Gifts of Peace

By President Henry B. Eyring

First Counselor in the First Presidency

December 2016

The peace of Christmas is “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding.” It is the peace that the Apostle Paul promised would “keep [our] hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”  And Paul was right. That peace we seek is only through and because of Jesus Christ.

Philippians 4:7

 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus

Some of us live in beautiful and peaceful surroundings, yet we are experiencing inner turmoil. Others feel peace and perfect serenity in the midst of great personal loss, tragedy, and continuing trials.

To all who have come into mortality, the Savior said, “In the world ye shall have tribulation.”  Yet He gave this wonderful promise to His disciples during His mortal ministry: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.”  It is a comfort to know that this promise of personal peace continues for all of His covenant disciples today.

John 16:33

 33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

John 14:27

27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

It is a promise given even on the very night of His birth. When heavenly messengers heralded the birth of the Savior, they declared, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace.”

Luke 2:14

 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Still, still, still,
One can hear the falling snow.
For all is hushed,
The world is sleeping,
Holy Star its vigil keeping.
Still, still, still,
One can hear the falling snow.

Sleep, sleep, sleep,
'Tis the eve of our Saviour's birth.
The night is peaceful all around you,
Close your eyes,
Let sleep surround you.
Sleep, sleep, sleep,
'Tis the eve of our Saviour's birth.

Dream, dream, dream,
Of the joyous day to come.
While guardian angels without number,
Watch you as you sweetly slumber.
Dream, dream, dream,
Of the joyous day to come.

(Traditional Austrian Christmas Lullaby)

On This Day of Joy and Gladness

Doctrine and Covenants 101:36

Wherefore, fear not even unto death; 

for in this world your joy is not full, 

but in me your joy is full.

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; 

the which when a man hath found, 

he hideth, 

and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, 

and buyeth that field.

Matthew 13:44

Jesu, joy of man's desiring,
Holy wisdom, love most bright;
Drawn by Thee, our souls aspiring
Soar to uncreated light.

Word of God, our flesh that fashioned,
With the fire of life impassioned,
Striving still to truth unknown,
Soaring, dying round Thy throne.

Through the way where hope is guiding,
Hark, what peaceful music rings;
Where the flock, in Thee confiding,
Drink of joy from deathless springs.

Theirs is beauty's fairest pleasure;
Theirs is wisdom's holiest treasure.
Thou dost ever lead Thine own
In the love of joys unknown.

The Master Healer

Excerpts from the talk

The Master Healer

By Carole M. Stephens

First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency

October 2016

Link

You don’t have to experience the sorrow caused by sin, the pain caused by others’ actions, or the painful realities of mortality—alone.

“Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life." 1 Nephi 11:36

Hope and healing are not found in the dark abyss of secrecy but in the light and love of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Elder Richard G. Scott counseled: “If you are free [from] serious sin yourself, don’t suffer needlessly the consequences of another’s sins. … You can feel compassion. … Yet you should not take upon yourself a feeling of responsibility. … When you have done what is reasonable to help one you love, lay the burden at the feet of the Savior. … As you so act, not only will you find peace but will demonstrate your faith in the power of the Savior to lift the burden of sin from a loved one through his repentance and obedience.”

He continued: “Complete healing will come through your faith in Jesus Christ and His power and capacity, through His Atonement, to heal the scars of that which is unjust and undeserved.”

Richard G. Scott, “To Be Free of Heavy Burdens,”Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2002, 88.

“… If ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come … will I receive.”

3 Nephi 9:14

Cast thy burden upon the Lord,

And he shall sustain thee.

He never will suffer the righteous to fall.

He is at thy right hand.

Thy mercy, Lord, is great

And far above the heav'ns.

Let none be made ashamed

That wait upon thee.

Text: Julius Schubring, 1806-1889; 

adapted from the Psalms