At this time of year we often hear “Joy to the World.” It may be in joyful song, words repeated from scripture or sentiment expressed in public discourse. These words are associated with the joy the world felt when the Savior was born. However, it can also have a modern day application as frequently expressed by President Russell M. Nelson. In his April, 2018 conference talk he stated: “Our message to the world is simple and sincere; we invite all of God’s children on both sides of the veil to come unto their Savior, receive the blessings of the holy temple, have enduring joy, and qualify for eternal life.”
In the December 2019 Ensign, Elder Bednar contrasts the concept of righteous joy and worldly fun as follows:
“Joy comes from exercising faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, worthily receiving and faithfully honoring sacred covenants, and striving to become deeply converted to the Savior and His purposes. Fun is the result of “amusement,” “playful and often boisterous action or speech,” or pleasurable diversion. . . . Joy is primarily spiritual; fun primarily temporal. Joy primarily is enduring; fun primarily is temporary. Joy primarily is deep and rich; fun primarily is shallow. Joy primarily is whole and complete; fun primarily is partial. Joy primarily pertains to mortality and eternity; fun pertains only to mortality.”
Have we not all experienced this in our own lives? Fun experiences many times prevent us from engaging in the experiences that will bring us the greatest joy. For example, how many times do we think we just don’t have time for the temple worship or family history this week? Yet we find much of our time is spent participating in social media, attending or viewing sports and entertainment events, or engaging in lengthy discussions about politics, sports or entertainment.
This month I feel like shouting– Joy to the world, family history and temples have come! As a result we can become closer to our Savior and King!
Recently while officiating in an endowment session in the Draper Temple I was overcome with emotion as I felt the love of the Savior and our Heavenly Father for all those in the temple that day. Recently I also felt tremendous joy as I shared in a family history presentation the blessings that have come to my extended family through my participation in family history.
I add my testimony to that shared by Elder Bednar and President Nelson, that the Savior of the world is the ultimate and only source of enduring and eternal joy. I am grateful for the blessings that have come into my life through temple and family history activity and for the joy I feel when engaged in this great work. I look forward this Christmas season and in the New Year to sharing this message of Joy to the World! –Dave Castleton, Director, Granite Family History Center