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Thursday, December 17, 2009

Joy to the World...and Hope, and Love

My sweet 10 yr old, Jonah, shared this "joy" scripture last week for family devotional. It was so perfect, he shared it at Mariah's service.

From The Book of Mormon, Alma, chapter 36
"17 And it came to pass that as I was thus racked with torment, while I was harrowed up..., behold, I remembered also to have heard my father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world.
19 And now, behold, when I thought this, I could remember my pains no more...
20 And oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain!
21 Yea, I say unto you, that there could be nothing so exquisite and so bitter as were my pains. Yea, and again I say unto you, my son, that on the other hand, there can be nothing so exquisite and sweet as was my joy."

It immediately brought to my heart and mind a sense of gratitude that though we are in the midst of deep sorrow, what a miraculous time of year it is...I don't just get to remember the coming of Jesus Christ, I get to celebrate it! Every twinkling light, and Christmas wreath, and beautiful carol brings the realization anew that Jesus really did come!

And because of this,
I have beautiful promises concerning this.


Yes, because of this,


I will have this again.


And there will be nothing so exquisite and sweet as my joy.


Even amongst the tears of sorrow now, there are many many tears of hope, joy, and above all, love.

And that is what Christmas is truly about.

10 comments:

Katherine Bettilyon said...

I sure love you guys. Thanks for the scripture Jonah! See you all in a week!!

Priscilla said...

Simply Beautiful.

Lynne said...

I just commented on your wall at Facebook and turned to this incredible addition to your "journal"! I, too, have focused on these beautiful thoughts throughout this week since the Bishop (who is our home teacher!) gave me a blessing to help take away the tears. It warms my heart to see you thinking and feeling the same things!!xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxxoxoxoxoxoxoxxoxo

Rae said...

Can I just say...I love you sooooo much. You are truly amazing to me, and I thank Father every day for you guys, and for the knowledge that we all get to be together forever. I can't wait to see you and throw my arms around you all. You're always in my prayers.

Misty said...

It is wonderful, isn't it? Thank you for sharing your hearts with us. It brings hope and joy to all who read it, including us. We love you

kim said...

Still loving. A lot.

mom2beachbums said...

Lovely scripture passage...thank you for sharing your wonderful thoughts and precious of precious pictures...I cannot stop the tears seeing how peaceful you look snuggling with your baby girl. Sad, hopeful and joyous tears.

amber said...

Perfect angel flag

Sommer said...

Oh how I love you. YOu will never know how much I look up to you!

The Washburns said...

It is so true. That is one of my favorite scriptures. You are amazing and so is your family. We are grateful for your faith and we are praying for all of you throughout each day. The Savior's plan is beautiful.