“Prepare ye the way of the Lord” is an invitation, in some ways even a warning, but it is not a statement about what John the Baptist was doing. It was his call for THE PEOPLE to prepare THEMselves. It was the perennial cry from a prophet for the people to repent. John did not … Read more
9 And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.10 Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and … Read more
The New Testament does not tell us much about the childhood of Jesus. His family left Bethlehem and moved to Egypt when he was a young child to avoid Herod’s slaughter of the innocents. They returned and settled in Nazareth after Herod died. 40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with … Read more
I noticed something peculiar while visiting another ward recently. As the young men who had passed the sacramental bread were lining up, they kept trading places. Eventually, as they walked back to the front of the chapel, I realized what they had been doing. They were lining up in order of their height. 42 But … Read more
When the Old Testament Kingdoms of Israel and Judah were on the brink of destruction, the Lord through His prophets described a condition wherein He would refuse to hear the prayers of the people. 13 Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even … Read more
At 50, everyone has the face he deserves. George Orwell, personal diary (last entry), 1949 Ironically, George Orwell died in 1950 at the age of 46. He never quite reached the age at which he anticipated his true character would show on his face. However, if Orwell’s aphorism is true, Donald Trump, at 72, is … Read more
Starting this week, across the world, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will begin a new, shorter, Sunday meeting schedule. This change is accompanied by a charge to make our homes the center of our church lives — including regular personal and family Gospel study. As Latter-day Saints, we have become accustomed to … Read more
A baby. Christmas is all about a baby. A baby is the essence of human potential; and this baby housed the immortal spirit that created this world, unleashed the Flood, tested Abraham, and gave the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they … Read more