Years ago my little sister passed away just before Thanksgiving. A handful of years before that, we lost our mom the first part of December. This time of year always has my heart especially drawn out with thoughts and questions about my personal angels, and what life is like on the other side of the veil.
Much like our prophets, Joseph Smith and later his nephew, Joseph F Smith’s thoughts must have been as they received visions that we now call section 137 and 138 of the Doctrine & Covenants.
Paragraph 3 of “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” teaches us the same principles:
“The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.”
Of all the gratitude we rehearse with the gifts of the season, I’m just so thankful for the gifts of the restored gospel that assure me I will see my sister, my mom and many other loved ones again.
“All these had departed the mortal life, firm in the hope of a glorious resurrection, through the grace of God the Father and his Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ.
I beheld that they were filled with joy and gladness, and were rejoicing together because the day of their deliverance was at hand.” (D&C 138:14-15)
A day for us all.
art: @jennamckell.creates