Stories of Christ: Story 2

Mary and Joseph receive Angelic Visitations

Order

Date

Topic

Ornament

Principle taught

Scripture Reader

Scripture Reference

Video

Picture

Why that Ornament

Song

2

6-Nov

Mary and Joseph receive angelic visitations

Angel (Tree topper)

Trust in God

NT 2 & 4

Luke 1:26-38; Alma 7:10

Angel comes to Mary

Angle appeared to them

Picture a Christmas

Video

This video shows the Angel coming to Mary and letting her know she will be the mother of God.  What a tender moment and a great woman.

Quote

This quote highlights the qualities of Trust, Obedience, and Integrity that Mary and Joseph exemplified in fulfilling their roles.  

"Mary learned [from the angelic messenger] that she was to be the mother of the Son of God, the Only Begotten of the Father in the flesh. The child would inherit the physical, mental, and spiritual traits characterized by his parents--one the glorified God; the other a worthy, blessed mortal woman. After receiving the angel's message, Mary; in unreserved obedience, replied, "Be it unto me according to the word." In humbly accepting this opportunity of motherhood, Mary exemplifies the quality of obedience to which all disciples aspire.

Joseph, as Mary had done before him, heeded the counsel and "did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife." His noble character exemplifies the virtues of faithful obedience as well as of integrity. "

Susan Easton Black, Mary, His Mother; Ensign Jan 1991

Ornament

The Angel Tree Topper just fits as the angel revealed to Mary and Joseph their roles and they trusted.

Trust in God

Trust in God: TG

2 Nephi 22:2

Whom to put your trust in:

D&C 11:12              Spirit which leadeth to do good

Psalms 62: 7-8        God of refuge

Isaiah 50:10            Trust in Name of the Lord

Mosiah 4:6              Trust in God’s Plan which leads to Salvation

Trust not in the counsel of Men:

Moses 6:43             Why counsel yourself and deny God

2 Nephi 4:34           Cursed if put trust in man

Jacob 4:10              Take counsel from God, not counsel Him

D&C 3:7-8               Not fear man more than God

Blessing of Trusting in the Lord:

D&C 84:116            Men will not confound

Alma 36:3                Supported in trials, troubles, and afflictions

Mosiah 23:21-22     Endurance + Trust = Return to Heavenly Father

Proverbs 3:5-6        Direct my path

Mosiah 7:33            Deliver from bondage

Proverbs 29:25       Safety

Examples:

Alma 57: 27             2,000 Stripling Warriors, Trust God Continually

Jacob 7:25              Nephites, at time of war

In the face of apparent tragedy we must put our trust in God, knowing that despite our limited view his purposes will not fail.  With all its troubles life offers us the tremendous privilege to grow in knowledge and wisdom, faith and works, preparing to return and share God’s glory.                           

                                Spencer W. Kimball, Teachings Book, Ch 2, p 21

Consider these lyrics, so dear to me: 

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!

Thou art the Potter; I am the clay.

 Mold me and make me after Thy will,

While I am waiting, yielded and still. 

How do we, a modern, busy, competitive people become yielded and still?  How do we make the Lord’s ways our ways?  I believe we begin by learning to Him and praying for understanding.  As our trust in Him grows, we open our hearts, seek to do His will, and wait for answers that will help us understand.

Neill F. Marriott, October 2015 General Conf.

I testify that as we trust God, our Eternal Father; trust His Son, Jesus Christ, and exercise faith in His Atonement; trust the whisperings of the Spirit; and trust the counsel of living prophets, we will find our way off the edge of the road and continue safely—not just enduring but finding joy in our journey home.

Carole M. Stephens, Oct 2015 General Conf.

·         Hearing the word of God with earnest intent leads us to believe in God and to trust His promises.

·         The more we trust God, the more our hearts are filled with love for Him and for each other.

·         Because of our love for God, we desire to follow Him and bring our actions in alignment with His word.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf; October 2015 General Conf.