While studying for the priesthood lesson.

It occurred to me some time ago that studying the priesthood lesson should be more than just reading it. And so I've taken to preparing the lesson as if I were going to be the instructor. Two weeks ago I was immersed in that process and reveling in the fact that I had just found how to get the Tabernacle Choir Christmas carol stream.

My practice is to cut-and-paste the text from the manual into a Word document and then dissect it.  I put each section on a separate page and open up the paragraphs in order to see each part of it more easily. It is then arranged so I can see what I feel needs additional emphasis or attention.  The subject of the lesson that week was the sacrament and I started thinking, "How can I make this clearer to myself? What books do I have?" And it struck me that I should go to a book by Tad Callister entitled The Infinite Atonement where I was led to page 218. I began to read:
 
"'Look unto me in every thought.... Behold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of the nails in my hands and feet.' The Savior knew that an honest contemplation of the atonement turns our thoughts and actions heavenward. That is why we have such great emphasis on remembering the Savior and his atonement. It is a central component of the sacramental prayers. To 'remember' the Savior's sacrifice is a repeated theme of the Scriptures. The Lord knows that such reflection is more than a mental exercise -- it is, in truth, a precursor to Christlike works.”

It is interesting that at this point the choir began to sing the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah.   I continued reading:

”Years ago Handel composed his masterpiece in choir repertoire -- the unparalleled Messiah. This composition was not just the product of a gifted man. Flowing from the lyrics are the clear markings of divine intervention. The heavenly voiceprint is unmistakable. For twenty-four days Handel remained a spiritual recluse in his room as he fashioned line after line of music seemingly fit for heavenly choirs. At one point, after having scored the Hallelujah Chorus, he called to his servant and exclaimed, 'I did think I did see all Heaven before me, and the great God himself.' Following one of the performances, a friend remarked that he had been entertained. Handel reply, 'I should be sorry if I only entertained them. I wish to make them better.' Likewise, the Savior is anxious that the atonement make us better. He must be gravely disappointed if people merely acknowledge his atonement has a magnificent sacrifice to be viewed in awe, but with no thought of change. The atoning sacrifice was designed to motivate us, to draw us near to him, to lift us to higher ground, and ultimately to assist us in becoming as he is."

With music in crescendo the feeling that came over me was that my testimony of Christ was being affirmed. I was aware that He is aware of me. It brought to my mind what has always been an important part of the story of Joseph Smith's first vision. God the Father spoke to Joseph calling him by name. He knew Joseph. He knows us all - individually. And as unlikely as it is to happen, if we were so blessed in this lifetime to stand before Him and speak to Him face-to-face, He would call us by name.

I feel so blessed that He has given me - given us - His gospel. For "this is the gospel which [He has] given unto [us]—that [He] came into the world to do the will of [His] Father, … that [He] might draw all men unto [Him]… ." That we might "be lifted up by the Father, to stand before [Him] and be judged of [our] works."

I am blessed with the knowledge that the becoming is a continual process and give thanks, especially this week, for repentance.