In the Book of Helaman, a prophet named Samuel, who was a Lamanite, came to the wicked Nephite city of Zarahemla, prophesying of Jesus Christ's birth. Indeed, it was to be a very happy message! Samuel says in Helaman 13:7, "I was sent unto you to declare it unto you also, that ye might have glad tidings." Glad tidings sounds like something to look forward to. Then, throughout chapter 14, Samuel tells all about the Savior's future birth and death and resurrection, and what it would mean for the world.
Many people were entranced by this promise! Samuel said that those who would believe on the Son of God shall have eternal life! People were thrilled at the prospect. But, their joy didn't last long.
In 3 Nephi, those who didn't believe Samuel's prophesies begin to mock the believers. The signs promised by Samuel hadn't come, and many were left to wonder if their hope had all been in vain, anyways. It was a far-fetched idea, in the
first place. The Son of God? On Earth? Maybe they were wrong all along. People fell away from their faith, especially as persecution raised. In 3 Nephi 1:9, we learn that the unbelievers set a date; if the signs prophesied by Samuel didn't come, all those who wouldn't deny Christ would be put to death.
first place. The Son of God? On Earth? Maybe they were wrong all along. People fell away from their faith, especially as persecution raised. In 3 Nephi 1:9, we learn that the unbelievers set a date; if the signs prophesied by Samuel didn't come, all those who wouldn't deny Christ would be put to death.
Okay now put yourself in this situation. Say you have been a faithful member of the Church your whole life. Perhaps you have been meeting with the missionaries for the past few months. Maybe you have no affiliation with the LDS church, but have always striven to maintain a relationship with God. All of a sudden, your marriage fails, your kids start struggling, you can't find a job, any number of things. The gospel promised joy and peace and comfort! Glad tidings! What is glad about this?! The members of that early Nephite church surely felt the same. This is not the gladness we expected.
Nephi himself seems to have at least some slight concerns himself. In 3 Nephi 1:12, he says he prayed "all that day" before the believers were to be put to death. Just imagine the questions he must have had: "Heavenly Father, is thy Son really coming? Have I done all this out of foolishness? Does thou really love us right now? I have done all that I thought thou has asked of me...."
The Lord answers him the next verse, though, saying:
"Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfil all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets."
I promise, the Lord hears your prayers, and He will fulfill His promises. Your faith is not in vain! The Nephites had to hold out until the very end, when their very lives were on the line. How alone they must have felt! One of the most important messages of Christmas, though, is that our faith has a purpose, and that the God of Heaven will not leave us alone. We might have to wait until all seems too much to bear, but the Living Savior of the World stands as proof that our Heavenly Father will not allow us to struggle beyond what we can bear. Please, trust Him. Look towards this new year with hope and with joy, "with an eye single to the Glory of God." Do as Nephi, "Lift up your head and be of good cheer." And please, let me know if there is any way I can help you find peace in His arms.
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