Learn From the Wise Men

There is much we can learn from the Wise Men. Like them, we should study the scriptures and know the signs to watch for as we all prepare the earth for the Savior’s Second Coming. Then, as we search and ponder the scriptures, we will more fully desire to seek the Lord every day of our lives and, as a gift to Him, give up our selfishness, pride, and rebelliousness. When personal revelation comes to alter the plans we have made, we can obey, having faith and trust that God knows what is best for us. And ultimately, through lives of true discipleship, we must fall down and worship the Savior in humility and love.

Elder Patrick Kearon

• PG 33 ENSIGNDECEMBER 2011
• COME, LET US ADORE HIM

Do Not Depart From the Temple

We learn from Anna’s experience that we can live faithfully through all weathers if we are consistent in our fasting and prayer and if we do not depart from the temple in our hearts. If we haven’t yet had the opportunity to travel to a temple and receive its blessings, we can still enjoy the blessings that flow into our lives when we worthily hold a temple recommend. Prophets have repeatedly invited us to hold a temple recommend even if our circumstances do not allow us to attend the temple.² We can lift ourselves from dark moments and into the light of gratitude through our temple worship and through testifying of Jesus to all who look for peace and hope.

Elder Patrick Kearon

• PG 32-33 ENSIGNDECEMBER 2011
• COME, LET US ADORE HIM

Right Place at the Right Time

Simeon’s righteous and faithful life enabled him to be present in the temple so he could testify of the Light when at last he found it. We, like Simeon, can strive for greater sensitivity and obedience to the whisperings of the Holy Ghost so that our lives can take the path our Heavenly Father has in mind for us. Because Simeon had cultivated his ability to hear and respond to the Spirit, he was in the right place at the right time, and the Lord’s promises to him were fulfilled in the most glorious way.

The same opportunities can be afforded to each of us and can likewise allow the Lord’s plan to unfold in our lives. When we are faced with making decisions of eternal significance, when we are at a crossroads in our lives, we need clarity of thinking and correct perspective. Sometimes the very nature of making these important decisions causes us to feel unsure, unsteady, and even unable to act, down in the dark valley under the inversion. But as we take steps of faith and act according to righteous principles, we gradually see God’s plan taking shape in our lives, and we are brought back into the bright sunlight of God’s love.

Elder Patrick Kearon

• PG 32 ENSIGNDECEMBER 2011
• COME, LET US ADORE HIM

Respond Immediately When the Spirit Speaks

Like the shepherds, we must respond immediately, with haste, whenever the Spirit speaks to us. In the words of President Thomas S. Monson, we must “never, never, never postpone following a prompting.”¹ Sometimes after heeding a prompting, we cannot clearly see why we have been guided by the Spirit to act in a certain way. But often, like the shepherds, we see miracles occur, and our faithful response to a prompting is confirmed. We can then take opportunities to share our joy and our witness with others. Doing so can strengthen others’ faith and hope, further confirming our own testimonies and bringing us closer to the Savior and His ways.

Elder Patrick Kearon

• PG 32 ENSIGNDECEMBER 2011
• COME, LET US ADORE HIM

Come Unto Christ

What can we learn from the shepherds, Simeon, Anna, and the Wise Men, all of whom were favored to come and see the Christ child with their own eyes? As we ponder their faithful responses to the invitation to come to Christ, we can learn to more effectively lift ourselves out of our own inversions, out of any gloom and confusion we may be experiencing, and bring ourselves into the clear, pure hope offered by the Light of the World. It is there, with Him, that we come to feel who we really are and where we fit into the eternal picture. Our own inversions are reversed, and proper perspective is restored.

Elder Patrick Kearon

• PG 31 ENSIGNDECEMBER 2011
• COME, LET US ADORE HIM

Show the Spirit of Christmas

This Christmas, as the spirit of the season permeates our hearts, let us do something that expresses our feelings in an outward way, showing that we understand that the babe born in Bethlehem is the real Redeemer. President Howard W. Hunter (1907–95) gave some practical advice that helps us do that:

“This Christmas, mend a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a letter. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in word and deed. Keep a promise. Forgo a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Apologize. Try to understand. Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else. Be kind. Be gentle. Laugh a little more. Express yourgratitude. Welcome a stranger. Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. Speak your love and then speak it again.”

Gary E. Stevenson, "The Reality of Christmas," Ensign, Dec 2014, 25.

The First to Know of Christ's Birth

The Jewish people anxiously anticipated this great event. They knew the Messiah would come, and they expected Him to come in glory, liberate them temporally, establish an earthly kingdom, and rule as their King.

Who would know first of the Messiah’s birth? Would it not be the Sanhedrin or others in positions of power and influence?

The Bible tells us that it was lowly shepherds sleeping on the ground to whom an angel declared the “good tidings of great joy” (Luke 2:10) and that it was Wise Men from afar who saw “his star in the east, and [came] to worship him” (Matthew 2:2). The powerful and the influential, whose vision was blurred by the philosophies of this world, were not with the Savior at His birth or during His ministry. They had before them the real thing but did not know it or accept it.

Gary E. Stevenson, "The Reality of Christmas, " Ensign, Dec 2014, 24-25.

Modest Gifts

Gifts can be part of a cherished tradition, but they can also detract from the simple dignity of the season and distract us from celebrating the birth of our Savior in a meaningful way.

I know from personal experience that the most memorable Christmases can be those that are the most humble. The presents of my childhood were certainly modest by today’s standards. Sometimes I received a mended shirt or a pair of gloves or socks. I remember one special Christmas when my brother gave me a wooden knife he had carved.

It doesn’t take expensive gifts to make Christmas meaningful. 

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Fill the World with Christ's Love," Ensign, Dec 2014, 4.

Knowing for Yourself

Knowing for Yourself

“Jesus Christ is the Only Begotten and Beloved Son of God. He is our Creator. He is the Light of the World. He is our Savior from sin and death. This is the most important knowledge on earth, and you can know this for yourself.”

Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Teachings of Jesus,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2011, 93.

A Life-Changing Book

“Your copy of the Book of Mormon may be hidden from your view by cares and attention to all you have accumulated in your journey. I plead with you to drink deeply and often from its pages. It has in it the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, which is the only way home to God.”

President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency, “A Witness,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2011, 70–71.

To the Women of the Church

To the Women of the Church

“You are destined for more than you can possibly imagine. Continue to increase in faith and personal righteousness. Accept the restored gospel of Jesus Christ as your way of life. Cherish the gift of activity in this great and true Church. Treasure the gift of service in the blessed organization of Relief Society. Continue to strengthen homes and families. Continue to seek out and help others who need your and the Lord’s help.”

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, “Forget Me Not,” Liahona and Ensign,Nov. 2011, 123; emphasis added.

The Effect of the Book of Mormon

Prophetic Promise

“The effect of the Book of Mormon on your character, power, and courage to be a witness for God is certain. The doctrine and the valiant examples in that book will lift, guide, and embolden you.

“Every missionary who is proclaiming the name and gospel of Jesus Christ will be blessed by daily feasting from the Book of Mormon. Parents who struggle to get a witness of the Savior into the heart of a child will be helped as they seek for a way to bring the words and the spirit of the Book of Mormon into the home and all the lives in their family.”

President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency, “A Witness,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2011, 69.

A Generous Fast Offering

 “Be liberal in your giving, that you yourselves may grow. … I promise every one of you who will do it that you will increase your own prosperity, both spiritually and temporally.”

Marion G. Romney, “The Blessings of the Fast,”Ensign, July 1982, 4.

Fasting = Greater Power

 “Often when we fast, our righteous prayers and petitions have greater power.”

Joseph B. Wirthlin, “The Law of the Fast,” Liahona,July 2001, 89; Ensign, May 2001, 73.

No Other Work

 “No work is more of a protection to this Church than temple work and the family history research that supports it. No work is more spiritually refining. No work we do gives us more power. … Our labors in the temple cover us with a shield and a protection, both individually and as a people.”

Boyd K. Packer, “The Holy Temple,” Liahona and Ensign, Oct. 2010, 35.

Having the Spirit Through Family History Work

As you participate in temple and family history work, you are certain to have the Spirit to comfort you in your challenges and guide you in the important decisions you are making.

Julie B. Beck, "This is Your Work," Ensign, Feb 2012, 44. 

Youth and Family History

Your technical skills are a partial fulfillment of this prophecy, and I hope you are feeling a sense of urgency about this work. You were born in this age to do temple and family history work. Your family needs your help. Your ward or branch needs your help in this important responsibility.

Julie B. Beck, "This is Your Work," Ensign, Feb 2012, 42. 

Simple and Clear

Simple and Clear

Photograph by Craig Dimond © IRI

“Remember, brothers and sisters, we’re not marketing a product. We’re not selling anything. We’re not trying to impress anyone with our numbers or our growth. We are members of the restored Church of Jesus Christ, empowered and sent forth by the Lord Himself to find, nourish, and bring safely into His Church those who are seeking to know the truth.

“Viewed from that eternal perspective, what we are to do seems so simple and clear.”

Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “The Essential Role of Member Missionary Work,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2003, 38.

Building Self Worth

Some build their sense of personal worth by comparing themselves to others. That approach can lead to feelings of inadequacy or superiority. It is preferable to look directly to our Father for our sense of self-worth.

Quentin L Cook, "The Doctrine of the Father," Ensign, Feb 2012, 35. 

How Our Heavenly Father Sees Us

Righteous parents not only make deliberate and loving choices to bring children into the world, but they also prepare, pray, and eagerly wait during the period of gestation, anticipating the birth of their child. After birth they delight in holding, talking to, caring for, and protecting their child. They learn the baby’s individual patterns and needs. They know the child better than the child knows himself or herself. Regardless of the number of children parents have, each is an individual to them.

Quentin L Cook, "The Doctrine of the Father," Ensign, Feb 2012, 34. 

God's Perfect Love

God’s Perfect Love

“Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God’s love encompasses us completely. …

“Regardless of our current state, there is hope for us. No matter our distress, no matter our sorrow, no matter our mistakes, our infinitely compassionate Heavenly Father desires that we draw near to Him so that He can draw near to us.”

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Love of God,” Liahonaand Ensign, Nov. 2009, 22–23.

The Priesthood is a Commission to Serve

President Thomas S. Monson said:

“Miracles are everywhere to be found when priesthood callings are magnified. When faith replaces doubt, when selfless service eliminates selfish striving, the power of God brings to pass His purposes.

“The priesthood is not really so much a gift as it is a commission to serve, a privilege to lift, and an opportunity to bless the lives of others. …

“For those of us who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood, our privilege to magnify our callings is ever present. We are shepherds watching over Israel. The hungry sheep look up, ready to be fed the bread of life. Are we prepared to feed the flock of God?”

Thomas S. Monson, “Priesthood Power,” Ensign,Nov. 1999, 50.

The Priesthood is the Power of God

“[The priesthood] is nothing more nor less than the power of God delegated to man by which man can act in the earth for the salvation of the human family, in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost, and act legitimately; not assuming that authority, nor borrowing it from generations that are dead and gone, but authority that has been given in this day in which we live by ministering angels and spirits from above, direct from the presence of Almighty God.”

Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine (1986), 139–40.

Articles of Faith Memory Quest

Memorize the articles of faith by playing Articles of Faith Memory Quest at

https://www.lds.org/children/activities/articles-of-faith?lang=eng

10 Signs of Digital Overload

10 Signs of Digital Overload

1. 1. 
   Slipping away from activities with people to check e-mail or social networking sites.
2. 2. 
   Checking the same sites repeatedly within a short period of time.
3. 3. 
   Spending little time outside.
4. 4. 
   Finding it hard to complete a task such as writing a report without frequently breaking away to check e-mail or unrelated websites.
5. 5. 
   Spending little time in face-to-face interactions with friends.
6. 6. 
   Going online or using a digital device when you feel stressed or want to avoid an unpleasant task.
7. 7. 
   Family members spending most of their time at home in separate rooms interacting with screens.
8. 8. 
   Frequently using digital devices to entertain a child instead of talking, singing, playing, or reading with him or her.
9. 9. 
   Checking the computer first thing in the morning, or getting up during the night to use digital devices.
10. 10. 
    Spending long stretches of time surfing for content, often viewing content that is inappropriate or borderline.

10 Ways to Cut Back

1. 1. 
   Check and answer e-mail only once or twice a day, at scheduled times.
2. 2. 
   Use social networking sites only at scheduled times and for a set number of minutes.
3. 3. 
   Practice a “digital Sabbath”—setting aside one or two days each week to “unplug.”
4. 4. 
   Leave your cell phone in another room during time with family or friends.
5. 5. 
   Call instead of texting.
6. 6. 
   Invite children to help search the house for supplies that can be used in nondigital activities: children’s books, board games, art supplies, and equipment for outside play.
7. 7. 
   Organize a talent show, art show, or service project with family or friends.
8. 8. 
   Use Internet-blocking software to keep on task while working.
9. 9. 
   Limit recreational surfing; watch TV and videos selectively and intentionally.
10. 10. 
    Keep a gospel-centered perspective, using technology to uplift yourself and people around you.

Jan Pinborough, "Keeping Safe & Balanced in a Google You-Tube Twitter Facebook iEverything World," Ensign, Feb 2012, 20.

Be Careful in Cyberspace

Be Careful in Cyberspace

Photograph by Craig Dimond

“I raise an apostolic voice of warning about the potentially stifling, suffocating, suppressing, and constraining impact of some kinds of cyberspace interactions and experiences upon our souls. … I plead with you to beware of the sense-dulling and spiritually destructive influence of cyberspace technologies that are used to … promote degrading and evil purposes.”

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Things as They Really Are,” Ensign, June 2010, 20.

Technology Filter Questions

 These five filter questions can be a good first step to staying in tune and in balance:

1. 1. 
   Am I using this technology to learn or to teach?
2. 2. 
   Am I using it to build faith and testimony in myself and others?
3. 3. 
   Am I using it to entertain in uplifting ways?
4. 4. 
   Am I giving enough undistracted in-person time to family and friends?
5. 5. 
   Am I devoting enough time to work, school, Church callings, and physical exercise?
6. Jan Pinborough, "Keeping Safe & Balanced in a Google You-Tube Twitter Facebook iEverything World," Ensign, Feb 2012, 20. 

Technology Use

"It takes careful monitoring to make sure we’re not allowing our technology use to numb our minds and consume much of the precious time God has given us."

Jan Pinborough, "Keeping Safe & Balanced in a Google You-Tube Twitter Facebook iEverything World," Ensign, Feb 2012, 20. 

We All Have Work to Do

We All Have Work To Do

“We have to work together to make a family succeed. But it’s not something we can do by assignment. It’s a matter of the heart. Children and parents have to have in their hearts a desire to make each other happy.”

Elder D. Lee Tobler (served as a member of the Seventy from 1998 to 2003), “Homegrown Happiness,” New Era,Feb. 2004, 12.

Giving Each Other the Benefit of the Doubt

Giving Each Other the Benefit of the Doubt

“Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don’t judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting someone’s differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended when someone doesn’t handle something the way we might have hoped. Charity is refusing to take advantage of another’s weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us. Charity is expecting the best of each other.”

Elder Marvin J. Ashton (1915–94) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “The Tongue Can Be a Sharp Sword,”Ensign, May 1992, 19.

Choose the Best Things

Choose the Best Things

“We have to forego some good things in order to choose others that are better or best because they develop faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthen our families.”

Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Good, Better, Best,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2007, 107.

Nothing Can Ever Go Permanently Wrong, IF...

President Howard W. Hunter taught, “I am aware that life presents many challenges, but with the help of the Lord, we need not fear. If our lives and our faith are centered on Jesus Christ and his restored gospel, nothing can ever go permanently wrong.”

The Teachings of Howard W. Hunter, ed. Clyde J. Williams (1997), 40.

Mealtime

President Ezra Taft Benson taught, “Happy conversation, sharing of the day’s plans and activities, and special teaching moments occur at mealtime because mothers and fathers and children work at it.”

Parents can also take advantage of bedtime to increase quality time with their children. 

Ezra Taft Benson, To the Mothers in Zion (pamphlet, 1987).