Lesson for December 7, 2014

Today our lesson was given by Maggie Kopp about Chapter 25 of the Joseph Fielding Smith book, “Good Tidings of Great Joy.” Maggie talked about the exhibits she is making in the BYU Library for Christmas and some of the things President Smith did with his family, especially the significance of the Wise Men who visited Jesus Christ bringing gold, frankincense, and myrrh. We don’t really know that there were three or that they were kings. Matthew was trying to show that Christ was the Savior for everyone, not just the Jews. They did bring the gifts, which have significance. Myrrh is used to embalm dead bodies, which may seem sad for a baby, but Christ died and rose again. Gold is something given to a king. Joseph and Mary were poor, so such a gift was precious. Frankincense is an herb that priests in the temple burn to send the smoke and the prayers heavenward, often in conjunction with burnt sacrifices. So it could symbolize the holy nature of Jesus Christ and His sacrifice. Joseph Fielding Smith said that although Christ was divine, He had to learn line upon line as we do. Maggie asked about how it makes us feel to know that Jesus is our King. Jesus is the most loving, kind king we could have. He is our priest and Redeemer. Mosiah states that there is no other way or name given whereby we can be saved. We celebrate Christmas for this reason and to save all men from spiritual and temporal death. President Smith said that sometimes we commercialize Christmas too much and forget His reason for coming to earth. He volunteered to come in the Meridian of Time to save us. He was willing to do that for us. Maggie asked what symbols stand out in the Christmas story. The star provided guidance, helped the shepherds, and symbolizes the Light of Christ. The Christmas tree has branches that point up to heaven and is an evergreen to symbolize life. The music is a huge part of Christmas. Sometimes the music touches our souls and reminds us about the good part of life and the gospel, sometimes in places we would not expect it to be. The shepherds were the first to know. They took care of their sheep. The manger is a humble place to be born. Have accepted the gift and symbolism of this great event? Do we have faith that the Atonement can be for us. Sometimes the spirit of Christmas can be brought about by family traditions. Shanacy Critchfield said her family has a separate tree that is for gifts her children work on all year. Another sister said her book had a book that had spiritual stories in it. If we would embrace others in need, such as the homeless, would we see them for who they are? Maybe we can celebrate Christmas in April or July. People make such a huge thing about Christmas because it is the tiniest step for people to come closer to being like Christ. What kinds of gifts can we give the Savior? We can give him service or help out at the Bishop’s Storehouse or the temple—time and service. We can forgive others and forget—Christmas is for giving and for getting. We can be good examples of being obedient. That is truly a gift to our Heavenly Father. We can use the gifts Heavenly Father has given us, such as patience, and talents. We can find those in need. Maggie ended her lesson with the picture she had from the exhibit of the wise men going to and coming from and she was reminded of the way people who saw the Christ child were affected. She wants us to think of what we can give.