I am absolutely loving this home-centered, church-supported format we’ve been practicing over the past couple of weeks. And I don’t know about you, but to me, church feels so much more exciting. There’s a new energy and spirit there that’s hard to describe, but I’m so grateful to be a part of it and to have the privilege of learning from my ward members and from the Spirit.
This week’s lesson was all about Christ’s birth and how His life was astonishing from the very beginning. There were a few things in Luke 2 that really stood out to me that I would like to share here. I feel like writing blog posts about these lessons will help me stay accountable and hopefully give you another perspective on the lessons.
As I read through the chapters for this week, there were a few verses that really touched my heart and I hope they can touch yours as well.
Luke 2:9-10
I always love reading about Christ’s birth. It’s such a miraculous story and truly marks the most important event in the history of this world. That night must have been so special, but in verse 9, we learn that “the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.” When I was little I used to hear about the First Vision and angels appearing on the earth and it really freaked me out. It would be startling to see a bright figure descend from the heavens, and it makes total sense why the people were afraid. As humans, we’re terrified of things we don’t know or things we’ve never experienced.
But the words in the following verses replace the fear and unknown. “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” Isn’t that amazing? When we take that verse out of context and apply it to our lives, it can really put into perspective just how much peace and joy the gospel can bring. The knowledge, the belief, or even the desire to believe in Christ and in the gospel are enough to calm our fears. The gospel is good. It brings great joy. And it’s for all people.
Luke 2:16
This verse describes how the shepherds reacted when they heard Christ was born. Once they heard the good news, they departed immediately to go and see Him. “And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.”
I want to turn the attention for a moment to the word haste. These faithful shepherds knew something incredible had just happened and they desired more than anything to be near Christ. The symbolism here is almost blinding. Haste doesn’t mean procrastinating. It doesn’t mean taking a leisurely walk. And it most certainly doesn’t leave extra time for distractions. The shepherds had one goal -- they wanted to be near Christ and they wanted to be there as soon as possible. I’m sure you remember Elder Uchtdorf’s talk in the October 2018 general conference when he was talking about naming the new ministering program. He mentioned that “shepherding” was an option and that we would all be called shepherds if that name had been chosen. Although it’s not our official title, we really are the shepherds of this generation, helping our brothers and sisters to come unto Christ. But in order to do that, we have to be near Him ourselves.
Luke 2:17 & 20
Not only did the shepherds go hastily unto Christ, but they shared the exciting news of His birth. “And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.” And in verse 20, “... The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.”
These shepherds knew the power and glory the Son of God brought to the Earth. They likely felt that joy the angels spoke of at the beginning of the chapter, and they wanted everyone to know of the miracle so they too could experience the joy. As members of the Church, we’re told to rejoice in Christ, talk of Christ, and share His gospel. The whole point of missionary work is to bring joy to God’s children on the earth, and as modern-day shepherds, we can do the same. Whether it’s a full-time mission or sharing a spiritual thought on social media, talking of Christ and sharing His gospel is the most important thing we can do.
Luke 2:46-47 & 49
Later in this chapter, we hear the story of when Jesus was found teaching well-educated adults in the temple at only twelve years old. “... They found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard them were astonished at his understanding and answers.”
It’s absolutely incredible that at only twelve years old, Jesus was already changing the world and people were listening to what He had to say. He is literally the perfect example of being bold and brave enough to share the gospel and of following promptings to do so. Sharing the gospel is hard for a lot of people -- including me. I hold my testimony so close to my heart and it’s scary to put my feelings out there and share my beliefs. It’s a vulnerable experience and rejection comes frequently, but Christ was only twelve years old and taught doctors. He left His parents because He felt inspired to do the Lord’s work, which brings me to my next impression.
In verse 49 Jesus says to Mary and Joseph, “... How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” Jesus’ life was 100 percent dedicated to the Lord’s work. He didn’t worry about what other people would think of Him or that He would be rejected. He went about doing good and spreading the gospel, and isn’t that essentially what we’re asked to do as well? We have responsibilities and work and families of course, but when we dedicate ourselves to doing good and serving the Lord, we are blessed. It’s that simple.
As I read this chapter and pondered the verses that stood out to me, I recognized an interesting pattern that I want to remember in my everyday life. Keep in mind, this pattern might start over. A lot. You might spend years in one stage trying to move onto the next, but the most beautiful part about the gospel is that God meets us where we are and His grace fills the empty spaces within us.
In the first verses I mentioned, angels appeared and assured the people they were bringing good tidings of great joy, and that they need not fear. And when the shepherds heard Christ was born, they went to Him with haste. They wanted to see Him for themselves. They then returned and shared the message with anyone who would listen. And toward the end of the chapter after twelve years had passed, Jesus is found in the temple teaching scholars and going about doing good. His life is dedicated to His Father’s work.
We are far from perfect, but we can take these truths and apply them to our own journeys. We start by hearing about Christ and the gospel -- maybe we’re even a little afraid. Afraid of learning about the gospel, or afraid of coming back. But when we take the time to focus on our relationship with Christ and come unto Him, we find good tidings and great joy in the gospel and the incredible blessings we receive when we live Christ’s teachings. We then share that message to anyone who will listen, and we strive to dedicate ourselves to our Father’s work on this earth.
Kommentare