168. The Days We Spend With You
[Variation on a theme]
(A Christmas Appreciation to our Ward)
As the world devolves around us, (1)
And the Spirit whispers “Woes”.
As the “ship of state” now flounders,
And our betters become foes.
As the famous, rich, and mighty,
Evanesce like morning dews,
We find solace, hope, and comfort
In the days we spend with you.
At our gates, the desperate riot,
Everywhere, the wicked scheme. (2)
Those who have no roots to ground them,
Have no plan but tears and screams.
Worldly wisdom is found lacking,
Satan’s hosts advance in view.
But despite the fear and danger,
We have seen God’s grace in you.
You have been our brothers, sisters,
Who have born our deepest cares.
Even when our days are brutal,
Still we find your courage there.
We cherish times we spend together, (3)
Seeing how your hearts beat true.
If we make it through this madness,
It will be because of you.
We have come to this choice vineyard,
By the Lord’s benevolent hand.
We are asked to Gather Israel, (4)
Though great crises test our land.
Still, we have a firmer faith now,
Due to all that we’ve been through.
We will yet reach Heaven’s Harbor,
On the course we set with you.
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1. President Eyring, April 2022 General Conference: “The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, ‘This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.’ [2 Tim 3:1] Anyone with eyes to see the signs of the times and ears to hear the words of prophets knows that is true. The perils of greatest danger come to us from the forces of wickedness. Those forces are increasing. And so it will become more difficult, not easier, to honor the covenants we must make and keep to live the gospel of Jesus Christ."
2. President Nelson declared in the October 2020 General Conference: “During these perilous times of which the Apostle Paul prophesied, [2 Tim. 3:1-13] Satan is no longer even trying to hide his attacks on God’s plan. Emboldened evil abounds. Therefore, the only way to survive spiritually is to be determined to let God prevail in our lives, to learn to hear His voice, and to use our energy to help gather Israel.”
3. Elder Soares said in the last October Conference: “As disciples of Christ, we are invited to increase our faith in, and love for, our spiritual brother and sisterhood by genuinely knitting our hearts together in unity and love, regardless of our differences, thereby increasing our ability to promote respect for the dignity of all the sons and daughters of God.[Mosiah 18:21]
4. Elder Cook taught in the last April Conference: “President Spencer W. Kimball, speaking of the literal gathering of Israel, stated: ‘Now, the gathering of Israel consists of joining the true church and … coming to a knowledge of the true God. … Any person, therefore, who has accepted the restored gospel, and who now seeks to worship the Lord in his own tongue and with the Saints in the nations where he lives, has complied with the law of the gathering of Israel and is heir to all of the blessings promised the Saints in these last days.’”
To our fellow Ward members, who are our brothers and sisters in Christ, Jesus:
We bless the day we met you.
We never cease praying for you.
We ask for your continued faith and prayers.
We will always be witnesses of your worth.
May we continue to “gather round the board” together.
(Hymn 186: “Again We Meet Around the Board”)