December 12-18, 2022

 We knew it would happen one day...


This was early in the storm, as we walked to the food bank.  And the following day... 😞


Our week has been full of visits to deliver a little Christmas cheer.  I have baked 12 dozen cookies so far and more banana bread for the visits.  John has appointed himself as the official tester and is thoroughly enjoying himself.

Zone Conference was on Wednesday.  I always learn the most interesting things there (in addition to our lessons on the doctrines of Christ).  Did you know that the Christmas song Joy to the World is a song about repentance?  Check out the lyrics:

  1. 1. Joy to the world, the Lord is come;

    Let earth receive her King!

    Let ev’ry heart prepare him room,

    And Saints and angels sing,

    And Saints and angels sing,

    And Saints, and Saints and angels sing.

    1. 2. Rejoice! Rejoice when Jesus reigns,

      And Saints their songs employ,

      While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains

      Repeat the sounding joy,

      Repeat the sounding joy,

      Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

      1. 3. No more will sin and sorrow grow,

        Nor thorns infest the ground;

        He’ll come and make the blessings flow

        Far as the curse was found,

        Far as the curse was found,

        Far as, far as the curse was found.

        1. 4. Rejoice! Rejoice in the Most High,

          While Israel spreads abroad

          Like stars that glitter in the sky,

          And ever worship God,

          And ever worship God,

          And ever, and ever worship God.

Then we sang the words of hymn #195 How Great the Wisdom and the Love to the tune of Joy to the World.  At first it seemed a bit irreverent to sing a Sacrament hymn to such a jubilant tune, but it worked! 

As for the doctrine... we were taught more about repentance.  We don't have to be worthy to repent; we become worthy as we repent.


This is the original sculpture by Avard Fairbanks, titled The Vison.  It was cast in plaster without a contract or a commission, or a site intended for its placement.  The statue was originally designed to be placed against a wall but when it was selected to be placed in the atrium of the Joseph Smith building on BYU campus, Avard's grandson finished the back of the statue.  It was then cast in bronze, which was Avard Fairbanks' dream, and placed in the atrium.


The bronze statue is now called Joseph Smith's First Vision and was unveiled in 1997 with Henry B Eyring in attendance.  Notice the open hand; palm upturned suggesting that Joseph is seeking.  His other hand is on his heart.

"From studying the various accounts of the First Vision, we learn that young Joseph went into the grove not only to learn which church he should join but also to obtain forgiveness for his sins, something he seems not to have understood how to do.  And in more than one account the Lord addressed the young truth seeker and said "Joseph, my son, thy sins are forgiven thee."  This piece of art represents the moment when Joseph Smith learned there was a way for the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ to be unlocked fully.  Because of what Joseph saw and what began at this moment, the Savior was able...to restore power and privilege.  That power and privilege allow us, and all who will live, to have the benefits of Christ's Atonement work in our lives.  I testify that Jesus is the Christ.  He lives, I know he lives.  I know Joseph Smith saw him, and I know that because Joseph Smith looked up and saw Him and because he sent other heavenly messengers, you and I may know, not just hope, that our sins can be washed away too." (President Henry B Eyring).

Sister Harkness said that we are all familiar with Joseph's account in the sacred grove when he was told not to join any of the existing churches, then reminded us that the words that opened this dispensation were "Joseph, my son, thy sins are forgiven thee", not the answer about which church to join.  No unclean thing can dwell with God (1 Nephi 10:21) or be in his presence.  Joseph's earnest desire to be free of his sins and his willingness to change his heart had to be taken care of before the other answers could come.

Bishops Storehouse was on Saturday - it was a huge event, as promised.  We filled 97 food orders and gift boxes.

Boxes of frozen turkeys

Stuffing mix, pumpkin, cranberries, candy

Assorted breads and tortillas

Pork & beef roasts, ham, chicken, sausages, hotdogs, stew meat, ground beef

Variety of canned goods and cooking supplies

It is such a joy for us to serve others at the storehouse.  We were nearly two hours longer than usual but the time went by very quickly.


Que la joie des Fêtes s'installe dans vos coeurs et vous apporte une année de bonheur.  Nous vous souhaitons un Joyeux Noël.


Comments

  1. LaverneDecember 18, 2022 at 7:58 PM

    Such a beautiful post Karen. Merry Christmas. Love you dear friend!

    ReplyDelete

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