Active Remembrance
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Dec 2014
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This holiday season, we gather together with our families in a time of celebration and love; a time full of uplifting music, pretty decorations, and ancient symbols. Although we may think of it as a time in which to make memories, it is more important that we take the time to remember. Remember what? What is the reason for the season? Christ is. Our Lord, and Savior.
Now, just as there are two types of faith, one passive, and one active, there are also two types of remembering, one is passive, and the other a call to action.
The Sacrament Prayers we listen to each week reflect our commitment to actively remember the savior by doing.
D&C 20:77
A similar thing can be found in Alma 37:
And again in Mosiah 4:
Active remembering implies doing things, and specifically in this case it means keeping the commandments.
Remembering is a form of knowledge, and knowledge is power; but if you don’t use that power to act, what good does it do you? For example, you might have the most powerful computer in the world, but if you never turn it on, isn’t it just an expensive paperweight?
James 1:
What are some things we can actively remember this holiday season?
Now, just as there are two types of faith, one passive, and one active, there are also two types of remembering, one is passive, and the other a call to action.
The Sacrament Prayers we listen to each week reflect our commitment to actively remember the savior by doing.
D&C 20:77
- O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it, that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given them; that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.
A similar thing can be found in Alma 37:
- “(35) O, remember, my son, and learn wisdom in thy youth; yea, learn in thy youth to keep the commandments of God.”
And again in Mosiah 4:
- “(30) But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not.”
Active remembering implies doing things, and specifically in this case it means keeping the commandments.
Remembering is a form of knowledge, and knowledge is power; but if you don’t use that power to act, what good does it do you? For example, you might have the most powerful computer in the world, but if you never turn it on, isn’t it just an expensive paperweight?
James 1:
- “(22) But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only”
What are some things we can actively remember this holiday season?
Holiday Symbols
Angels
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Angels are the messengers of God who proclaim of Christ’s birth, his life, and his atonement. But do we remember that we have also been tasked by God to be his messengers, proclaiming the same message?
Mark 16:
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Jingling Bells
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Jingle Bells represent large church bells that have long been used to call people to come unto Christ. How often do we remember to come unto Him? Are we actively seeking Him? Do we read His teachings each day? Do we ponder their meanings? How often are we praying? Are we allowing him to make our burdens light? Do we let Him comfort us? Do we let Him teach us?
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Candy Canes
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Candy Canes represent the shepherd’s crook, used for guiding sheep who have gone astray. Christ is the Good shepherd and we are His sheep. The red stripes represent the blood he spilt for our sins, and the white stripes remind us to repent and keep the commandments, so that those sins can be white as snow.
Isaiah 1:
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Christmas Trees
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Evergreens are representative of the tree of life, which is Christ, and whose fruit is His love for us.
Hosea 14:
Lehi’s Dream - 1 Nephi 8:
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Doves
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Doves represent messengers of peace and Christ is the Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:
Do we remember to be peacemakers, or are we quick to anger? |
Gifts
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The Wise Men gave gifts to the savior in gold, frankincense and myrrh. God gave His son as a gift to the world, and Jesus in turn gave the gift of His atonement and resurrection. This represents selflessness. But, in our giving gifts to each other, do we remember to give gifts to Christ? Do we give Him our gratitude, a broken heart, and a contrite spirit?
Alma 34:
Psalms 34:
Do we keep His commandments and help the low and downtrodden? John 14:
Matthew 25:
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Star & Lights
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The Star of Bethlehem was a light unto the world when Christ was born, guiding us unto Him. Christ now tells us that we are the light of the world. Do we remember to share the light of joy and hope that He has given us, or do we hide it under a bushel?
Matthew 5:
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What other symbols do you notice during the holidays? What do they make you remember? What do they remind you to do and be?
I know the Lord loves us with all His heart, and it is that love that we celebrate in the Christmas season. That we be active in our remembrance of Him and the gifts that he offers each and every one of us is my humble prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
I know the Lord loves us with all His heart, and it is that love that we celebrate in the Christmas season. That we be active in our remembrance of Him and the gifts that he offers each and every one of us is my humble prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Related Resources
Remember and Perish Not - Marlin K. Jensen
Remembrance and Gratitude - Henry B. Eyring
To Always Remember Him - By Elder D. Todd Christofferson
Remembrance and Gratitude - Henry B. Eyring
To Always Remember Him - By Elder D. Todd Christofferson