Sisters and Brothers –
“The morning breaks, the shadows flee.” (“The Morning Breaks,” Hymn No. 1) This has long been a favorite hymn of mine for a few reasons.
First, the song reminds me of the love God has for His children in these latter days, evidenced by the restoration of the gospel and its spread to the nations of the earth.
“The clouds of error disappear,
Before the rays of truth divine.”
The Morning breaks
The magnificent knowledge that emerged from the Sacred Grove 200 years ago has clarified questions, enlightened understanding and enabled us to understand the mission of the Savior in ways that were lost for centuries. It also opened the gates of the restoration of God’s authority on earth, covenants and ordinances, as well as understanding of the life beyond our earthly state.
Second, “The Morning Breaks” conjures images of a fresh start to each new day. We can move beyond the misdeeds of yesterday and look for a brighter today. Each night, as we ponder on the challenges of the previous day, we can look forward to “the dawn of a brighter day [that] majestic rises on the world.”
For many, the stillness of the night is a time when anxiety and uncertainty can be paralyzing. Minds race. Worries are seemingly invented out of thin air.
However, as we focus on the day ahead — which rarely turns into the terrifying challenge we imagined while in bed trying to sleep the night before — we find that we are able to attack what comes with a hopeful spirit and with determination that comes through faith.
Third, for me, “The Morning Breaks” has always represented an opportunity for renewal — for rebirth — that comes from rededication to God and His commandments. As I continually re-evaluate myself and my relationship to Christ, I am impressed through the Spirit toward adjustments in my behavior, attitude and perspective that bring me closer to Him.
Nowhere does this happen more than while partaking of the sacrament each Sunday. Sunday can be our “breaking morning,” if we let it. As we are renewed through Christ, we can better understand His love for us and that “His mighty arm is making bare, His covenant people to receive.”
I look forward to seeing many of your this afternoon as we meet together (last names A through G, as a reminder). If you are unable to make it, I am again authorizing the sacrament to be administered in homes by worthy priesthood holders of the appropriate office. If you have any questions or need any clarification, please reach out to me.
Have a great week and remember that “Zion’s light is bursting forth, To bring her ransomed children home.”
—Bishop Bennett