Contents: Naming of Jesus Presentation at the Temple Visit of the Wise Men Flight to Egypt Slaughter of the Infants Return from Egypt Visit to Temple at Twelve Years Old. Naming of Jesus Per instructions in Leviticus 12, Jesus would have been given a name, and circumcised eight days after birth. If born on the … Continue reading The Visit of the Magi and Other Post-Birth Events
Month: February 2019
“Hang on the walls of your mind the memory of your successes”
A number of years ago I stumbled upon this classic speech by Sterling W. Sill, "Bottles and Books" (May 1, 1977) given at BYU. I've quoted some of it in this entry, Emotions vs. Intellect. I have listened to it half a dozen times. It was so inspiring it caused me to find one of his … Continue reading “Hang on the walls of your mind the memory of your successes”
Estimated Dates of Events Prior to the Savior’s Birth
The dates in this article start from a basis of the Savior's Birth being in late December BC 5 or early January BC 4, perhaps even on my suggested date of the morning of December 23, BC 5, as described in this article. Annunciation to Zachariah Conception of John the Baptist Annunciation to Mary Visit … Continue reading Estimated Dates of Events Prior to the Savior’s Birth
Harmony of the Gospels: Introduction
An Impossible Task I began a serious study of the Harmony of the Gospels in February 2003, and performed more work in 2007. I have again picked it up in 2019. Harmonizing, or essentially producing a chronological outline of the events in the four Gospels is impossible. McConkie says it well, when he says: And … Continue reading Harmony of the Gospels: Introduction
Mary the Forgotten
Mary's beautiful psalm, initially spoken to perhaps a party of one, her cousin Elizabeth, in a quiet house, unnoticed by any media or leaders, teaches us more than we likely appreciate about God's love of and plan for the poor, obscure, humble of his children, particularly women. 46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify … Continue reading Mary the Forgotten
Sacrifices and the Sacrament
Elder Bruce R. McConkie notes that the symbolism of the sacrifices performed under the Law of Moses were in many ways superior--perhaps meaning more impactful--than the Sacrament we partake of today. In this our day—which we, in our self-conceived conceit, are pleased to designate as an age of enlightenment and intellectual achievement—we look with some … Continue reading Sacrifices and the Sacrament
Faith, Hope and Charity and God’s Will
I have loved this quote from Neal A. Maxwell for years: "In the geometry of restored theology, hope has a greater circumference than faith. If faith increases, the perimeter of hope stretches correspondingly." In considering this recently in the temple in Sao Paulo, Brazil, I had a set of images come to mind that perhaps … Continue reading Faith, Hope and Charity and God’s Will
Nephite Temples, Latter-day Temples
Nephi built a temple in the promised land. And I, Nephi, did build a temple; and I did construct it after the manner of the temple of Solomon save it were not built of so many precious things; for they were not to be found upon the land, wherefore, it could not be built like … Continue reading Nephite Temples, Latter-day Temples
Gabriel and Angels
Gabriel's answer to Zachariah's question is very powerful. His statement gives a sense that who he is should be evidence enough that what he says is true. Those are powerful words, when one lives in such a way to be able to respond with great personal integrity. What a goal. 18 And Zacharias said unto … Continue reading Gabriel and Angels
Chronological Order of Writing of the Gospels and Their Audiences
In reading the first couple of verses of Luke, I considered when it might have been written. That caused me to think about what order the Gospels were likely written in, perhaps giving a some sense for each of their purpose. I believe it was likely: MarkMatthewLukeJohn Here's why: Mark Mark is the shortest of … Continue reading Chronological Order of Writing of the Gospels and Their Audiences
Kip on Character 