When Moses saw the burning bush, "he turned aside," and God spoke with him. We can turn aside by eliminating distractions and by letting go of inappropriate behaviors and thought patterns. As we turn aside from the things of the world, we are able to give our full attention to sacred experiences.
Mary: A Precious and Chosen Vessel
Mary responded to Gabriel's startling message with dignified humility. She was thoughtful in her calling. The Savior's first recorded miracle was in response to a request from her. Some of His last words were to secure her well-being. Jesus loved His mother, and we honor her for her important role in God's plan.
“He Redeemed Them, and Bore Them, and Carried Them”
According to Isaiah, when the Savior returns to earth, we will all recognize and acknowledge the many ways the Savior has carried us. Perhaps we have a general awareness of this fact, but according to Isaiah, it will become much more intimate and personal to us at that time.
Infusing the Light of Christ into My Life
When Lamoni accepted the gospel, "the light of the glory of God ... infused ... joy into his soul." Sister Amy A. Wright has urged us to "infuse the Light of Jesus Christ into every corner of our lives." We do this by opening our hearts to Him and by testifying of His power to save.
Ascending and Descending as a Disciple of Jesus Christ
Jesus, who created the universe, lived a humble mortal life and endured unfathomable suffering. Why? So that He could be "in all and through all things, the light of truth." As His disciples, we are able to empathize and uplift because we spend time with others and we willingly endure the trials of life.
Being Bound
No one likes to have their agency curtailed, but some forms of "binding" actually increase our freedom, confidence, and joy. God sets the example, promising that He is bound when we follow His commandments. He invites us to bind ourselves in a similar way, by making and keeping covenants with Him.
Succor, Lift Up, and Strengthen
The Lord invited Frederick G. Williams to "succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees." It begins with awareness: we need to notice the need. Then we can provide appropriate assistance, whether that be emergency relief, encouragement, or training and coaching.
Vessels of Wrath, Vessels of Mercy
We are all vessels. We all carry intangible things wherever we go, and some of what we carry spills over and influences the people around us, for good or for evil. If we carry bitterness, frustration, or anger, we are "vessels of wrath." If we carry kindness, gratitude, or joy, we are "vessels of mercy."
A Crown of Eternal Life
God promised William E. McLellin "a crown of eternal life." Book of Mormon prophets similarly promised that the righteous will "sit down in the kingdom of God. These crowns and thrones aren't the exclusive purview of a few. God wants to give the gift of eternal life to all of His children.
Preparing the Way of the Lord
Isaiah prophesied that a messenger would cry, "Prepare ye the way of the Lord." This prophecy applies not only to John the Baptist but to all of us. We prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ by being peacemakers, praying for charity, garnishing our thoughts with virtue, and spending more time in the temple.