Editorial – Issue 69

Editorial Comment

By President Frederick N. Larsen

October/November/December 2016

Several significant events will have already occurred or will occur in the period covered by this issue of

The Hastening Times. Most notably, the Priesthood Assembly reported here by David Van Fleet, the Women’s Retreat reported by Marci Damon, and a presidential election. As reported by Bishop Andrew Romer, I quote,”With the completion of a vicious election cycle, it is clearer than ever that the Lord’s Promised Land is more divided than any of us have seen in our lifetimes. This division and the lack of charity, one towards another, along with a seemingly brazen acceptance of immoral behavior, are the seeds this generation is sowing.” We look forward with much anxiety as to what lies ahead with the new governmental direction. Our answer should be: “Hold fast to that old IRON ROD,” and all that it symbolizes for us.

By the time you read this, we will have had our Thanksgiving meal with family and friends. There is so much to be thankful for: family, friends, the Church, the restored gospel, a land of liberty, and the abundant life. We have sung many times, as well as just recently, one of our favorite hymns, “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come.” A selected line reads, “God, our Maker, doth provide For our wants to be supplied.” It is certainly a time to be thankful for so many blessings we are privileged to receive from a loving, caring God.

Soon we will be immersed in the clatter of the Holiday Season. Originally set aside as a Christian celebration to commemorate the birth of our Lord and Savior, it has morphed into a political correctness hubbub. Everywhere the cry is to buy, buy, buy. Saints of the Most High God, let us not yield to that secular temptation. It is, of course, noble to consider the idea of gift giving, but let us be careful as to what end and to what degree we participate. Our focus should be on Him who came into this temporal, physical world as a babe in the manger, taught us how to love one another, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again. He promises us eternal life, if we live in Him and endure to the end.

Looking ahead, we would remind the Saints that the 2017 General Conference will be coming upon us soon next year. The next issue of

The Hastening Times will include Conference information, but will be late for those planning ahead to attend. Thus, we have included in this issue the Conference Registration form, with dates, fees, etc., for your registration. Please register early.

Frederick N. Larsen

The First Presidency