012, 4.

Families Together Forever

“If we desire our families to be together forever, we begin the process today. Spending time talking with our children is an investment in our eternal family as we walk the path toward eternal life together.”

Rosemary M. Wixom, From a Salt Lake City stake conference satellite broadcast address given on October 24, 2010. 

Spend Time With Family

 “One of the main problems in families today is that we spend less and less time together. . . . Time together is precious time—time needed to talk, to listen, to encourage, and to show how to do things.”

James E. Faust, “Enriching Family Life,” Ensign, May 1983, 41. 

Parenting

“Parents should always be honest with their children, keeping promises made to them and ever speaking the truth. It is the consistent parent who gains the trust of his child. When a child feels that you honor his trust and reciprocate it, he will not violate it, not will he bring your name into dishonor. . . .

“Parents should never quarrel in the presence of their children. Sometimes quarrels arise out of an attempt to correct or discipline a child. One parent criticizes; the other objects. And the unified influence of the home, so far as the child is concerned, is nullified. Parents need to be united in knowing which way they want a child to go; otherwise, he may walk in wrong paths out of confusion. Richard L. Evens said: “Division between parents is unfair and confusing and wakens the foundations of the family. Those to whom a child should look for guidance they give.””

Elder Delbert L. Stapley, “Teaching Righteousness at Home,” Ensign, Oct. 2012. 64-65. 

Pray Vocally

“I hope that not too many of our prayers are silent, even though when we cannot pray vocally, it is good to offer a silent prayer in our hearts and in our minds.”

Spencer W. Kimball, “We Need a Listening Ear,” Ensign, Nov. 1979, 4. 

Patterns of Prayer

“I found several patterns as I studied the prayers offered in the Book of Mormon. And as I’ve reflected on my own experiences with prayer, I have realized that my most powerful prayers have followed these same patterns. For me, five Book of Mormon patterns of prayer have been especially impressive. Implementing these patterns can change the way we pray and consequently change our lives.”

-Go to a Private Place to Pray

-Kneel to Pray

-Pray Vocally

-Express Gratitude

-Pray for Others

John Hilton III, “Patterns of Prayer in the Book of Mormon,” Ensign, Oct. 2012, 60-63.

Chanting Prayers

“Once I watched a teacher instruct teenagers to chant the word “pots,” They shouted, “Pots, pots, pots, pots, pots.” Then the teacher asked, “What do you do at a green light?”

“Stop!” everyone shouted.

The teacher laughed and said, “That’s why there are so many accidents with teenage drivers.”

The teacher then pointed out that mindlessly chanting, “pots, pots, pots” (which is “stop” spelled backward) had primed the students to say “stop,” even though it was obviously the wrong answer. If the students had taken time to think, they would have said something different. He then asked, “Are you just chanting in your prayers, or do you really stop to think about what you are saying?”

The teacher who had his students chant “pots” later had them chant the word “roast.” After the students repeated it several times, the teacher asked, “What do you put in a toaster?”

Some student said, “toast,” but many paused to think and correctly said, “bread.” The teacher commended those who had stopped to think about what they were saying.”

John Hilton III, “Patterns of Prayer in the Book of Mormon,” Ensign, Oct. 2012, 60-63.

The Books of Mormon is for Us!

“The Book of Mormon . . . was written for our day. The Nephites never had the book; neither did the Lamanites of ancient times. It was meant for us. . . . Under the inspiration of God, who sees all things from the beginning, [Mormon] abridged centuries of records, choosing the stories, speeches, and events that would be most helpful to us. . . .

“We should constantly ask ourselves, ‘Why did the Lord inspire Mormon (or Moroni or Alma) to include that in his record? What lesson can I learn from that to help me live in this day and age?”

Ezra Taft Benson, “The Book of Mormon—Keystone of Our Religion,” Ensign, Nov. 1986, 6. 

Understanding the Atonement

"Understanding the Atonement may be the one most important truth that you can learn in your youth."

Boyd K. Packer, "How To Survive In Enemy Territory," From a seminary centennial broadcast address given on January 22, 2012.

Guilt

"Guilt is spiritual pain. Do not suffer from chronic pain. Get rid of it. Be done with it. Repent and, if necessary, repent again and again and again and again until you--not the enemy--are in charge of you.

Boyd K. Packer, "How To Survive In Enemy Territory," From a seminary centennial broadcast address given on January 22, 2012.

Same-sex Marriage

"People inquire about our position on those who consider themselves . . . gays and lesbians. My response is that we love them a sons and daughters of God. They may have certain inclinations which are powerful and which may be difficult to control. Most people have [temptations] of one kind or another at various times. If they do not act upon these inclinations, then they can go forward as do all other members of the Church. If they violate the law of chastity and the moral standards of the Church, then they are subject to the discipline of the Church, just as others are.

"We want to help. . . strengthen them, to assist them with their problems and to help them with their difficulties. But we cannot stand idle if they indulge in immoral activity, if they try to uphold and defend and live in a so called same-sex marriage situation. To permit such would be to make light of the very serious and sacred foundation of God-sanctioned marriage and its very purpose, the rearing of families."

Gordon B. Hinckley, "What Are People Asking About Us?" Ensign, Nov. 1998, 71.

How To Survive In Enemy Territory

"Discovering how the Holy Ghost operates in your life is the quest of a lifetime. Once you have made that discovery for yourself, you can live in enemy territory and will not be deceived or destroyed. No member of this Church--and that means each of you--will ever make a serious mistake without first being warned by the promptings of the Holy Ghost."

Boyd K. Packer, "How To Survive In Enemy Territory," From a seminary centennial broadcast address given on January 22, 2012.

Be Virtuous

“Do not let your passions destroy your dreams. Withstand temptation.

“Remember the words from the Book of Mormon: ‘Wickedness never was happiness.’”

Thomas S. Monson, “Be Thou an Example,” Ensign, May 2005, 113. 

The Standard and the Key

“The standard remains abstinence before marriage and total fidelity in marriage. However out of step we may seem, however much the standards are belittled, however much others yield, we will not yield, we cannot yield. . . .

“You had conferred upon you the gift of the Holy Ghost. There will be whisperings of approval or warning when you have decisions to make. The Holy Ghost can guide you away from evil and bring you back in you have wandered and lost your path. Never forget that you are sons and daughters of God. Satan cannot forever imprison you. You always hold the key of repentance to unlock the prison door.”

President Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “The Standard of Truth Has Been Erected,” Ensign, Nov. 2003, 26. 

Teaching Chastity and Virtue

-Teaching and learning should begin early.

“Many children become exposed to sexual content on the Internet as young as 11 years old and some even younger. Entertainment venues, sporting events, advertising, and even social media are increasingly saturated with sexual images and innuendo.

“Some parents rightly ask, “When should I begin talking about sexually related issues?” It depends on the age and maturity of the child and the specific situation. Spiritual guidance will come as parents prayerfully and carefully observe their children’s behavior, intentionally listen to their children, and take time to consider and discern when and what to teach.”

-Teaching and learning should occur often

“Learning is a process rather than a single event. When it comes to teaching children about sexual intimacy or other related matters, people often refer to it as “the talk.” Whether intended or not, this term implies that parents teach this topic in a single conversation. That is not the most effective way for a child to learn.”

-Effective learning and teaching hinges on the relationship between the teacher and learner.

“When it comes to teaching children about sexually related topics, most parents worry almost exclusively about what they should say. While this is important, effective teaching and learning goes well beyond talking and telling about content. In fact, the way parent approach teaching their children may be more important than what they might actually say. Research supports the conclusion that parents who influence their children most when dealing with sexual issues are those who communicate openly, express love and concern, and are actively engaged in the lives of their children.”

-Teaching and learning are most effective when the subject is relevant and real.

“Depending on our approach, teaching about sexual intimacy can feel awkward, unrealistic, impractical, or even preachy. A key to success is to realize that most questions and concerns children have are reactions to real-life situation and observations. As we pay attention to, listen to, and observe our children, we will discern what we need to teach.”

-Learners learn best when they understand what teachers are teaching.

“Rather than speaking in code or even slang, we will have more success if we use correct and appropriate terms. This promotes understanding and cultivates respect.”

-Learners are converted when teachers connect the message with everlasting principles are standards.

“Rather than focusing only on the relevant “facts of life,” effective gospel instruction occurs when we connect those facts with the “facts of eternal life.”

Matthew O. Richardson, Second Counselor in the Sunday School General Presidency, “Teaching Chastity and Virtue,” Ensign, Oct 2012, 20-23.

Sacred, Revelatory, Profoundly Instructive Experiences

"My message today is that when you have no other choice, you can have sacred, revelatory, profoundly instructive experience with the Lords in any situation you are in," Elder Holland said, drawing on lessons learned from Joseph Smith's experience in Liberty Jail. "Indeed, let me say that even a little stronger: You can have sacred, revelatory, profoundly instructive experience with the Lord in the most miserable experiences of your life--in the worst settings, while enduring the most painful injustices, when facing the most insurmountable odds and opposition you have ever faced."

Jeffrey R. Holland. Find a link of video of the devotional by searching "military devotional" at news.lds.org. or see "Church Leaders Address Serviceman and Servicewomen in Military Devotional," Ensign, Oct 2012, 77, for summary.