Christmas Message From Prophets Past

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Message from President Russell M. Nelson:

"Standard-bearers march at the vanguard of a worthy cause. They represent that which is good and noble. They often carry flags or other symbols to express identity, purpose, and unity. "Speaking of such standard-bearers, I was told a tender account during the holiday season just past. While children reenacted the Christmas story, one child held high a star wrapped in aluminum foil, mounted on a broomstick. Later, someone commended the child for his stamina in holding that star so high for such a long period of time. The child, who had spoken no lines, joyfully replied, 'I had the most important part in the play. I showed people how to find Jesus.' "As His standard-bearers, we are to help the honest in heart to find Jesus. We don’t wave flags. And generally we don’t carry stars mounted on broomsticks. Instead, as standard-bearers for Jesus the Christ, we willingly and gratefully take His sacred name upon us. We enlist in His cause by covenant" (“Standards of Standard-Bearers of the Lord,” BYU Eighteen-Stake Devotional, January 6, 1991).

Harold B. Lee served as a stake president during the 1930s. Times were hard—many people had lost their jobs. Worried about the 4,800 families in his stake whose fathers had no work, he called a meeting of all the bishops.

Harold: Every needy family in your wards must be given food and a few small gifts for Christmas. Visit them on Christmas Eve, and when you have finished, report back to me.

On Christmas Eve morning, he was driving to work. He saw a small boy walking in the snow without a coat or gloves.

Harold: Where are you going?

Boy: I’m going uptown to a free picture show.

Harold: Well, hop in. I’m going uptown, too.

Harold: Son, are you ready for Christmas?

Boy: We aren’t going to have any Christmas at our house. Daddy died three months ago and left Mama and me and a little brother and sister.

Harold: Give me your name and tell me where you live. You will have a Christmas. I promise that you won’t be forgotten.

That night, when the last bishop came to report, Harold realized that he had forgotten his promise.

Harold: Bishop, do you have enough to make one more visit? There is another family who needs our help.

Bishop: Yes, I have enough. Give me the address, and I’ll make the delivery.

President Lee went home. He was grateful that the little boy’s family was provided for but felt sad to have nearly forgotten them.

On Christmas morning, President Lee made a promise to himself.

Harold: From now on, I will be more aware of others’ needs. I will know my people better, and I will find out how I can help them.

He developed a welfare program to store food and other necessities for the members of his stake. When the leaders of the Church saw what he was doing, they called him to expand the program for the whole Church. The Church welfare program continues to provide for needy Latter-day Saints today.

President Nelson's biography on the death of Harold B. Lee:

I learned about his (President Harold B. Lee) passing while I was home playing games with the children, still full of the festive spirit remaining from Christmas the day before. The announcement came on the television that President Harold B. Lee had suddenly become stricken and had died at the LDS Hospital. Shocked and struck with grief, I had an overpowering urge to leave home and go at once to the LDS Hospital. As I rushed there to the side of President Kimball, I quietly mourned for the loss of this giant in the kingdom, my beloved and esteemed friend, President Harold B. Lee.

Since the passing of President Lee, I have had two very special dreams involving him. The first was in April of 1975. The substance of that message is too sacred to mention here, but it was a very reassuring and humbling experience.

The second occurred on September 16, 1978. In the dream were two vivid messages: first, that if President Lee had gone on living, a very severe affliction would have developed in his body which, if allowed to progress, would have given him great pain, suffering, and incapacity. The medical details of this were dreadful and distressing. He said his sudden death in December 1973 was brought about as an act of love and mercy, for the Lord wished to spare him and the Church the misery that otherwise would have ensued. His second message was that the revelations received and the actions subsequently taken by President Kimball were the very same as would have been received and performed by President Lee had he remained as the prophet. President Lee exclaimed that the Lord gives His will to His living prophet regardless of who he prophet is at the time, for the Lord indeed is directing His Church.

These two dreams were just as real as anything can be, and I cherish the privilege of these relationships with President Lee, extending as they do beyond this mortal sphere.

References:

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/friend/2002/12/from-the-life-of-president-harold-b-lee/helping-a-family-in-need?lang=eng

https://www.ldsliving.com/a-short-christmas-story-from-president-nelson-that-will-warm-your-heart-snow-or-no-snow/s/89546

https://www.ldsscriptureteachings.org/2015/08/experience-with-president-harold-b-lee