The Son of God

“The entire Christian world now moves into the happiest season of the year. There is a magic in Christmas. Hearts are opened to a new measure of kindness. Love speaks with increased power. Tensions are eased. The generous instincts that lie within all of us are given added expression.

While there are those for whom Christmas is difficult—particularly those who have lost loved ones and for whom there is now a poignant loneliness—even to these there comes the assurance of future glad reunions made possible only because of the sacrifice of the Son of God, whose birth we commemorate at this season.”

Gordon B. Hinckley, “The Son of God,” Ensign, Dec 1992, 2

Remembering Him

“When we have the spirit of Christmas, we remember Him whose birth we commemorate at this season of the year. We contemplate that first Christmas day, foretold by the prophets of old. You, with me, recall the words from Isaiah: ‘Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel’4—meaning ‘God with us.’

On the American continent, the prophets said: ‘The time cometh, and is not far distant, that with power, the Lord Omnipotent … shall dwell in a tabernacle of clay. … He shall suffer temptations, and pain. … And he shall be called Jesus Christ, the Son of God.’5
Then came that night of nights when the shepherds were abiding in the fields and the angel of the Lord appeared to them, announcing the birth of the Savior. Later, Wise Men journeyed from the East to Jerusalem, ‘Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. …

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.’6Times change; years speed by; but Christmas continues sacred. In this marvelous dispensation of the fulness of times, our opportunities to give of ourselves are indeed limitless, but they are also perishable. There are hearts to gladden. There are kind words to say. There are gifts to be given. There are deeds to be done. There are souls to be saved.”

Thomas S. Monson, “The Best Christmas Ever,” Ensign, Dec 2008, 2–6

Sunday Lesson Schedule for December

Dec. 5th: Presidency Message
Dec. 12th: Ch. 22: The Gifts of the Spirit, taught by Sister Beck
Dec. 19th: Ch. 23: The Sacrament, taught by Sister Scott
Dec. 26th: November Ensign, “The Three Rs of Choice,” by President Monson, taught by Sister Remali

Announcements & Upcoming Events

Mid-Singles Break the Fast is Sunday, December 5th at 6 pm at the Stake Center.

The First Presidency Christmas Devotional will be broadcast Sunday, December 5th at 8 pm.

The Ward Christmas Dinner is Friday, December 10th.

Our Stake Temple Weekend is December 17th and 18th.

Gratitude

“Gratitude is a mark of a noble soul and a refined character. We like to be around those who are grateful. They tend to brighten all around them. They make others feel better about themselves. They tend to be more humble, more joyful, more likable.

You might be surprised to know that gratitude is a commandment of the Father. ‘Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things’ (D&C 59:7), the Lord has commanded in these latter days. Even further, He has admonished that ‘in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments’”(D&C 59:21).

Joseph B. Wirthlin, “‘Live in Thanksgiving Daily’,” Ensign, Sep 2001, 6

The Gift of the Holy Ghost

“The Prophet Joseph Smith explained: ‘There is a difference between the Holy Ghost and the gift of the Holy Ghost. Cornelius received the Holy Ghost before he was baptized, which was the convincing power of God unto him of the truth of the Gospel, but he could not receive the gift of the Holy Ghost until after he was baptized. Had he not taken this … ordinance upon him, the Holy Ghost which convinced him of the truth of God, would have left him.’ 5

The gift of the Holy Ghost, which is the right to receive the Holy Ghost as a constant companion, is obtained only upon condition of faith in Christ, repentance, baptism by immersion, and the laying on of hands by authorized servants endowed with the Melchizedek Priesthood. It is a most precious gift available only to worthy members of the Lord’s Church.

In the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord calls the gift of the Holy Ghost ‘the unspeakable gift.’ 6 It is the source of testimony and spiritual gifts. It enlightens minds, fills our souls with joy, 7 teaches us all things, and brings forgotten knowledge to our remembrance. 8 The Holy Ghost also ‘will show unto [us] all things what [we] should do.’”9

Joseph B. Wirthlin, “The Unspeakable Gift,” Ensign, May 2003, 26–29

Sunday Lesson Schedule for November

Nov. 7th: Presidency Message
Nov. 14th: Stake Conference
Nov. 21st: Ch. 21: The Gift of the Holy Ghost, taught by Sister Scott
Nov. 28th: November Ensign, Teachings for our Times, taught by Sister Remali

Announcements & Upcoming Events

There is a CES Fireside for Young Adults Sunday, November 7th at 8 pm.

There is a Mid-Singles Fireside Sunday, November 7th at 6 pm at the Stake Center.  

Our Relief Society Dinner is Wednesday, November 10th at 6:30 pm at Sister Carlson’s house.

Stake Conference will be held Saturday, November 13th and Sunday, November 14th.

Our Stake Temple Weekend is November 19th and 20th.

The Ward Service Project is Saturday, November 20th from 10 am to 12 pm.

There is a Single Adult Fireside Sunday, November 21st at 7 pm at the Stake Center.