General Conference Preparations - Thoughts in 2022

I love general conference weekend! In our home our general conference participation has changed over the seasons. But I love the traditions and practices we have done. Happy memories! It still brings the family together.

Here is an invitation! Life can be stressful. But at general conference, you can find peace. Take some time to ponder what questions you have for God. Then don’t miss the inspiration the Lord has in store for you. Tune into general conference April 2–3 and see what’s possible because of Him. You can watch online at www.churchofjesuschrist.org. There are many ways to get ready. Things to do to set apart the weekend. Honestly, it is like a fun holiday for me. But don't put too much pressure on yourself. Don't feel bad if your conference participation looks different than someone else. Each season of our lives looks different, and it is okay. For instance, in the spring of 2014 I did a blog post, "Preparing for General Conference, our Conference Tradition" (https://rejoicerecordandremember.blogspot.com/2014/03/preparing-for-general-conference-our.html) . That post explains a lot of the ideas our family did for general conference. With older children (ages 27-18) our preparations and what we do now looks different than a season or two ago. And it is great! The efforts and preparation my husband and I made to make general conference a priority and special when our children were younger has paid off to be a big blessing. Consistency, diligence and sprinkled with some fun!

One of the main things for preparaing for general conference, I feel, is to personally prepare by opening our hearts and our minds to receive from God and Jesus Christ through the spirit. This week in studying Exodus 7-13 with the "Come, Follow Me" study, I saw a lot of connection to my preparations and approach to general conference from the hard heart of Pharaoh and his actions. As well as the plagues and consequences of Pharaoh not listening and obeying God.

President Nelson knows a lot about hearts and at age 97 years old he has seen a lot of the trials and afflictions (plagues) throughout the world. I can trust him. President Nelson knows Jesus Christ. President Nelson hears Him and hearkens to His counsel so he can lead the Church and Christ's people today. I know it! Just like the prophet Moses, President Nelson is also a prophet. A living prophet on the earth today. What a blessing!

Enjoy general conference!

A Rocky Summer

It has been a rocky summer; I can blame most of it on COVID-19.  Vacations for our family had to be changed and adjusted, in doing so we saw a lot of rocks.

July 10, 2020 was a date that happily took a few of my family members and I to Idaho for a wedding. We decided to make a road trip out of the occassion and stayed the night in a hotel (first time for us to do so during COVID). On our way we detoured to see the City of Rocks in Almo, Idaho. Impressive, large boulders that seemed to pop up just like a little city as we came around the corner and caught our first view. "Camp Rock" (not pictured) was one of our favorites.

"The City of Rocks National Reserve, also known as the Silent City of Rocks, is a United States National Reserve and state park lying 2 miles north of the south-central Idaho border with Utah. It is widely known for its excellent rock climbing and rock formations."

The following day, on our return from Idaho Falls, we drove to Craters of the Moon, the vast area was created by lava flows over time. 

"Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is a U.S. national monument and national preserve in the Snake River Plain in central Idaho. It is along US 20, between the small towns of Arco and Carey, at an average elevation of 5,900 feet above sea level." 

Then on to see the Shoshone Falls in Twin Falls, where rocky canyons is the landscape for the sparkling waterfalls. The falls have been called the "Niagara of the West".

It was an enjoyable couple of days to escape home, get out and see new places. Every time I saw these rocks the scripture from Heleman 5:12 would enter my mind.

And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.

Back in February, we planned a trip to Disneyland for August. There was a time we thought that might happen, but California Disney never opened up. Instead, we opted for a road trip to see something we have wanted to see but hadn't seen before - Mt. Rushmore. Originally our vacation week would have been during Sturgis, an annual motorcycle rally through the Black Hills. We adjusted the time of our arrival to South Dakota and went to Yellowstone first. There is so much to see in Yellowstone! Over 3,000 square miles of land! Clearly one cannot see it all in a day or two, and that is all we had. But the various landscapes, impressive geological sites, beauty of canyons, waterfalls, and lakes, and the occasional sighting of wildlife were all things to behold. We exited Yellowstone out of the east side and drove through the mountains and canyons on North Fork Highway. Such a beautiful drive to Cody, Wyoming. Again, recalling these words, "remember that it is upon the rock of [y]our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation;..." played through my mind.

In South Dakota we saw Mount Rushmore, which I loved seeing so much! It was remarkable. Such a special feeling there. I am grateful for the service, leadership, and dedication to our country of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. The majestic carvings is a memorial to them. 

We drove through the 8-foot wide Needles Eye Tunnel, which is part of the Needles Highway drive filled with unusual and impressive rock formations in the Black Hills. The air was cool, and the rocks and landscape sights were too. 

One place I wished we could have visited longer was the Crazy Horse Memorial. It is a mountain monument under construction on private land in the Black Hills - not too far from Mount Rushmore. It depicts the Oglala Lakota warrior, Crazy Horse, riding a horse and pointing to his tribal land. Learning a little bit about its history and seeing the evening laser show was inspiring. I got to bring home a granite rock, from which this mountain monument is being carved out of. I hope to visit this memorial again in my lifetime. 

Every time I saw these impressive, massive, meaningful and beautiful rocks, the spirit would fill my mind with remembrances of and a connection to where my foundation lies. Additionally, I would be reminded of the children's Primary song about the wiseman building his house upon a rock. I am so grateful for my knowledge of Jesus Christ. He IS my Savior, Redeemer, and my firm foundation of faith. I can trust Jesus.

"He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock." (Luke 6:48)

The rocks would remind me of how beautiful the world is. Sometimes, within just a few miles, the landscapes and formations would quickly change. There is much variety and beauty in this world. I am so grateful for this beautiful world, created for me and you, by an all-knowing, and loving God. There is no denying His handiwork. "... yea, and all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and call things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator." (Alma 30:44)

Incidentally, we drove past Devil's Gate near Martin's Cove and Independence Rock on our return drive home. More rock formations to keep my mind remembering who my true rock is. AND, while on this trip, my son was with many of his friends on their own excursion at Island Park. While there, he gave his girlfriend a rock, a really special and expensive rock, and asked her to marry him. She said, yes! :)

Thank you COVID for making my summer so rocky. It has been a reminder of where my true foundation lies. Which is in the creator of all these great rocks! My Savior, Jesus Christ, is my rock, my sure foundation. 

Why is He my rock?  Because He is constant, true, and someone I can rely on always. Think about it, since the coronavirus (March for me), our lives changed and things around us started shutting down. Details about our way of living were changing hourly, daily, weekly, and monthly. God is not changing. "For he is the same yesterday, today, and forever", I can rely on Him!  People, places, and circumstances around me might change, but Jesus Christ will always be there and so will my Father in Heaven. I am the one that moves and chooses to distance myself from them, but like like the firm, strong, and steady rocks I've seen this summer, He will always be there. I know it. When the distance happens, God is still there. Always calling me to return, to come unto Him, partake of His gift of repentance, change my heart, and partake of the goodness, peace, light, and joy He offers. Oh, it is wonderful!

Thank you, Jesus, thank you Heavenly Father, and thank you to the Holy Ghost that communicates to me teachings, testifies of truth, and helps me see spiritual connections along my journey. 

As extra thoughts...

On the heels of our Yellowstone trip, the Music and Spoken word for Sunday, August 23,  showcased pictures from Yellowstone and the history of the National Parks. Would highly suggest taking a look, or at least fast forward to the speaking part. So cool!  August 23, 2020 - #4745 Music & the Spoken Word. https://www.thetabernaclechoir.org/videos/august-23-2020-4745-music-and-the-spoken-word/

Additionally, "How Firm a Foundation" (Hymn No. 85) supports many of my above thoughts. 

1. How firm a foundation, ye Saints of the Lord,

Is laid for your faith in his excellent word!

What more can he say than to you he hath said,

Who unto the Savior, who unto the Savior,

Who unto the Savior for refuge have fled?

2. In ev’ry condition—in sickness, in health,

In poverty’s vale or abounding in wealth

At home or abroad, on the land or the sea—

As thy days may demand, as thy days may demand,

As thy days may demand, so thy succor shall be.

3. Fear not, I am with thee; oh, be not dismayed,

For I am thy God and will still give thee aid.

I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,

Upheld by my righteous, upheld by my righteous,

Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

4. When through the deep waters I call thee to go,

The rivers of sorrow shall not thee o’erflow,

For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,

And sanctify to thee, and sanctify to thee,

And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

5. When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,

My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply.

The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design

Thy dross to consume, thy dross to consume,

Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.

6. E’en down to old age, all my people shall prove

My sov’reign, eternal, unchangeable love;

And then, when gray hair shall their temples adorn,

Like lambs shall they still, like lambs shall they still,

Like lambs shall they still in my bosom be borne.

7. The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose

I will not, I cannot, desert to his foes;

That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,

I’ll never, no never, I’ll never, no never,

I’ll never, no never, no never forsake!

(Text: Attr. to Robert Keen, ca. 1787. Included in the first LDS hymnbook, 1835. Music: Attr. to J. Ellis, ca. 1889)

Today (Tuesday September 8) as I get ready to share this post, with walking up to hurricane-force winds at up to 95 mph, causing big damage in my yard with trees falling, I am reminded again of rocks. The rocks don't move in the fierecest of winds. They are strong, firm, and steady. So is Jesus. Life has always been a bit messy, but there is always a way through as I lean on my Savior. He IS my sure foundation!

Come, Let Us Adore Him and #LIGHTtheWORLD Resources

Recently my family was asked to share what we do at our home during the Christmas season to remember the Savior. My initial thought was goodness, am I? Have we in the past?  I hope we do, after all it is His birthday and He is the reason we celebrate Christmas so I hope I/we are remembering Him a lot. With a few more minutes to ponder this question, I quickly remembered that we have a tradition of going to Temple Square to see the lights on the First Monday after Thanksgiving. Seeing the wondrous statue of Christ, the beauty and of all the lights, the nativities and being together as a family sure kicks off the season and helps us remember Jesus.

We make an effort to gather as a family and watch  The First Presidency Christmas Devotional the first Sunday in December with hot cocoa.  I love how the messages and music are all inspiring and focus on the true spirit of Christmas.  We try to decorate our home and tree together.  A few nativities and other Christ-centered items help us remember Him with the atmosphere of Christmas decor.  Music of Christmas fills our home, but not until after Thanksgiving.  On Sunday we keep the music playing, however it is more holy and appropriate for Sunday worship.  There are so many beautiful Christmas songs!  Truly more songs than there are days in December to listen to them all.

One of the main things we do daily in December, is use a "Come, Let Us Adore Him" Advent Calendar that appeared in the 1989 New Era. (Please note, there is another advent another advent that appeared in the 1998 New Era, but it is a different one.) While we have not been doing this since 1989, it has been a yearly tradition in our home since about 2004.  I have made it work for our family year after by cutting out the daily items and putting it into our Santa advent wall hanging.  Instead of doing our normal morning family scripture study during December, the advent becomes our focus. Each day has a scripture reading, a hymn or Christmas carol to sing, and a suggestion of something to do that day to grow closer to the Savior. It's simple, it's easy and does not take too much time (unless we miss a few days and we have some catching up to do.) Below is a sample. At the end of the post, I'll share the entire outline I copied and created.  You can also find the original article here: https://www.lds.org/new-era/1989/12/come-let-us-adore-him-an-advent-calendar?lang=eng

Day	Scripture	Hymn or Carol	Suggestion
1	Matthew 18:20 Remember the Savior’s promise…	“Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful,” Hymns, 1985, no. 202.	Invite your family to join you in each day’s reading and singing.
2	Mosiah 3:5, 8-10 At Christmas we celebrate much more than the birth of a baby—we celebrate who that child already was, and what he would yet become. Christmas is a time of looking—to the past, with its glimpses of pre-mortal glory, and to the future, with its promise of eternity.	“I Believe in Christ,” Hymns, no. 134.	As you decorate for Christmas, choose or make a decoration that will remind you of the Savior and his mission.

Today was December 1st, our first day to start!  This morning we announced that are family was still going to continue doing the "Come, Let us Adore Him" advent ALONG WITH the Christmas initiative #LIGHTtheWORLD (I'll share more ideas and resources later on).  Around 6:45 a.m., after the family announcement, I had one child proclaim they were not going to sing this morning. We skipped the singing. A bit later I got some inspiration about making a Spotify playlist - a "Come, Let Us Adore Him" playlist!  Which includes songs that go along with the advent calendar. This way, I can play the songs in the morning while everyone is getting ready for the day. I will share the playlist with them so they might consider taking some time on their own to listen throughout the day. Today the song was "O, Come All Ye Faithful" and I found many different versions of this song.  It was enjoyable finding them and listening to all of the various arrangements.  See, thus my example of too many songs to hear them all during the month of December.;)  My plan is to continue to add the suggested daily songs throughout the month.  Not all of them are Christmas carols, some are Hymns and songs from the Children's Songbook, but I'll do my best to find them on Spotify and add them. The scripture advent has been a great tradition for our family, and I am happy to share one of the ways we strive to remember the Savior during the Christmas season.

The #LIGHTtheWORLD campaign, is another fabulous way to remember Jesus and add light and happiness to your own life and to others.  Last year's campaign was great and this year is going to be even better!  You can find out more here https://www.mormon.org/ and I hope you'll choose to join in too! There are so many gifted and talented people, which have added their creative twist on the celebrating and freely sharing too.  I made a CHRISTMAS bookmark on my PC to save some websites and resources and wanted to pass along what I have found.

1. First, obviously is #LIGHTtheWORLD main page. Check out this page everyday! 
2. Here is a digital advent calendar with lots of daily goodies.  You'll want to bookmark this one for sure! "Each day click on the door to open and reveal 1) Christmas Story video, 2) Christmas Carol/Song, 3) Uplifting video clip about sacrifice/sharing/giving, 3) Light The World, a way to serve others to follow the spirit of Christmas. Feel free to share this with your family and friends." This activity is great to do on a tablet with your kids cuddled close or on the family PC during breakfast or dinner time.
3. If you want a free printable kit to help you and your family #LIGHTtheWORLD, with ideas and suggestions to do, check out The Red Headed Hostess.  There are some adorable little ornaments and tags that can be printed and cut out and added to your own family advent pockets. That is what I did! Also, on there are links to 25+ other bloggers with more ideas and resources to help #LIGHTtheWORLD. You'll want to follow The Red Headed Hostess on Instagram, because each day are service ideas and additional quotes.
4. A friend told me about The Small Seed website with free downloads also for the Light The World Christmas Campaign https://www.thesmallseed.com/blog/2017/11/20/light-the-world-2017-christmas-download
5. Many of us like digital and like the calendar on our phones.  Here is a link to someone who created a #LIGHTtheWORLD Google calendar!  I love this, because I use the Goggle calendar APP a lot.  I like to import my children's school calendars, which saves me so much time and helps keep us organized.  Anyway, this blogger writes, "we want to help everyone participate in sharing goodness this Christmas, we collaborated with 20 other bloggers to create a #LightTheWorld Calendar. Each day will have ideas from Mormon.org as well as ideas from a bunch of talented contributors." ALL ON A CALENDAR THAT YOU CAN IMPORT TO YOUR OWN CALENDAR!  Check this resource out, as it will also work on other calendars too.
6. If you are in the Salt Lake area, the Deseret News had a few articles with Christmas events around the area and a list of Christmas Television Programs. Some of these happenings are sure to help you in your holiday celebrating and with more ways to remember Jesus Christ this season!

I am grateful for all of these people who have "freely received and are freely giving to others" (Matthew 10:8) as they share their talents with so many of us!

I want to make room for Jesus everyday in my  life.  Especially at Christmas time when we celebrate HIS birthday.  I have made a covenant with Him to always remember Him and I don't want to get so busy that I crowd Him out or forget the reason for all the merry celebrating.  Neal A. Maxwell said, "Each of us is an innkeeper who decides if there is room for Jesus."  Let's all make more room for Jesus in our lives and let's find joy as we #LIGHTtheWORLD!  MERRY CHRISTMAS!

On the first day of Christmas we bring this gift to you,

So the true spirit of Christmas can join your family too.

Now throughout this holiday season, as the days get hectic and long,

Gather together at the end of each day - share a scripture, story and song.

With your hearts and voices joined together, the spirit will ring loud and clear,

And we hope that this time spent together will fill your holidays with cheer!

We were introduced to the following advent calendar, entitled “Come Let Us Adore Him”, which was

originally printed in the New Era (December 1989).  This is something our family plans to do this

holiday season and thought your family might enjoy it too.

Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year!

This advent reviews the Savior’s entire mission from pre-mortal councils on through his future return as Lord of Lord and King of Kings.  Each day between now and Christmas you’ll read one or more passages of scripture, moving from epoch to epoch across the vast span of the Redeemer’s work.  Each day there will be a suggestion of something you can do to grow closer to the Savior.  There will also be a hymn or carol to sing.  Here are the day’s suggestions:

Day	Scripture	Hymn or Carol	Suggestion
1	Matthew 18:20 Remember the Savior’s promise…	“Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful,” Hymns, 1985, no. 202.	Invite your family to join you in each day’s reading and singing.
2	Mosiah 3:5, 8-10 At Christmas we celebrate much more than the birth of a baby—we celebrate who that child already was, and what he would yet become. Christmas is a time of looking—to the past, with its glimpses of pre-mortal glory, and to the future, with its promise of eternity.	“I Believe in Christ,” Hymns, no. 134.	As you decorate for Christmas, choose or make a decoration that will remind you of the Savior and his mission.
3	Luke 17:12, 14, 15, 17 All that we have—the air we breathe, the light by which we see—are gifts from a loving Father and his Son. In this season of giving, let us give one of the greatest gifts we can offer—a grateful, humble heart.	“Count Your Blessings,” Hymns, no. 241	In one of your prayers today, give thanks for every blessing you can name, without asking anything.
4	Matthew 14:15-19 Many people are hungry—not just for food but for love, for acceptance, for support. Some are starving spiritually. Jesus knew how to feed every kind of hunger. In our small way we can do the same.	“Tell Me the Stories of Jesus,” Children’s Songbook, 1989, p. 57.	Feed someone spiritually. Write your testimony in a Book of Mormon and give it away.
5	D&C 88:6-13 Christmas shines with lights—on trees and houses and city streets. As we recall the bright star over Bethlehem, do we remember the Source of all light?	“The Lord Is My Light,” Hymns, no. 89.	Look up at the heavens and think about who made the sun, moon, and stars. Record your feelings in your journal.
6	3 Nephi 17:5,6,9 Jesus was a healer. He touched away blindness and filled withered limbs with new life. He restored the mind and soul. Surrounded by much hurt and sorrow, we can, in our own way, be healers also. Sometimes a kind word and a helping hand are all that is needed.	“I Need Thee Every Hour,” Hymns, no. 98.	Try to be as kind as possible to others today.
7	Isaiah 53:3-5; Matthew 11:28 The Savior knows the weight of our suffering and the depth of our pain.  He has suffered for us, and he loves us without reservation.  There is no problem so hard or despair so dark that he can’t help us if we let him.	“Come unto Jesus,” Hymns, no. 117.	Go out of your way to befriend someone who needs a friend.  Follow through in the days and weeks to come.
8	3 Nephi 12:3-9 The greatest blessings aren’t those of getting but those of becoming.  Consider what Jesus taught…	“More Holiness Give Me,” Hymns, no. 131.	Foster peace on earth by not quarreling with your brothers or sisters.
9	Luke 10:3-34, 36 In a world divided by national, religious, political, and racial hatreds, it’s time everyone reviewed Jesus’ answer to the question, “Who is my neighbor?”	“Because I Have Been Given Much,” Hymns, no. 219.	Do a good deed anonymously.
10	Moses 4:1-3 We take our free agency for granted, but it was seriously challenged before our mortal lives even began.  This Christmas let’s give thanks for the one who defended our freedom.	“How Great the Wisdom and the Love,” Hymns, no. 195.	Use your free agency to set some goals for yourself.  Seal a copy in an envelope to be opened in a year.
11	Matthew 25:37-40 We could labor every day of our lives and still not repay the kindness of our Lord.  But he has shown us that there is a way to serve him.	“A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief,” Hymns, no. 29.	Visit someone who is sick or lonely.
12	3 Nephi 13:19-20 The Master taught that it isn’t what you have that counts; it’s what you give.  Giving of yourself can fill your world with joy, not only at Christmas, but also all year long.	“I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” Hymns, no. 214.	You’ll treasure the time you spend helping others.  Do volunteer work for some worthy cause.
13	John 11:35, 36, 41, 43, 44 We don’t like to think of illness or death at Christmastime, but these shadows can fall on any season. Jesus taught us an unforgettable lesson in empathy when he shared the grief of his friends after the death of Lazarus.	“Abide with Me!” Hymns, no. 166.	Do something to bring cheer to someone who has a reason to feel sad.
14	3 Nephi 17:12, 21, 24 Christmas would hardly be Christmas without children.  They are so much of the magic in the season.  The Savior also loved children.  In both the New World and the old, he called the little ones to him.	“I Think When I Read That Sweet Story,” Children’s Songbook, p. 56.	Do something fun with a little brother or sister or some other child.
15	John 14:15; Matthew 7:12; Mark 10:43-44; John 13:34-35 Turmoil and strife, combat and competition—our world is full of the consequences of man dealing with man.  But the Savior told us how to truly succeed, through peace on earth and good will toward men.	“Love One Another,” Hymns, no. 308.	Today tell someone that you love them.  Express love for the Lord in your prayers.
16	Matthew 18:21-22; Matthew 6:14-15; 3 Nephi 12:44 Jesus came to lift our burdens.  One of the heaviest burdens we carry is that of hate.  In teaching us to forgive, the Lord set us free.	“Did You Think to Pray?” Hymns, no. 140.	Try to forgive someone who has wronged you.  If appropriate, go to him today and be reconciled.
17	3 Nephi 18:1,3,5,7,9-11 Have you ever wished you could be baptized again and start over fresh?  When we repent of our sins and partake of the sacrament worthily, we renew our covenants and are clean.	“While of These Emblems We Partake,” Hymns, no. 173.	As you partake of the sacrament, make a special effort to think about the Savior.
18	Matthew 8:23-26 We all have storms in our lives—storms of fear and anger and regret—storms at home and at school.  The Master’s hand can calm all our tempests.	“Master, the Tempest Is Raging,” Hymns, no. 105.	Be a calming influence today. Try extra hard to control your temper.
19	Matthew 26:39; D&C 19:16-19 The greatest victory of all time was not won on a battlefield but in a quiet hillside garden. We cannot fully understand the cost of that triumph, but as Christmas draws near we should at least try.	“How Great Thou Art,” Hymns, no. 86.	Accept the gift of forgiveness. Pray to Heavenly Father about some weakness and ask for help in repenting of it.
20	Matthew 27:28-30; Luke 23:33-34; Mark 15:29-32 Some things are almost too painful to think about.  To see our Savior mocked and murdered is one such thing.  And yet, through the scriptures, we should visit Calvary from time to time.  We must never forget Jesus died so that we might live and live more abundantly.	“There Is a Green Hill Far Away,” Hymns, no. 194.	Read the accounts of the crucifixion in the four Gospels, and then write your feelings in your journal.
21	Matthew 28:1-6, Isaiah 25:8 The morning of Christ’s resurrection was the brightest morning in all history—a time of transcendent joy following the gloom of the crucifixion.  The words of the angel still echo down the centuries undiminished.  He is risen!  Those words signaled more than the triumph of a God.  They proclaimed the supremacy of life over death.  As we celebrate Christmas, we also celebrate the free gift of immortality for all mankind.	“He is Risen!” Hymns, no. 199.	Read the accounts of the Resurrection in the four Gospels and 3 Nephi, and then record your feelings in your journal (see Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20, 3 Nephi 11).
22	John 6:35; John 10-14; John 11:25; John 8:12 As the holidays get busier and busier, we become involved in so many things—running errands, attending parties, buying presents, and choosing wrapping paper and ribbons.  It’s easy to become focused on material things.  Instead, let’s remember where our lives ought to be centered.	“The Lord Is My Shepherd,” Hymns, no. 108.	Go look at Christmas lights and think about where all light really comes from.
23	D&C 76:19-20; 22-24 Jesus is no mere figure from the past, captive in the pages of scripture.  He lives today! He holds the universe to its course, and guides the work of his servants on the earth.	“I Know That My Redeemer Lives,” Hymns, no. 136.	Go out with friends singing Christmas carols, but add some hymns about other aspects of Christ’s ministry.
24	Matthew 24:27, 29-30, 36, 42 Jesus came to Bethlehem a humble babe, born in poverty.  But he has promised to return to earth in majesty.  Then heaven and earth will be reconciled, and the King of Kings will reign.	“When He Comes Again,” Children’s Songbook, p. 82.	Try to live this day as if it were the day of Christ’s second coming.
25	1 Nephi 11:14-15, 18-21; Luke 1:30-32, 34-35, 38; Luke 2:1, 3-16 Jesus was born in the meridian of time, thus giving an ideal vantage point from which to look both backward and forward.  For the last 24 days you have stood, as it were, in Bethlehem, gazing in both directions.  You have heard the Master’s voice in pre-mortal councils. You have seen him suffer, die, and rise again.  You have watched him return triumphant in the clouds of heaven.  Now you are ready to focus with greater joy on that moment when heaven came down to earth.	“Joy to the World,” Hymns, no. 201.	Consider what gift you could give the Savior and determine to give it all year long.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this Christmas pilgrimage through the life of the Savior.  If you have, there is still one last gift to open.  Open your LDS edition of the Bible to the Topical Guide and look under “Jesus Christ.”  You will find 18 1/2 pages of references!  Christmas may be past, but you can go right on reading about the Savior’s mission.  In fact, what you received here was only a small taste of the scriptural feast available.  The suggested activity for this day and the rest of your life is to read and enjoy the word of God as found in the Holy Scriptures.  Give yourself a gift that fills every day of your life with the real spirit of Christmas. (December 1989, New Era, "Come, Let Us Adore Him: An Advent Calendar)