Insights from my daily study of the scriptures
The Living Christ reminds us why Christmas is so important. It places the Savior's birth in a broader context, reminding us that His life "neither began in Bethlehem nor ended on Calvary." This Christmas week, let's remember not only His miraculous birth but also its significance for the world, our families, and each of us.
1. Disciples of Christ spend their time wisely. 2. Revelation expands our understanding and invites confident action. 3. God gathers His children in joyful and productive unity. 4. Strengthening families requires intentional group effort.
The Family Proclamation ends with a call to action, urging us all to strengthen families. Laws, company policies, schools, neighbors, and extended family can all have a significant impact. It's important for us to see the people around us as members of families and to consider how we are supporting and strengthening those families.
President Dallin H. Oaks observed that parental influence has declined as families have evolved from working together to merely living under the same roof. Nephi testified that as his people built a city together, they were happy. Setting shared goals and producing things together builds cohesiveness and unity.
God wants His children to marry and raise children. When that is not possible, we can follow the example of Adam and Eve while they were still in the Garden of Eden: multiplying and replenishing the earth by tending the personal gardens in which God has placed us.
Leo Tolstoy said that all happy families are alike. The Family Proclamation teaches that happy and successful families turn toward God, help family members change and grow, treat one another with kindness, and participate in meaningful activities together.
Character is revealed by what we do in our free time. The Book of Mormon and modern prophets warn against idleness and teach that happiness and fulfillment come as we fill our leisure time with wholesome recreational activities.
1. Marriage is ordained of God. 2. We are created in God's image. 3. We lived with God before we were born. 4. Our children are also God's children. 5. Parents must care for their children physically and spiritually. 6. Families find joy by following the Savior. 7. Strong relationships provide an environment for teaching.
1. Relationships matter. 2. God will help us find joy in high-priority activities. 3. God does His work in an orderly way. 4. Holy places enable us to receive and share God's light.
1. We can cultivate joy and cheerfulness, even in difficult circumstances. 2. We can find satisfaction and fulfillment in work. 3. God has called us to serve one another. 4. We must lead and teach with patience and love. 5. Repentance is liberating. 6. Jesus Christ can unite us with each other and with God.