Daily LDS Wisdom

GEMS-Family: Our Vigilance against Evil Cannot Be Relaxed

"Parents and children should realize that strong opposition will always come against the work and will of the Lord. Because the work (and glory) of God is to bring to pass our immortality and eternal life as a family, it logically follows that the work of the adversary will strike directly at the heart of the home--the family. Relentlessly Lucifer attacks the sanctity of life and the joy of parenthood.

"Because the evil one is ever at work, our vigilance cannot be relaxed--not even for a moment. A small and seemingly innocent invitation can turn into a tall temptation which can lead to tragic transgression. Night and day, at home or away, we must shun sin and 'hold fast that which is good.'"

Topics: temptation, opposition, family

( Elder Russell M. Nelson, "Set in Order Thy House," Ensign, Nov. 2001, 71)

Gems from the Teachings of Church Leaders
Go About Doing Good
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"At this sacred season, we reaffirm the reality of the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. We testify that He was the only perfect man ever to walk the earth. He 'went about doing good' (Acts 10:38) and beckons to all, 'Come, follow me' (Luke 18:22).


"It is His holy influence that stirs mankind to acts of mercy and kindness. He who has 'borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows' (Isa. 53:4) inspires each of us to reach out with love to the poor, the lonely, and the downtrodden.

"May this Christmas season remind us that the Prince of Peace, who stilled the tempest on the Sea of Galilee, has the power to calm the storms in our personal lives. May His peace fill our hearts and homes throughout the coming year as we strive to walk in His ways."

Gospel topics: Jesus Christ, Christmas, peace

( "First Presidency Christmas Message," Liahona, Dec. 2003, 1)

Gems from the Teachings of Church Leaders
Words of Joseph Smith: "Gaze into Heaven"
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Joseph Smith
Nauvoo, Illinois
October 9, 1843

"Could you gaze into heaven five minutes, you would know more than you would by reading all that ever was written on the subject."

Topics: Wisdom, knowledge, revelation

( History of the Church, 6:50)

Gems from the Teachings of Church Leaders
"Merry Christmas to You"
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"As a young elder, I had been called to the old Primary Children's Hospital that once stood on North Temple Street in Salt Lake City. There were children to be blessed. It was the Christmas season. I had never been in a children's hospital before.

"As our group entered the foyer, we noticed an attractively decorated Christmas tree, with beautifully wrapped gifts beneath its boughs.

"A feeling of sympathy welled up within me as I noticed these tiny children, many with legs or arms in large plaster casts. Some were ever so weak and pale.

"A young lad called out to us, 'Will you give me a blessing?' Of course the blessing was given. I shall ever remember placing my hands on the tousled head of that faithful boy who was desperately ill. As we left his side, he looked up into my eyes and said, 'Thank you, Brother Monson.'

"We walked away, only to hear him call out, 'Oh, Brother Monson, merry Christmas to you.' I could scarcely see him for the tears in my eyes. He had that glow about him that comes only at Christmastime. That boy trusted in his Heavenly Father. He acknowledged the priesthood of God. His faith was unwavering. I felt I was on holy ground."

Topics: Christmas, priesthood blessings, gratitude

( Thomas S. Monson, "What Is Christmas?" Liahona, Dec. 1998, 3-4)

Gems from the Teachings of Church Leaders
Words of Joseph Smith: "Any person that has seen the heavens opened"
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Joseph Smith
Nauvoo, Illinois
June 11, 1843

"Peter and Stephen testify that they saw the Son of Man standing on the right hand of God. Any person that had seen the heavens opened knows that there are three personages in the heavens who hold the keys of power, and one presides over all."

Topics: Godhead

( History of the Church, 5:426)

GEMS-Youth: President James E. Faust on Facing Trials

"For all of us this life is a time of sifting and refining. We all face trials. Individual members in the early days of the Church were tested and refined when they had to decide if they had the faith . . . to put their belongings in a wagon or a pioneer handcart and travel across the American plains. Some did not have the faith. Those who did traveled 'with faith in every footstep.' In our time we are going through an increasingly difficult time of refining and testing. The tests are more subtle because the lines between good and evil are being eroded. Very little seems to be sacred in any of our public communication. In this environment we will need to make sure where we stand all of the time in our commitment to eternal truths and covenants."

Topics: Trials, faith, commitment

( "Where Do I Make My Stand?" Ensign, Nov. 2004, 21)

Gems from the Teachings of Church Leaders
"A 'Sunshine' Christmas"
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"Many years ago I found myself as part of occupation troops in a foreign land just at the end of a terrible war. It was not long after we arrived in this country before we developed a great love and concern for the people we were there to watch over. This was especially true of the young people, the children. Many times we would find them scavenging in our garbage cans looking for food to keep themselves alive. This deeply touched us, and we wanted to make a more substantial contribution to them. We raised what money we could and found a local religious group that was willing to open an orphanage for them. We donated as much time as possible to improve the facilities and provided them with the operating funds they needed.

"As Christmas approached, we sent letters home to our families asking that, instead of sending gifts to us, they send toys for the children in the orphanage. The response of our families was overwhelming! Toys arrived daily from our homes.

"We found a tree suitable to use as a Christmas tree, but we had no traditional decorations for it. A lady taught us how to make little birds by folding square pieces of paper, and these became the major part of the decorations for the tree. The presents were wrapped mostly in discarded Stars and Stripes newspapers. I'll never forget Christmas Eve with those children. I am sure many of them had never seen a Christmas tree in their lives.

"We sang Christmas carols to them, but we weren't very good at this. They had been rehearsing for weeks so they could sing a song to us in English. It was not a Christmas carol, but it was beautiful. They sang, 'You Are My Sunshine.' We were deeply touched with the spirit of the children that Christmas Eve, especially as they opened the presents sent from our families. I suppose some of them had not had a toy in many, many years.

"This is a Christmas I'll never forget because we were learning the true meaning of this great holiday season. The greatest joy we can receive in life is giving--to bring into the life of someone else a little joy and happiness."

Topics: Christmas, children, happiness

( L. Tom Perry, "A 'Sunshine' Christmas," Tambuli, Dec. 1990, 12)

Gems from the Teachings of Church Leaders
Teachings of Joseph Smith: The Fundamental Principles of Our Religion
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Joseph Smith
May 8, 1838
Far West, Missouri

"The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it."

Topics: Jesus Christ, resurrection

( History of the Church, 3:30)

Gems from the Teachings of Church Leaders
"Doubly Glad"
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"A few years ago I received an anonymous letter from a kindhearted dentist who demonstrated brotherly love and goodwill. I'd like to share it with you:

" 'Dear President Monson:

"'I feel remiss in that I should have sent you a thank-you note sooner. Last December I listened to your talk given during the Christmas devotional. You spoke of an older woman who could not afford to pay for the registration for an automobile she had recently purchased. Others came to her aid. All involved were touched.

" 'I am a dentist by profession. Not long after the devotional, my receptionist informed me that an acquaintance of hers was coming into my office. She had problems with two of her teeth. She knew this woman and told me of her circumstances. The woman carried many burdens. The family business, which she ran, was doing poorly, and the family was three months behind in paying rent. They had five children, many grown into adulthood, but all had moved back home because of difficult personal circumstances. By sheer force of will, she had kept her family together for some time. Now two teeth were broken.

" 'The woman arrived for her appointment and explained about her dental problem. She asked if I would allow her to pay her bill over time. She explained to me that her family had experienced several financial reversals and were just recently starting to pay some overdue bills.

" 'I assured her that her credit was good with me. She asked if I could repair just one of the two broken teeth at that time. I assured her that I could, and we began.

"'Since I had the time, I repaired both teeth, for which she was grateful. When the work was completed, thinking of your talk, I told her that if she would not be offended, I should like to make a Christmas present of the dental work, for which there would be no bill. She was astonished. I could sense the depth of the stress and strain she had carried, as uncontrollable tears of gratitude gushed forth due to a small, simple act of kindness. It must have been years since someone showed her some little favor. Not able to speak, she made her way out.

"'Both my assistant and receptionist were so moved by her reaction that they also [shed] tears and could hardly speak. I, on the other hand, was doubly glad. One part, in seeing such a simple act have such a happy effect on another. And the second part, for once in my life having a patient in my office crying for joy and not for pain!

"'To you, my very best wishes.

"'Sincerely,

"'A brother in the gospel.'"

Topics: Christmas, giving, kindness

( Thomas S. Monson, "What Is Christmas?" Liahona, Dec. 1998, 4-5)

Gems from the Teachings of Church Leaders
Teachings of Joseph Smith--"Come and Get More"
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Joseph Smith
Nauvoo, Illinois
January 22, 1843

"We don't ask any people to throw away any good they have got; we only ask them to come and get more. What if all the world should embrace this Gospel? They would then see eye to eye, and the blessings of God would be poured out upon the people, which is the desire of my whole soul."

Topics: Gospel, truth

( History of the Church, 5:259)

Gems from the Teachings of Church Leaders
The Bell Still Rings
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"Several years ago just before Christmas, my niece, Shelly, took hold of her mother's hand and asked seriously, 'Is it okay if I believe just one more year?'

"Since that memorable happening several years ago, our family has established a family tradition. Each year on Christmas Eve, we gather together around the tree. With the lights low and the fire burning in the fireplace, we ask the question once again, the most important question of the year, 'Is it okay if we believe one more year?'--not only believe in the traditions of childhood with Santa Claus, but more importantly in the message of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, whose birthday we are celebrating. Do we believe in his mission, his atonement, his resurrection? Do we believe in his invitation to come and follow him?

"Of course we are not really committing ourselves for only a year. We are pledged to follow the Savior forever. But we live life a day, a week, a month, a year at a time, and Christmas is a season to focus on the year ahead and reconfirm our discipleship.

"Following the discussion and the commitment, someone reads aloud The Polar Express by Chris Von Allsburg, a story that tells how those who have faith can always hear the clear sound of a silver bell.

"Following the story, we each receive a small new bell on a red satin ribbon to wear around our necks during the holidays. We listen for its clear sound as a testimony and commitment that we truly believe and will strive to live as we believe one more year. While the fire burns low, we then read from the Bible the glorious account of the Christmas story recorded by Luke telling of the birth of the Savior as announced by an angel, 'For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord' (Luke 2:11), and we believe."

Topics: Christmas, faith, family

( Ardeth G. Kapp, "The Bell Still Rings," Tambuli, Dec. 1990, 15)

GEMS-Youth: Elder Cecil O. Samuelson Jr. on Spiritual Gifts

"In our own day, we have been promised that the Lord has many gifts in store for 'those who love [Him] and keep all [His] commandments' and also those 'that seeketh so to do' (D&C 46:9). While not every gift of God is pledged to every person, we have been assured that 'to every [person] is given a gift by the Spirit of God' ( D&C 46:11 )."

Topic: spiritual gifts

( "Perilous Times," Ensign, Nov. 2004, 51)

Gems from the Teachings of Church Leaders
Teachings of Joseph Smith---God Is a Distinct Personage
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June 16, 1844
Nauvoo, Illinois
Joseph Smith

"I have always declared God to be a distinct personage, Jesus Christ a separate and distinct personage from God the Father, and that the Holy Ghost was a distinct personage and a Spirit: and these three constitute three distinct personages and three Gods."

Topic: Godhead

(History of the Church, 6:474)

Gems from the Teachings of Church Leaders
A Joyful Reunion
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"Following my release from my first mission in 1923, I returned home to Whitney, Idaho, on Christmas Eve. It was a joyful reunion with my ten brothers and sisters, and especially with my father and mother in a home that had been as near ideal as a Latter-day Saint home could be.

"Father and Mother always made it a practice to hang the stockings, one on each chair, for the children and to place their limited gifts on or under or near each chair.

"Father and Mother took me into their confidence that Christmas Eve, which I shall never forget, and we stayed up all during the night. In fact, we didn't retire at all. We filled the stockings after going to the granary and elsewhere on the farm to get the presents which had been secretly hidden by our devoted and beloved parents. This took a good part of the night. The rest we spent visiting together, with Father and Mother telling me of the progress made by each of the children while I was away, and with me reporting to them and responding to their questions regarding my wonderful mission of thirty months in the British Isles. It was a choice evening. My love for my parents had never been quite so great before as it was that night.

"It was agreed that the children could arise early Christmas morning. I don't remember the hour, but I think it was 5:00 a.m. They were each to go in the kitchen, as I remember it, for a glass of milk and a piece of bread and butter and honey before they came into the living room to partake of the goodies from their stockings and to enjoy the excitement of their presents from Santa. It was a happy morning. I could not hold back the tears as I watched with pride the reactions of my six brothers and four sisters and the loving expressions of my noble parents as they watched their posterity partake of the Christmas spirit and as they felt of the unity which prevailed in our family circle."

Topics: Christmas, family

( Ezra Taft Benson, "A Joyful Reunion," Tambuli, Dec. 1990, 11)

Merry Christmas from LDS Gems

At this joyous season, we invite you to take a moment and join with us in gratefully pondering the Savior's birth by viewing a multimedia Christmas e-card. To view the card, please go to:

http://10.98.40.180/library/display/1,4945,6460-1-3316-1,00.html

Gems from the Teachings of Church Leaders
Teachings of Joseph Smith---The Things of God
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Joseph Smith
Liberty, Missouri
March 25, 1839

"The things of God are of deep import; and time, and experience, and careful and ponderous and solemn thoughts can only find them out."

Topics: Wisdom

( History of the Church, 3:295 )

Gems from the Teachings of Church Leaders
Christmas Began with a Baby
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"At the focal point of all human history, a point illuminated by a new star in the heavens revealed for just such a purpose, probably no other mortal watched--none but a poor young carpenter, a beautiful virgin mother, and silent stabled animals who had not the power to utter the sacredness they had seen. Shepherds would soon arrive and later, wise men from the East. Later yet the memory of that night would bring Santa Claus and Frosty and Rudolph--and all would be welcome. But first and forever there was just a little family, without toys or trees or tinsel. With a baby--that's how Christmas began.


"It is for this baby that we shout in chorus: 'Hark! the herald angels sing Glory to the newborn King! . . . Mild he lays his glory by, Born that man no more may die; Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth' ( Hymns, no. 209)."

Topic: Jesus Christ, Christmas

( Jeffrey R. Holland , "Without Ribbons and Bows," New Era, Dec. 1994, 6 )

Gems from the Teachings of Church Leaders
Teachings of Joseph Smith---Comprehending the Designs of God
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Joseph Smith
April 7, 1844
Nauvoo, Illinois

"If a man learns nothing more than to eat, drink and sleep, and does not comprehend any of the designs of God, the beast comprehends the same things. It eats, drinks, sleeps, and knows nothing more about God; yet it knows as much as we, unless we are able to comprehend by the inspiration of Almighty God. If men do not comprehend the character of God, they do not comprehend themselves."

Topics: Wisdom, knowledge

( History of the Church, 6:303)

GEMS-Youth: President James E. Faust on Receiving Our Own Witness of Jesus as the Christ

"Each of us has to receive our own witness concerning Jesus as the Christ. We cannot get it secondhand from someone else. I believe that a testimony of our Redeemer comes from a divine source, as a spiritual gift. As John the Baptist stated, 'A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven' (John 3:27). Such a heaven-sent witness gives us a sacred inner peace and strength, even though we live in a world of turmoil and temptation. It gives us the power to become disciples of the Christ."

( "A Testimony of Christ," Liahona, Mar. 2005, 3 )

Gems from the Teachings of Church Leaders
Teachings of Joseph Smith---Except a Man Be Born Again
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Joseph Smith
August 1832
Kirtland, Ohio

"Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. This eternal truth settles the question of all men's religion. A man may be saved, after the judgment, in the terrestrial kingdom, or in the telestial kingdom, but he can never see the celestial kingdom of God, without being born of water and the Spirit. He may receive a glory like unto the moon, [i.e., of which the light of the moon is typical], or a star, [i.e., of which the light of the stars is typical], but he can never come unto Mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels; to the general assembly and Church of the First-born, which are written in heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, and to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, unless he becomes as a little child, and is taught by the Spirit of God."

Topics: Conversion, salvation

( History of the Church, 1:282)