Unique Nativities to set the scene this Christmas

Like birth, death is a necessary and essential part of the plan of salvation (see Moses 6:59–62)—which Jacob and Alma both called the “great plan of happiness” (2 Nephi 9:6; Alma 42:8). Facing death can be one of the most fearful experiences of mortality. For the righteous, though, death can be sweet and need not be feared (see Alma 27:28). Indeed, the Lord revealed to Joseph Smith that “those that die in me shall not taste of death, for it shall be sweet unto them” (Doctrine and Covenants 42:46). On the other hand, for people who die not in Christ, death can be a bitter experience (see Doctrine and Covenants 42:47), and the thought of an approaching death can create foreboding, trepidation, and fear. Dreams regarding death can serve as a powerful reminder that this life is the time for us to prepare to meet God (see Alma 12:24; 34:32). . . .

The following has been republished with permission from taylorhalverson.com.

Our beloved, energetic prophet will turn 95 on September 9, and the world has been invited to celebrate with President Russell M. Nelson at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Friday, September 6 at 7 p.m. MDT. The birthday celebration includes a line up of renowned Latter-day Saint performers, including Donny Osmond, Jenny Oaks Baker & Family Four, GENTRI, The Bonner Family, Nathan Pacheco, and The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square.

Our youngest son recently graduated from high school with plans to attend college in the fall. Because of a number of vacations and other summer plans, it hasn’t worked out for him to get steady employment during the time between graduation and college departure. As such, he’s kind of broke most of the time, but he has things he wants to do, some of which cost money. I will periodically get a text message saying, “Dad, could you loan me some money for [insert item here]?” When I get such texts, I usually have two competing thoughts. The first is I love my son and want to do everything I can for him. I want him to be comfortable and enjoy life. Just give him the money! The second thought is Hold on! He needs to learn to be responsible and that money doesn’t grow on trees. Make him work for it. Those thoughts duke it out in my brain for a moment, and then after consultation with my amazing wife, we usually arrive at a compromise that enables generosity combined with responsibility.

"God's love isn't something we earn; it is always available for us," a new Church video shares. "No matter how lost we may feel, we are not out of His reach to reclaim us."

In a recent Instagram post, Elder Cook shares, "I believe that it is important for us to consider the commonalities we have with other faiths."

“They were angelic!" April Mecham said about the choir of 150 missionaries she led in singing "The Star-Spangled Banner" at a Houston Astros game.

"As a special witness of Jesus Christ, I testify that He lives! I also testify that the veil of death is very thin," then-Elder Russell M. Nelson testified in 1992 April general conference. He continued:

In some ways, the two men were polar opposites. DeMille was an icon in the 20th-century film industry who directed 70 motion pictures in a career that spanned four decades. Living in Los Angeles, he was referred to as “Mr. Hollywood.”1 President McKay, on the other hand, was dedicated to building Zion as prophet, seer, and revelator.