Member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, speaker, teacher and author of “Digital Scripture Study for The Busy Latter-day Saint
Utah, USA
Joined March 2008
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Richard Bernard retweeted
As we celebrate this sacred Christmas season, it is my hope that you will be blessed with peace in your heart and love for those around you.
This is a time to experience the true spirit of this sacred season, where we reflect upon the birth, life, and mission of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
May you feel the love of the Savior in your life and know that “his arm of mercy is extended towards you” (Jacob 6:5).
Richard Bernard retweeted
As Christmas approaches, I realize that some may have concerns and perhaps some anxiety about the future.
There may be a lot of “noise” in your life: more or less constant engagement online without downtime, without time to be quiet and reflect and think, without time to look inside and discern where you are and where you should be going.
You may be influenced by unrealistic expectations such as “perfection should be immediate” or “uninterrupted happiness and success should be the norm in life.”
I hope you will lay aside these misconceptions, dial down the “noise,” and take some time this Christmas season—at least an hour, if not more—to reflect on the wonder and the majesty of the Son of God. Let it be an hour of reassurance and renewal for you.
Take time to relax, be at peace, and see this little child in your mind. Do not be too concerned or overwhelmed with what is coming in your life. Instead, take a peaceful moment to contemplate perhaps the most serene moment in the history of the world—when all of heaven rejoiced with the message, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14).
Richard Bernard retweeted
One of the most beautiful symbols of the birth of Jesus Christ into this world is light. The appearance of the long-promised Messiah brought light to a darkened world.
Many of you are praying for the strength to endure trials that test you to what may feel to you like your limit. God knows our every need, He loves us, and He watches over us. He gave us the gift of a Savior, His perfect Son. He is the Light of the World and the sure source of comfort, hope, peace, and joy.
I express my love to you with my wish that you may have a joyous Christmas season and feel the love and light of Christ—this year and always.
Richard Bernard retweeted
Our current English hymnal and Children’s Songbook contain thirty Christmas carols. Of these, five have explicit invitations to come to Bethlehem to see the Christ child and eighteen have implied invitations to do so. Seven carols celebrate the season generally but do not include such invitations.
One hymn that extends this invitation is “Angels We Have Heard on High.” It is based on an English translation of a traditional French carol. Even though it was penned in 1862, it reflects a legend that goes back centuries. The title in French, “Les anges dans nos campagnes,” literally translates as “The angels in our countrysides.” In the valleys of France, shepherds camped in the foothills. To mark the Christmas celebration on Christmas Eve, those in one end of the valley would start by chanting, “Gloria in excelsis Deo,” or “Glory to God in the highest.” Other shepherds heard this call and repeated it. Thus, “Gloria in excelsis Deo” was shouted along the mountainsides and progressed like an echo throughout the valley, announcing Christmas celebrations.
The direct English translation from the French declares, “The Angels in our countryside sang the song of heaven; and the echo of our mountains resumes this melodious tune: Gloria in excelsis Deo.” The shepherds are then asked, “For whom is this feast? What is the purpose of all these songs? What a victor, what a conquest is it worth these triumphant cries?”
The answer is that these songs “announce the birth of the Redeemer, the King of Israel. And, in gratitude for him, the earth sings, Gloria in excelsis Deo.” Then follows the song’s invitation, “Let us all look for the happy village that saw him born under its roof, let us offer him the tender tribute and our hearts and our voices!” In English we sing, “Come, adore on bended knee Christ the Lord, the newborn King.”
Wise men came to Bethlehem to see Jesus Christ as a baby. Wise men and women still figuratively come to Bethlehem to learn of His premortal Godhood, perfect life, and selfless and infinite atoning sacrifice. We should all do so.
Richard Bernard retweeted
What a glorious time of year the Christmas season is! Because of the Prince of Peace, hearts are softened. Voices are raised in worship. Kindness and mercy are reenthroned as crucial elements in our lives.
There is an accelerated reaching out to those in distress. There is an aura of peace that comes into our homes. There is a measure of love that is not felt to the same extent at any other time of the year.
Our joy at this season is because He came into the world. The peace that comes from Him, His infinite love which each of us may feel, and an overwhelming sense of gratitude for that which He freely gave us at so great a cost to Himself—these are of the true essence of Christmas that all mankind deserves to know and enjoy.
Richard Bernard retweeted
Isaiah declared, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings; that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good; that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth; Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing … Break forth into joy; sing together … for the Lord hath comforted his people.”
When the captured Abinadi explained these verses to King Noah’s priests, he prophesied of those who have testimonies of Jesus Christ and choose to stand as witnesses of Him. Abinadi said, “I say unto you, that all those who have hearkened unto [the prophets’] words, and believed that the Lord would redeem his people, … [are] the heirs of the kingdom of God. For these are they whose sins he has borne; these are they for whom he has died, … And these are they who have published peace, who have brought good tidings of good, who have published salvation; and said unto Zion: Thy God reigneth! And O how beautiful upon the mountains were their feet!”
Abinadi then spoke of latter-day witnesses, “And again, how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those that are still publishing peace! And again, how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those who shall hereafter publish peace, yea, from this time henceforth and forever!”
Abinadi concluded, speaking of the Savior Himself, “And behold, I say unto you, this is not all. For O how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that is the founder of peace, yea, even the Lord, who has redeemed his people; yea, him who has granted salvation unto his people.”
Each of us can declare our witness of the Babe of Bethlehem. My Christmas wish is that we figuratively shout our witness of Jesus Christ from the mountains, creating an echo that crescendos throughout the world, and that we extend the invitation for others to come to know Him for themselves. Merry Christmas!
“Immanuel” by Yongsung Kim. Image courtesy of Havenlight.
Richard Bernard retweeted
On Sunday evening, I welcomed several of my family members to my home to celebrate my 83rd birthday. I was thrilled to be with them at the beginning of a Christmas season which may be a little hard for me this year.
Together, we watched President @NelsonRussellM and others give marvelous Christmas messages in the annual First Presidency’s Christmas devotional. The counsel to think celestial was most significant to me inasmuch as Sister Holland is well on her way to a celestial realm, a destiny made possible by the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, the Prophet’s counsel for each of us to “live in the spirit of ‘Hallelujah’” was inspiring to me. Despite life’s challenges, we all have much to be grateful for during this special season.
Richard Bernard retweeted
I appreciate the opportunity to build and maintain relationships with those of other faiths in countries across the globe. As children of God, all of us are blessed with unique gifts and talents to serve the greater good.
Recently, I was blessed to visit with several ambassadors in Washington D.C. These visits are a treasure, as they allow us to develop friendships, recognize opportunities, and better understand how The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can offer support in various countries.
I have found that ambassadors are nearly always interested in one topic that is also important to us: helping provide support to the youth of their countries.
You may know I always carry with me a For the Strength of Youth booklet. When I share the principles from this booklet with our friends from other nations, they often are interested in learning more about how the @Ch_JesusChrist encourages young people to be positive contributors to the communities around them.
Regardless of if a visit involves a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles discussing issues with an ambassador or if it involves you sharing thoughts with your neighbor, you and I have the same charge: to be representatives of Jesus Christ and to identify ways to be Christlike in all of our interactions.
Richard Bernard retweeted
The scriptures teach us to “say nothing but repentance unto this generation; keep my commandments, and assist to bring forth my work” (Doctrine & Covenants 6:9).
Over the course of the week, I will share some thoughts on the gift of repentance. I look forward to learning together with you.
Richard Bernard retweeted
Jesus Christ is our perfect example of charity. We seek to follow His example as we minister to those in need. On this International Day of Charity, I am grateful for the generous acts and donations members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provide to those experiencing physical, material, and emotional difficulties.
Last year, the Church of Jesus Christ was involved in 3,692 humanitarian projects in 190 countries and territories. One of the projects that I was blessed to be a part of occurred in the Dominican Republic when the Church donated 250 neonatal cribs to the national public health system.
In this project—and the 3,691 other that occurred last year—our ultimate priority was to follow the Savior’s perfect example of charity and to minister to the one as He did.
As we pursue and develop the attribute of charity, we will become more sensitive to the needs of our fellow beings. We will experience joy, peace, and spiritual growth. Our efforts will make us as individuals and society a better place.
#InternationalDayofCharity
Richard Bernard retweeted
In today’s often noisy and cluttered world, what a delight and blessing it is to have the house of the Lord in Bangkok, Thailand, to offer a place of peace and purity and purpose.
Richard Bernard retweeted
If you’re unsure of the next step in your path, act “as if” you were the person you would like to be. As you do that, you will grow into that kind of person. Ultimately, your very actions, your attitude, will lead you toward being the kind of person you want to be.
Richard Bernard retweeted
If you’re around those who believe differently than you, the most powerful thing to do is to always be warm and kind. Be champions of other faiths. Share your positive experiences of the living gospel. When we love God, we love His children, despite differences we might have.
Richard Bernard retweeted
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland is currently hospitalized for observation and treatment of ongoing health complications. Elder Holland is grateful for the many prayers offered in his behalf in recent weeks for his health and during this time of mourning.
Richard Bernard retweeted
The Church has published an approach to help us take charge of #technology. Read this quick reference guide and share it with your friends.
lds365.com/2023/07/24/taking…
Richard Bernard retweeted
“If you know of anyone who is alone, reach out—even if you feel alone too!” ~ President Russell M. Nelson
#TrustGod #CountOnHim #WordOfGod #HearHim #ComeUntoChrist #ShareGoodness #ChildrenOfGod #GodLovesYou #TheChurchOfJesusChristOfLatterDaySaints
Richard Bernard retweeted
"The scriptures testify that the proud are easily offended and hold grudges. They withhold forgiveness to keep another in their debt and to justify their injured feelings."
~President Ezra Taft Benson
Richard Bernard retweeted
"Our Savior feels and knows our temptations, our struggles, our heartaches, and our sufferings, for He willingly experienced them all as part of His Atonement."
~President Dallin H. Oaks
Richard Bernard retweeted
I have always been intrigued that in the Book of Mormon the Savior quotes Isaiah 54 as He teaches the people on the American continent following His resurrection.
As I recently read these teachings again, I was struck by the Lord’s words of mercy and everlasting kindness for each of us who fall short of following His perfect example.
Richard Bernard retweeted
Jesus is the most important person who ever lived. No matter where you are in your relationship, you can get to know Him even better in the Bible & the Book of Mormon.
They work together to give us a clearer picture of how Jesus lived. Not how He looked but how He loved & served.