Shout For Joy!

To my daughter, 

               This week we have been reading about Joseph Smith’s letters in the Doctrine and Covenants that teach us about baptisms for the dead. I am so excited for you to be able to soon participate in that ordinance in the temple. I know it can be a great joy for you to be a part of this marvelous work. Try to hear the intensity and power in Joseph’s words about the glorious doctrine of baptisms for the dead: “Let your hearts rejoice, and be exceedingly glad. Let the earth break forth into singing. Let the dead speak forth anthems of eternal praise to the King Immanuel, who hath ordained, before the world was, that which would enable us to redeem them out of their prison; for the prisoners shall go free. Let the mountains shout for joy, and all ye valleys cry aloud; and all ye seas and dry lands tell the wonders of your Eternal King! And ye rivers, and brooks, and rills, flow down with gladness. Let the woods and all the trees of the field praise the Lord; and ye solid rocks weep for joy! And let the sun, moon, and the morning stars sing together, and let all the sons of God shout for joy! And let the eternal creations declare his name forever and ever! And again I say, how glorious is the voice we hear from heaven, proclaiming in our ears, glory, and salvation, and honor, and immortality, and eternal life; kingdoms, principalities, and powers!” (Doctrine and Covenants 128:22-23). It really is a marvelous work! The Saints in his day were thrilled by the doctrine knowing that they could bring salvation to their loved ones who had died without a knowledge of the gospel or a chance to baptized. And I hope you too find great joy in this work as you give of your time to provide these ordinances for those who did not have the opportunity while they were alive. As you prepare yourself spiritually and serve with a grateful heart I know that you will feel of the truthfulness of this doctrine and of your Heavenly Father’s love.

Often I tell you and other kids in the family to take off your shoes when you come into the home to try to help keep it clean. As you go into the temple you will likewise remove your shoes as you dress in white to participate in baptisms. I hope that this act helps you to feel of the sacredness and seriousness of the work. And this should remind us of the words of the Lord to Moses when that great prophet was visited by the Lord at the burning bush. Here is how the account reads: “And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I. And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground. Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob” (Exodus 3:4-6). As Moses approached the Lord, he took off his shoes because the pace was holy ground. It is the same for the temple: you will take off your shoes too because it is holy ground, even the house of the Lord Jesus Christ. As you enter the temple you will see this inscription: “Holiness to the Lord.” I hope that you will always remember that it is a sacred place where holy things take place, and we should not only physically take off our shoes but also put away our light-mindedness and worldly conversations to focus on Him. I know that as you serve Him there with full purpose of heart He will bless your life with added protection, peace, and great joy!

 

Love,

Dad