The Greek word Christos means "the Anointed One." It is the equivalent of the Hebrew word Mashiach (Messiah). Lehi taught his children that the Messiah would be the Savior of the World. Nephi and Mormon testified that Jesus is the Christ.
Belonging
One of the purposes of the Book of Mormon is to assure us that we belong, that because of "the covenants of the Lord," we "are not cast off forever." Jesus taught that we belong to the covenants God made with our ancestors, and that He will not forget us.
Made Known Abroad / Pondered in Her Heart
After the shepherds visited the stable, they shared what they had seen enthusiastically. In contrast, Mary pondered these things in her heart. We can follow both examples. There is time for both sharing and meditating, and we can find joy in both.
The Promise and the Law
Abraham received promises long before God gave the Law of Moses to his descendants. Here's the lesson for us: God makes promises to us when we believe in Him. Then, He teaches us how to receive those blessings.
Earthen Vessels
Jesus shines His light through us, but we are imperfect conduits of that light. Paul described that reality by saying, "We have this treasure in earthen vessels." As a result, we ought to be patient with ourselves and with others as we do the best we can.
“This is My Body”
Jesus taught that we must eat His flesh and drink His blood. A year later, He gave His disciples bread and wine saying, "This is my body" and "This is my blood." During His visit to the American continent, He added that we eat and drink to our souls.
Without Money
The gift of eternal salvation is priceless. It can't be bought. No amount of time, effort, or money would match its value. Perhaps that's why Isaiah emphasizes twice that money is not required to receive it: Thus saith the Lord, Ye have sold yourselves for nought; and ye shall be redeemed without money. Isaiah 52:3 Ho, every one that thirsteth,... Continue Reading →
“Look unto Abraham…and Sarah”
After reminding Israel that God has not abandoned them (Isaiah 50, 2 Nephi 7), the prophet Isaiah invites them to look back to their roots. "Look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged" (Isaiah 51:1, 2 Nephi 8:1). Specifically, he wants them to look to their ancestors and remember... Continue Reading →
My Cruse of Oil
When Elijah requested "a morsel of bread" from the widow of Zarephath, she responded, "I have not a cake, but a handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse." She explained that she was about to prepare a final meal for herself and for her son. Elijah told her not... Continue Reading →
Moses
When Pharaoh's daughter discovered a Hebrew baby floating in a small basket in the river, she decided to adopt him. The writer of Genesis explains that she named him Moses, or Mosheh (משֶׁה) because she "drew him out of the water" (Exodus 2:10). The Hebrew word mashah (מָשָׁה) means "to draw out" or "to pull... Continue Reading →