God told Brigham Young to “take especial care of your family.” That counsel still stands today. President Dallin H. Oaks recently reminded us that family work, recreation, and learning are sacred priorities. When we turn off distractions, we will find sufficient time to fulfill our family responsibilities.
Another Comforter
Jesus promised His apostles "another Comforter." He reaffirmed this promise in an 1832 revelation, emphasizing the role of the Holy Ghost in strengthening our hope. The Holy Ghost is not only the Spirit of truth but also of promise. When He is with us, we know that we are moving toward eternal life.
Tradition!
Traditions—repeated activities which carry a deeper meaning—can help us instill values in the next generation. However, the Book of Mormon points out that incorrect traditions can inhibit growth, and modern prophets emphasize that traditions alone are insufficient. We should cultivate faith-building traditions which encourage people to open their hearts and receive God's grace.
Book of Mormon Elements in Doctrine and Covenants 20
The Articles and Covenants of the Church (D&C 20) outline core doctrines and priesthood duties, drawing heavily from the Book of Mormon. Some passages are quoted directly, while others synthesize multiple passages to affirm core doctrines. By relying on the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery grounded the restored Church on Christ’s gospel.
Endless
Book of Mormon authors use the phrase "endless torment" to describe the suffering from which God has delivered us. The Lord encouraged Martin Harris to think of this suffering as enormous, not unending. With this context, "endless punishment" means God's punishment, or in other words, the punishment God willingly suffered on our behalf.
It Began with a Question
Many Book of Mormon prophets received knowledge by asking questions in prayer. The Restoration of the gospel began when Joseph Smith asked questions in prayer. Well-formed questions asked in faith can open our hearts and minds to receive revelation.
His Holy Child
There's something powerful about remembering Jesus as a baby, particularly in light of Mormon's statement that "little children are whole, for they are not capable of committing sin." This Christmas season, we can remember the Savior's childlike holiness.
Repentance and Remission of Sins
Moroni tells us that priests were charged with preaching "repentance and remission of sins." Repentance is an invitation; remission of sins is an assurance. Because of Jesus, we can let our old selves go. We don't have to be burdened by our sins any more.
Moroni’s Excellent Hope
Moroni had every reason to despair. His people had been destroyed, and he was alone. Yet he wrote extensively about the hope that we receive through the Spirit of the Lord, which helps us endure challenges and which prepares us to return to God's presence
Mercy
1. God is merciful. 2. He extends "arms of mercy" toward us. 3. The Savior's bowels are filled with mercy because of what He suffered. 4. He earned the right to offer us mercy. We claim that mercy by repenting. 5. Mercy is central to God's plan for us.