My mood improved significantly after my talk was finished. I don't really mind speaking in church, but I didn't realize how stressful a situation it was until it was over. I did want to share what I spoke about, because it means a lot to me. I hope it helps you remember what Christmas is all about.
I did a little introduction of us, then did a little segue from the part of my serving a mission in France. This is the outline of my talk; I apologize for the formatting issues.
- Name, recently called to Primary. Setting apart, asked Allen to speak in January. Thought I dodged a bullet; called later that evening, asked to speak today. Not a lot of time to prepare, grateful I get to speak during the Christmas season.
- Introduction
- Allen: from California; been in Utah for 9-10 years. We met while both living in Sugar House. Fix-it man and Computer Guru. Works @ Unisys doing tech support for Blackrock. Works crazy hours.
- Mary: born & raised in Utah, served mission in Belgium and France, graduated from the U in Biology. Work at IMC as a surgical tech. Work opposite shifts to take care of Benji, though we need help sometimes. Actually, we are in need of some babysitting help during Winter break. If available, please come see me after meeting.
- Benjamin: 5 in February. Autistic, sorry for noise. Attends Carmen B. Pingree school near University. Likes Lightning McQueen, eating anything sweet, playing in water, Benny Bear.
- Served mission in France, came to love so many things about culture (I'm a total Francophile!). One of the most beloved French Christmas songs is the “Cantique de Noël,” which literally means “Hymn of Christmas.” We know it as “O Holy Night.” I don't love every version of this song (*cough* Mariah Carey), but the lyrics to this song are so beautiful, I wanted to share them with you as the basis of my talk today. I was given the subject of the Atonement, and this song encompasses both the miracle of our Savior's birth, and the wondrous gift of His Atoning sacrifice.
First: literal translation of original French (thank you, Wikipedia!)
Midnight, Christians, it is the solemn hour,
When God as man descended unto us
To erase the stain of original sin
And to end the wrath of His Father.
- We must remember that this song was written by a Catholic man, Placide Cappeau in France in the early 1800's. We know from the second article of faith that our Heavenly Father will punish man for his own sins, not for Adam's transgression. This statement reminds us that Adam fell that men might be, and Christ came to the earth that we may return to live with God again.
- The entire world thrills with hope
- On this night that gives it a Savior.
- How thrilling, indeed, that Heavenly Father sent His only begotten Son to save us? I'm certain you and I were among the angels singing and rejoicing that Christ had been born in Bethlehem.
People kneel down, wait for your deliverance.- Christmas, Christmas, here is the Redeemer,
- Christmas, Christmas, here is the Redeemer!
- Here is the Child of God who is come to save us! Let us kneel at the manger, the cradle of the beautiful baby boy who will be our Advocate with the Father.
- The second verse is not sung very often, since the song is quite long enough with two verses. Again, here is the translation of the original French.
- May the ardent light of our Faith
- Guide us all to the cradle of the infant,
- As in ancient times a brilliant star
- Guided the Oriental kings there.
- The King of Kings was born in a humble manger;
- O mighty ones of today, proud of your greatness,
- It is to your pride that God preaches.
- Bow your heads before the Redeemer!
- Bow your heads before the Redeemer!
- We can all learn a great lesson of humility from our Savior. The King of Kings— the only begotten Son of our Heavenly Father, was born in such humble circumstances. He was surrounded by the poor his entire life. He loved everyone—high and low—and He led not by power or coercion, but by his unwavering goodness, kindness and righteous example.
- The Redeemer has broken every bond:
- The Earth is free, and Heaven is open.
- He sees a brother where there was only a slave,
- Love unites those that iron had chained.
- Who will tell Him of our gratitude,
- For all of us He is born, He suffers and dies.
- People stand up! Sing of your deliverance,
- Christmas, Christmas, sing of the Redeemer,
- Christmas, Christmas, sing of the Redeemer!
Christmas is such a beautiful time of year. It can be painful for many people, as we recall those who are no longer with us. I have cried many tears over the past few days, in memory of the beautiful children in Connecticut, but I know they are with our Savior. He suffered and died for all of us. I'd like to quote from an article in the April 2012 Ensign, a talk given by Elder David A. Bednar.
“In Alma chapter 7 we learn how and why the Savior is able to provide the enabling power:
“He shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
“And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities” (Alma 7:11–12).
“The Savior has suffered not just for our iniquities but also for the inequality, the unfairness, the pain, the anguish, and the emotional distresses that so frequently beset us. There is no physical pain, no anguish of soul, no suffering of spirit, no infirmity or weakness that you or I ever experience during our mortal journey that the Savior did not experience first. You and I in a moment of weakness may cry out, “No one understands. No one knows.” No human being, perhaps, knows. But the Son of God perfectly knows and understands, for He felt and bore our burdens before we ever did. And because He paid the ultimate price and bore that burden, He has perfect empathy and can extend to us His arm of mercy in so many phases of our life. He can reach out, touch, succor—literally run to us—and strengthen us to be more than we could ever be and help us to do that which we could never do through relying upon only our own power.”
I'd now like to read to you the English version of “O Holy Night.” If I had had a little more time to prepare, I might have been able to sing it (or find someone to sing it) for you, but I hope you will really listen to the words. It truly is one of the most beautiful Christmas songs.
- O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
- It is the night of our dear Saviour's birth.
- Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
- 'Til He appear'd and the soul felt its worth.
- A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
- For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
- Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices!
- O night divine, O night when Christ was born;
- O night divine, O night, O night Divine.
- Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming,
- With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
- So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
- Here come the wise men from Orient land.
- The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger;
- In all our trials born to be our friend.
- He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger,
- Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!
- Behold your King, Before Him lowly bend!
- Truly He taught us to love one another;
- His law is love and His gospel is peace.
- Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother;
- And in His name all oppression shall cease.
- Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
- Let all within us praise His holy name.
- Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever,
- His power and glory evermore proclaim.
- His power and glory evermore proclaim.
- I hope when you hear this song, you will remember its' message of hope and praise. The Son of God knows our need; He was born to be our friend. He loves us, and He made it possible for us to return to the presence of our Heavenly Father. Christ is the Lord! Let all within us praise His holy name! I pray we may all do so, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
2 comments:
Love this...
That's a lovely talk, and glad you're feeling better.
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