The Museum of Clean

Have you been here? To the Museum of Clean?  

It's a unique museum dedicated to clean. 

​The museum ​is impressive, ​with a massive collection of brooms, vacuums, window washing tools, and so much more​. The museum can be reflective​ and memorable. Which was my experience as I saw items I remember having in my own home growing up.

 

  

 

Don Aslett, pro-cleaner, the real Mr. Clean, has an incredible museum of all things clean in Pocatello, Idaho. Lance and I visited the museum February 2020, just before the COVID shut down.

The museum advertises "leave inspired", and I did. 

One of the things that really impressed me about the Museum of Clean was not only the value of keeping things clean around us and the many tools available to do so, but I left feeling a renewed importance of keeping my spirit and soul clean. 

A few months following my Museum of Clean experience, and when​ you and I and the rest of the world were more vigilant in keeping our hands clean, sanitizing countertops and work spaces (remember that? Covid-19?), the thought of "clean" connected better in my mind. Such words as "clean, cleanse, unclean, filthy, sanctify, spotless, wash..." seemed to jump out to me while reading the scriptures and ​studying General Conference talks. So much so that I felt nudged to begin marking these words with a light blue box around them. (​The light blue color best represent​s clean, clear water; purity.) 

The result has been revelatory! It's been amazing for me to notice and better understand how important "clean" is to God. Such as in ​last week's Come, Follow Me reading from 2 Nephi 9. ​Like words even showed up in this week's Book of Mormon reading too. I'm noticing these words are everywhere and words are powerful. 

Because of God’s great plan and the Atonement of Jesus Christ - Jesus Christ's mercy and amazing grace - we can be cleansed by the process of repentance. We humbly get to come unto Jesus Christ and give Him our uncleanness and filth, if we choose. He will help us as we desire to make ourselves clean and will purify us. His gift of repentance is amazing! Jesus is a master cleaner and purifier! "I cherish the gift of repentance and seek to improve each day." 🩷💕  (please see note below with additional quote)

The ultimate mission and vision of the Museum of Clean is to sell the idea and value of clean, to put clean into the minds of all who visit. Indeed it did for me. 

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Pro tip, if you go to the museum on a Monday, it is NOT open. A few of my family members will completely understand.   😜

Speaking of clean, check out @sarah_cleans, my niece's new IG account, for cleaning tips. 

#museumofclean
#donaslett
#cleanhandspureheart
​#repentance

🩷💕 I found this quote after the fact. It spoke to my heart. Because it connects so well with what is in my mind and heart, the rejoicing I feel because of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ - their plan and mercy. While rejoicing, I also want to record this so I remember.

"The gift of repentance is an expression of God’s kindness toward His children, and it is a demonstration of His incomparable power to help us overcome the sins we commit. It is also an evidence of the patience and long-suffering our loving Father has for our mortal weakness and frailties. President Russell M. Nelson, our beloved prophet, referred to this gift as “the key to happiness and peace of mind.”

My dear friends, I testify to you that as we genuinely repent of our sins, we allow the atoning sacrifice of Christ to become wholly effective in our life. We will become free from the bondage of sin, find joy in our earthly journey, and become eligible to receive eternal salvation, which was prepared from the foundation of the world for all who believe in Jesus Christ and come unto Him."  "Jesus Christ: The Caregiver of Our Soul", by Elder Ulisses Soares,

I feel the "clean" in Elder Soares words and it sounds refreshing and good. Years ago, I experienced this clean feeling walking out of a bishop's office. This "happiness and peace of mind" I experienced and it felt amazing! As I use the gift of repentance daily and seek to improve, it is a good feeling. What a gift! 

Sunday Gratitude Journal

    “He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.” (John 1:10)  In a recent study I had of "Jesus Christ, Creator"  from the scripture Topical Guide - this verse made me sad. It was written long ago, biblical times, but this scripture indeed has application today. 

As the world continues to fight a pandemic and more and more are becoming ill with the virus, many think Christ is not in the world. Perhaps they are unaware of Him. Many may feel He is not helping in this situation, I would say He is. I see His hand guiding and directing my life. I see Him working in the lives of many of my loved ones and friends. I hear Him giving me guidance and whispering words of comfort and peace. Jesus Christ is “in the world”, evidence of Him is all around. Christ’s creations are beautiful - look around today and notice all that He has made. We can find joy and gratitude for His beautiful creations. Nature is healing. (This reminds me of this recent message from Music and the Spoken Word specifically about that -https://musicandthespokenword.com/spokenwordmessages/just-what-the-doctor-ordered-sunday-november-15-2020/). 

“And the world knew him not”. That part of the verse causes me sadness. Jesus Chirst, the Savior of the world, and yet “the world knew him not”. Let me introduce you to my friend, my big brother, my Savior and champion, Jesus Christ. I love Him! I depend on Him! He is my rock and my salvation. Want to know Him too or know Him better?  If you are intentional about it, let me tell you some ways that have helped me and might help you:

1. Pray to your Father in Heaven and ask that His son, Jesus Christ may bless you and give you His power today with the worries, concerns, anger, and challenges you are facing. In praying, ask that you may feel of His love and peace in your life today. Then notice, just notice, His hand in your life. I am grateful for prayer, and that I can pray anytime and anywhere. 

2. Read Christ’s words in the scriptures. He is there. Open up almost anywhere and begin to read, He will show up. He shows up especially in The Book of Mormon - Another Testament of Jesus Christ.  A few years ago I marked any reference made of Jeus Christ and he was there on almost every page, multiple times. Amazing! Sometimes after I have prayed or written down my concerns and then opened up my scriptures, I can hear a message just for me from Him. The more I am in the scriptures, the more grateful I am for them. 

3. Look at pictures of Jesus Christ, feel the peace and see the light that can come to your heart. A few new favorite artists that I particularly enjoy are: Eva Koleva  Timothy "The Lord is My Light", and Kate Lee. 

(You may want to check out this recent news article, which tells more of Eva and her magnificent art.) I am grateful for talented artists that fill my soul with beauty and light. 

4. Read and ponder upon the words of The Living Christ. A testimony of Him by living prophets and apostles. I am grateful for the testimony and witness of truth from others. 

5. See Him lovingly portrayed in these Bible videos  or in this new series, The Chosen. If you’ve seen The Chosen, don’t you love it? The Chosen has helped me see Jesus in a new way and has connected me closer to Him. I am grateful for talented people that can act and direct and create such uplifting media. 

6. Listen to a prophet of God who knows Jesus. Isn’t it amazing that there is a living prophet of God upon the earth today who speaks of Christ and speaks to Christ?  A few days ago, our prophet had a special message for us. A message of hope and healing. A prescription to make us better. Which is to express our gratitude. I don’t think our Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ need our thanks and grateful hearts as much as we need it. As we recognize the blessings and notice where the blessings are coming from, it is healing to our souls and it helps us to “know Him”. A prophet of God speaks words of peace, comfort, and shares what the Lord would have us do in our lives right now to make us feel better. I am grateful for President Nelson. 

7. Hear the many songs and read the lyrics of songs and hymns which express praise to Jesus Christ. Again, many talented artists that help me feel Christ's love, His peace, and know Him better. For which I am grateful for. I am also blessed by Spotify to create playlists and hear such songs quickly and easily.

8. See and read even more about Jesus Christ at this Come Unto Christ webpage. I am profoundly grateful for my Savior. 

 

We all want this pandemic, the coronavirus to end. Perhaps what will help end the pandemic, to return to “normal living”, for us to again “prosper in the land” - is for us to know Him. Jesus Christ has all power, “all things were made by Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made.” (John 1:3.) This verse causes me to have respect, awe, and gratitude for all the things He has created for me and you. Without Him not anything was/is made. We need His guidance, His light and the inspiration He desires to give. I would think scientists and doctors have felt that guidance as they have sought a cure and developed a vaccine. Perhaps some professionals don’t recognize the guidance, but I am certain it has been there because thousands upon thousands of us have prayed and asked for His help to find a cure. And because “without him not anything is made”. I think for the cure to come quicker and for less of us getting the coronavirus, there needs to be more who see Jesus Christ in the world, more believers and followers of Him, and a lot less in the world “who know him not”. 

I stated above how I am grateful for prayer and that I sometimes hear the Lord’s voice as I read the scriptures. This past week I had such an experience where the following verses spoke to my soul and I was able to personalize it for me and for you. It is a prayer of the brother of Jared found in the book of Ether 3:2-5  from The Book of Mormon. 

2 O Lord, thou hast said that we must be encompassed about by the [coronavirus]. Now behold, O Lord, and do not be angry with thy [people] because of [our] weakness[es] before thee; for we know that thou art holy and dwellest in the heavens, and that we are unworthy before thee; because of the fall our natures have become evil continually; nevertheless, O Lord, thou hast given us a commandment that we must call upon thee, that from thee we may receive according to our desires.

3 Behold, O Lord, thou hast smitten us because of our iniquity, and hast driven us forth, and for these many [months] we have been in [unnormal living conditions]; nevertheless, thou hast been merciful unto us. O Lord, look upon [us] in pity, and turn away thine anger from this thy people, and suffer not that [we] shall [continue to] go forth [among this pandemic lifestyle] across this raging deep in darkness; but behold [the good intentions and efforts of so many of thy children trying and desiring to make things better.]

4 And [we] know, O Lord, that thou hast all power, and can do whatsoever thou wilt for the benefit of man; therefore touch [our hearts and minds], O Lord, with thy finger, and prepare [us] that [we] may shine forth in [these troubling and sometimes dark times]; and [that Thou shalt continue to] shine forth unto us in [our lives], that we may have [Thy] light while we [endeavor to endure COVID19].

5 Behold, O Lord, thou canst do this. We know that thou art able to show forth great power, which looks small unto the understanding of men. (Ether 3:2-5)

    I am hopeful that through gratitude more of us will see Christ in the world, be grateful for this beautiful world and all the other creations and blessings in our life He has made, and that the whole wide world will know Him or know Him better.

Seek the Lord Early and Receiving Personal Revelation

The following words and tune have been going through my mind for weeks. Do the words to this song sound familiar to you?  

I’ll seek the Lord early while in my youth,

And he will help me to know the truth.

I’ll search the scriptures and find him there,

Then go to our Father in fervent prayer.

I’ll seek the Lord early, and I’ll obey

His living prophets in all they say.

I’ll keep his commandments; his love will abound.

I will seek the Lord early, and he will be found.

It is a children’s song, "Seek the Lord Early", with words and music by Joann Bushman Doxey. 

I have learned a few things as these words have been playing in my mind and while humming the tune. 

The prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, recently invited the world to hear the voice of the Lord in a video asking us how we #HearHim? The words of the song can be a recipe for doing just that, which is one of the things I have learned. (Except I like to pray first and then see what Jesus has to tell me when I read his words in the scriptures and words from his living prophets.)

Another learning that has been impressed upon my mind is the timing, or the when. I don’t feel the words to this song only imply for us to develop a habit of seeking the Lord at a young age, “while in my youth”. In fact, consider the timing of the moments the past few days or weeks when we have felt frustrated and scared, when we have questions, felt hopeless or overwhelmed, perhaps our faith is being tested, being tempted with sin, wondering what to do with a missionary child coming home early or temporary, or perhaps someone might be challenging our truth.What can we do? Seek the Lord early. Go to him first. Earlier, rather than later. With our problems, our heartaches, concerns, it is wise for us to seek the Lord early. Turning to Google first is not always our best resource,especially with matters of our soul.  But seeking the Lord will. I know it! 

How do I know it? Because I've tried it again, and again.

A few years ago, a friend taught me how to receive personal revelation with power journaling. She shared her formula for seeking the Lord. A desire to #HearHim . While it took me some time to get into a good practice of doing it on purpose, below is how it looks for me.

I love to write down my thoughts! It helps me to feel less frustrated to do some PoWeR journaling each day! I have learned that if I do this first thing in the morning, when I can have my own quiet time and before I check in with the world, I am in a much better place. This PoWeR not only blesses me, but the whole family. You know the saying, “If mom ain’t happy, ain’t no one happy!” It’s simple – Pray, Write, and Read. 

Pray - Pouring out my heart to God with a meaningful and purposeful prayer. Thanking Heavenly Father for specific blessings, asking Him for blessings I need, asking and inviting His spirit to be with me. Then I put my Bic multi-colored pen and power journal to work. In green I write a power statement, a declaration of truth or fighting statement. A few days ago my declaration was “I am trusting in the God and rock of my salvation; wherefore I become conqueror of the enemy” (thanks Jacob 7:25). Switching to blue ink...

Write - I write a letter to God in blue ink. I tell Him whatever is on my mind, what I am feeling, my concerns. I write down my feelings – good or bad, worried or sad. I ask for His guidance and that I really want to hear Him. 

Read - The next step is to read His words and listen for what He has to tell me. Sometimes I choose to read the Come Follow Me assignment for the week, lesson prep I need to do, a general conference talk, or at times I have just randomly opened my scriptures. In black ink, I write in my power journal things I might be learning or noticing. I might copy down from the scriptures/words of prophets. 

Red ink is incredible because in red I record the things I am learning from the spirit or inspiration I am receiving to do something. I am creating evidence that I am hearing Him! Thumbing through my notebook I love to see the red. When I start to get into a mood battle or need to reset my mind, it helps to go back and look at my truth statement and see the evidence, because I know what the enemy is up too - trying to get me to forget my truth and see everyone else as the enemy. Oh, I still have plenty of less-then-pretty moments, but this sure helps me keep my sanity. Additionally, this practice feels me with peace and love from my Heavenly Father and empowers me with strength and courage to move on in my day in a happier, more grounded place. I am better able to hear the Lord throughout the day and receive revelation for me and my family. 

The past few weeks specifically, because of the Covid-19 issue, I have had many opportunities to seek the Lord and ask for his comfort and direction. If you are reading this, I bet you have too. Searching answers to questions such as: how am I to make Sundays work at home without going to Church and partaking of the Sacrament? How should our family adjust to home schooling and working from home? Starting the day with an earthquake and aftershocks was unnerving, help guide and give me and our family comfort. How shall I minister to my family and friends who are also self distancing? My missionary is coming home in a few days, will you guide and help us all with that change in our plan? So much change is happening, help me maintain peace and feel Thy love and comfort.

As I seek the Lord early in my challenges and difficulties, He will be found comforting and guiding me. I know it! I am better able to watch and notice the tender mercies. A grateful heart for my blessings finds me turning to the Lord again with prayers of gratitude. I hope He finds me expressing that quickly and early as well. 

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I'd like to reference this 2018 talk from President Nelson, "Revelation for the Church, Revelation for our Lives". One of the quotes from his message continually comes to my mind and drives me to seek the Lord and to #HearHim. He said, "But in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost."

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)