Editorial Issue 76

EDITORIAL COMMENT

By President Frederick N. Larsen

Volume 19, Number 3, Sep/Oct/Nov/Dec 2018 Issue No. 76

As we come to the close of the year for 2018, it is our pleasure to present this issue of The Hastening Times for your perusal. In addition to the four general articles by our members, it should be noted that reports from our quorums, orders, councils, and departments reflect Remnant Church ministry for the last quarter. Notes from the Center Place of Zion’s congregations, the South Central District, and the outlying branches is indicative of our growth and forward movement to building the kingdom. One feature recently is the report from Bountiful, a
community in Zion.

Regarding our theme thoughts for next year (2019) we will consider the thought of “Moving Forward to Zion.” There will also be monthly themes accompanying this general theme for focusing our worship and study.

The coming months of October, November, and December are ones that we look forward to following the busy summer activities of reunions and vacations—particularly Thanksgiving Day and the year-end holiday season.

Two thoughts come to mind:

One thought is that it is a time for reflecting on our blessings of every day and the gathering of families and friends for Thanksgiving Day. I am reminded of a favorite saying of mine—”Count your blessings, name them one by one; count your blessings, see what God hath done.” Let us truly take time to reflect on the good things our Lord has done for us and be prepared to testify thereof. It is a time to be truly thankful—share an expression of gratitude for something received by, or done for one. As the words from the Doxology speak, “Praise God from whom all blessings flow.”

The second thought has to do with the saying, “Jesus is the reason for the season.” As trivial as that saying is, the Christmas season does focus our thoughts on the birth of the Prince of Peace. Let us forego the commercialization that surrounds this holiday and find the extra time to consider, not only the birth of the Savior of mankind, but also his atoning sacrifice and glorious resurrection.

May the Peace and Joy of our Heavenly Father be with you now and always.

Amen.

Frederick N. Larsen,
For the First Presidency