A teachable moment to #LIGHTtheWORLD
I have been pondering this all weekend and today. Wondering how I should express it. Here goes.
This past weekend was mostly wonderful. Three nights. Three concerts. Each with challenges, numerous mistakes, but an excellent spirit. Truly the Holy Ghost testified of the Savior's birth through song. While Come to Bethlehem was put on by the Twin Falls Idaho South Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS). it was and has been a community event. The bell choir was from the 1st Presbyterian Church, many denominations making up the orchestra. Invocations and Benedictions were offered by Pastors of various faiths. Orthodox, Baptist, LDS. The music was traditional Christmas fare, Messages from the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints were standard Christmas.
Thursday night was sparsely attended. (heavy snow and ice) Friday and Saturday were full. Beautiful nativities in the gym. Greeters at the door with programs. Cookies in the gym. So what was teachable?
The Hallelujah Chorus of Messiah was the concluding number, which was followed by recognition of the participants, and a benediction. The music seemed to echo through the room, long after it stopped. The spirit was felt by everyone. And then the Pastor invited to pray gave a sermon. I won't mention his denomination, as it may have been a personal belief by him, but his sermon, after a night of music celebrating Christ's birth, was to highlight the theological differences between the LDS church, and his own. He proceeded to lecture an audience on the fallacies of that faith, and wanted to be clear of it before offering his prayer. It was like a void had opened up. The spirit that had been felt by nearly everyone had left. A time of coming together in a united celebration was shattered.
I don't know what possessed him to do that. And this is why I have waited to write about it. I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt, that he was only trying to save us. I can't. and I won't. Because the teachable moment was so palpable in the chapel that the distinction couldn't be clearer. And I can confirm by talking to others of various faiths (Bell choir members) that they felt it also. A warmth of the Pure Love of Christ, driven away by someone for whatever purpose. It wasn't the teachable moment he intended, but it certainly was a teachable moment.
Look, I get that many people of various protestant faiths have a real problem with LDS beliefs. I know that many think we don't believe in Christ, but that is wrong. We have beliefs that are different, I agree. But when we are celebrating the Birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Promised Messiah, can't we recognize for one night, that perhaps on some things there is a common understanding? He couldn't, and it was obvious to everyone.
The Savior taught in ways that highlighted the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and Scribes. He taught that even publicans and sinners have a place in the kingdom. When he taught that we should leave the ninety and nine and go find the one lost sheep. He taught with the Spirit of God. His words caused a burning in the hearts of those that believed. I sat in awe during these performances of the spirit of the Lord, and the testimony he provides us through music. Three nights we sang. Three nights I grew closer to God. May we learn from the example of others, and may we ask ourselves, what example do we set for others?
Can I get an amen?
#LIGHTtheWORLD
This past weekend was mostly wonderful. Three nights. Three concerts. Each with challenges, numerous mistakes, but an excellent spirit. Truly the Holy Ghost testified of the Savior's birth through song. While Come to Bethlehem was put on by the Twin Falls Idaho South Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS). it was and has been a community event. The bell choir was from the 1st Presbyterian Church, many denominations making up the orchestra. Invocations and Benedictions were offered by Pastors of various faiths. Orthodox, Baptist, LDS. The music was traditional Christmas fare, Messages from the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints were standard Christmas.
Thursday night was sparsely attended. (heavy snow and ice) Friday and Saturday were full. Beautiful nativities in the gym. Greeters at the door with programs. Cookies in the gym. So what was teachable?
The Hallelujah Chorus of Messiah was the concluding number, which was followed by recognition of the participants, and a benediction. The music seemed to echo through the room, long after it stopped. The spirit was felt by everyone. And then the Pastor invited to pray gave a sermon. I won't mention his denomination, as it may have been a personal belief by him, but his sermon, after a night of music celebrating Christ's birth, was to highlight the theological differences between the LDS church, and his own. He proceeded to lecture an audience on the fallacies of that faith, and wanted to be clear of it before offering his prayer. It was like a void had opened up. The spirit that had been felt by nearly everyone had left. A time of coming together in a united celebration was shattered.
I don't know what possessed him to do that. And this is why I have waited to write about it. I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt, that he was only trying to save us. I can't. and I won't. Because the teachable moment was so palpable in the chapel that the distinction couldn't be clearer. And I can confirm by talking to others of various faiths (Bell choir members) that they felt it also. A warmth of the Pure Love of Christ, driven away by someone for whatever purpose. It wasn't the teachable moment he intended, but it certainly was a teachable moment.
Look, I get that many people of various protestant faiths have a real problem with LDS beliefs. I know that many think we don't believe in Christ, but that is wrong. We have beliefs that are different, I agree. But when we are celebrating the Birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Promised Messiah, can't we recognize for one night, that perhaps on some things there is a common understanding? He couldn't, and it was obvious to everyone.
The Savior taught in ways that highlighted the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and Scribes. He taught that even publicans and sinners have a place in the kingdom. When he taught that we should leave the ninety and nine and go find the one lost sheep. He taught with the Spirit of God. His words caused a burning in the hearts of those that believed. I sat in awe during these performances of the spirit of the Lord, and the testimony he provides us through music. Three nights we sang. Three nights I grew closer to God. May we learn from the example of others, and may we ask ourselves, what example do we set for others?
Can I get an amen?
#LIGHTtheWORLD
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