Sunday Report

 Sunday's lesson was Gospel Principles chapter 24 The Sabbath Day  given by Sister Sharon Pringle. Sabbath observance is found in the Old Testament and the word Sabbath comes from the Hebrew word meaning rest.  In the Old Testament it commemorated God's day of rest after He finished the Creation.  Later the Sabbath came to mark the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.  The Lord in the New Testament  taught that the Sabbath was made to benefit man and give us a special day of the week on which to direct our thoughts and actions toward God.  A sacred day to be spent in worship and reverence, it is an opportunity to renew our covenants and ponder spiritual things. 

Today we see the Sabbath as the Lord's day and seek to honor His Atonement as the central act of the Gospel and the plan of salvation.  In modern revelation it has been reiterated that the day should be kept as a holy day when we rest from our daily work and the cares and distractions that go with that work, so that we might concentrate on spiritual matters. It is not just a day of physical rest however, but a day for constructive activities that point us to the Lord and what He would have us do. 

We attend Church meetings and often perform our Church callings by teaching and serving others.  We study the scriptures and related materials, we enjoy uplifting music especially the hymns, we pray, we express our gratitude to Heavenly Father for the Sabbath and all of the blessings we have as His daughters.  We spend quality time with family and friends, in uplifting activities, at times fasting for a purpose.

An activity is appropriate if it will uplift and inspire, showing respect for the Lord, directing our thoughts toward Him.  As we honor the Sabbath we are blessed both spiritually and temporally.  We will be filled with joy as we keep the Sabbath with thanksgiving and cheerful hearts.  The Sabbath day observance of the Latter-day Saint should be markedly different from that of the world around us.  It is important for our children to be taught to discern the blessings that come from observing the Lord's day with reverence and dignity. 
Next week Traci Cline will be sharing Gospel Principles Chapter 25 Fasting.

Have a great week and prepare for the coming Sabbath so that it can be observed as the Lord has commanded us.

The Relief Society Presidency