Posted on 12/21/2013 7:44:53 AM PST by Colofornian
The literal simplest meaning of "Christmas" = Christ as the "Sent One." The Mormon Church stresses Joseph Smith as key "Sent One":
| 1862 (July 13) [Quote republished by church in 1925] | Brigham Young: "I have taught for thirty years, and still teach, that he that believeth in his heart and confesseth with his mouth that Jesus is the Christ and that Joseph Smith is his Prophet to this generation, is of God; and he that confesseth not that Jesus has come in the flesh and SENT Joseph Smith with the fulness of the Gospel to this generation, is not of God, but is antichrist. All who confess that Joseph Smith is SENT of God in the latter days, to lay the foundation of his everlasting kingdom no more to be thrown down, and will continue to keep his commandments, are born of God" | Journal of Discourses Vol. 9 |
| 1994 (June) | Official Lds Church Magazine re: Joseph Smith "shed[ding] his blood in order that the final testament, the reestablishment of the new covenant, might be in full effect.": "As suggested earlier, the life of Joseph Smith was in some degree patterned after that of his Master, Jesus Christ. That pattern holds true even when extended to its tragic conclusion. Like his Master, Joseph Smith also shed his blood in order that the final testament, the reestablishment of the new covenant, might be in full effect ... Thus, to bear witness of Joseph Smith is to bear witness of Jesus Christ, who SENT him, in the same way that a testimony of Christ also implies clearly a testimony of the Eternal Father, who sent Him. On the other hand, to deny Joseph Smith outright—to deny the spiritual impressions which attest to his prophetic assignment—is to deny the Lord, who sent him." | Lds Church Magazine Ensign |
Answers to these 26 questions are to be found at this second posting:
What a Liturgical Order of Smithmas Sacrament Meeting Might look like! [Vanity, Part B]
[Note: the exact link will be added within the "Comment" section immediately upon this piece being posted]
*******************************************************
Question 1
Per Lds Prophet Brigham Young, if we don't confess [this person] was "sent of God," then you're "of antichrist"?
Multiple-choice answers:
(a) God
(b) Jesus Christ
(c) Holy Spirit
(d) Joseph Smith
Question 2
According to the popular Mormon hymn, "Praise the Man," Who is exalted and revered per the lyrical worship line: "Kings shall exalt him and nations revere...the earth lauds his fame"?
Multiple-choice answers:
(a) God
(b) Jesus Christ
(c) Holy Spirit
(d) Joseph Smith
Question 3
According to that same hymn, Whose "glory" is great...and endless his priesthood" -- given that in the Bible "because Jesus lives forever, he [Jesus] has a permanent [inviolate] priesthood."? (see Hebrews 7:23-26 for context]
Multiple-choice answers:
(a) God
(b) Jesus Christ
(c) Holy Spirit
(d) Joseph Smith
Question 4
And, per that same hymn, given that a certain THE SON OF GOD is noted to be THE "Faithful and True" One in the Bible (Revelation 3:14), who is directly praised as "Faithful and true he will enter HIS kingdom, crowned..."??
Multiple-choice answers:
(a) God
(b) Jesus Christ
(c) Holy Spirit
(d) Joseph Smith
Question 5
And, lastly re: this hymn, when it's sung of him that "Millions shall know" this "Brother...", Who is that?
Multiple-choice answers:
(a) God
(b) Jesus Christ
(c) Holy Spirit
(d) Joseph Smith
Question 6
According to the Dec. 20, 2009 Mormon Times, whose late December birthday "is a good time to remember and reflect on all that" [this person] "did for each of us?"
Multiple-choice answers:
(a) God
(b) Jesus Christ
(c) Holy Spirit
(d) Joseph Smith
Question 7
Per the December issue of Lds publication Ensign (1997), in an article called "A Season for Gratitude," who are we to understand is the focus when the "Prophet" Gordon B. Hinckley says: "We stand in reverence before him...He stands at the head of this great and mighty work which is spreading across the earth...Let us not forget him. Let not his memory be forgotten in the celebration of Christmas..."?
Multiple-choice answers:
(a) God
(b) Jesus Christ
(c) Holy Spirit
(d) Joseph Smith
Question 8
And, right before a special someone's late-December birthday – Dec. 22, 2008 – can you guess who was being referenced when the current Lds "Prophet" said of him: "And at this season, he's happy that our thoughts can be drawn to" [this person]. ‘He gave us everything’?
Multiple-choice answers:
(a) God
(b) Jesus Christ
(c) Holy Spirit
(d) Joseph Smith
Question 9
Per a 1981 Mormon leader message, who "lies at the heart of it all?"
Multiple-choice answers:
(a) God
(b) Jesus Christ
(c) Holy Spirit
(d) Joseph Smith
Question 10
Can you guess Who's being discussed here? "This is a season for giving and a time for gratitude. We remember with appreciation the birth of" [this person] "which is celebrated this...December...How great indeed is our debt to him...It was he who brought us a true knowledge of God, the Eternal Father..."?
Multiple-choice answers:
(a) God
(b) Jesus Christ
(c) Holy Spirit
(d) Joseph Smith
Question 11
And who is the Way referenced here by a to-be Lds "prophet" (1954)?: [There is] "no salvation without accepting" [this person]. "If" [this person] "...told the truth...no man can reject that testimony without incurring the most dreadful consequences, for he cannot enter the kingdom of God"
Multiple-choice answers:
(a) God
(b) Jesus Christ
(c) Holy Spirit
(d) Joseph Smith
Question 12
Given that as late as 1974, the Mormon church-owned book publishers stressed this 19th century reference by one of the top three hierearchists in the Mormon church during the latter 19th century -- who was the "Way" referenced here? "If we get our salvation, we shall have to pass by him; if we enter our glory, it will be through the authority he has received. We cannot get around him"
Multiple-choice answers:
(a) God
(b) Jesus Christ
(c) Holy Spirit
(d) Joseph Smith
Question 13
"If it had not been for" [this person] "...there would be no salvation." A dead giveaway, right?
Multiple-choice answers:
(a) God
(b) Jesus Christ
(c) Holy Spirit
(d) Joseph Smith
Question 14
This second Lds Prophet said: "If you will believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that" these entities were God's very Mouth, "you shall be saved in the kingdom of God" Who might that be?
Multiple-choice answers:
(a) God
(b) Jesus Christ
(c) Holy Spirit
(d) Joseph Smith
Question 15
Lds Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley urged his people to read this "story" -- "There's no other event in all recorded history that compares with it, not even at the baptism of the Savior"
Multiple-choice answers:
(a) God rescuing the Israelites
(b) Jesus Christ's resurrection & ascension
(c) Holy Spirit coming at Pentecost
(d) Joseph Smith's First Vision
Question 16
"The greatest event that has ever occurred in the world since the resurrection...and ascension of Jesus" -- per Lds Prophet Joseph F. Smith – involved who -- doing what?
Multiple-choice answers:
(a) God sending the Holy Spirit
(b) Jesus Christ appearing to the apostle Paul
(c) Holy Spirit coming at Pentecost
(d) Joseph Smith's First Vision
Question 17
This BYU professor in a church-owned published book emphasized, "No man in earth's history has been responsible for restoring more truth than" [this person]. Who is it?
Multiple-choice answers:
(a) God
(b) Jesus Christ
(c) Holy Spirit
(d) Joseph Smith
Question 18
Given that the apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 12:3 that "no one can say Jesus is Lord, except by the Holy Spirit," the Lds church-owned publisher stressed in a 1989 book that: "We cannot, in reality, come to Christ, if we do not accept..." Who?
Multiple-choice answers:
(a) God
(b) Jesus Christ
(c) Holy Spirit
(d) Joseph Smith
Question 19
“The greatest activity in this world or in the world to come is directly related to the work and mission of..." who per this 1967 Lds Prophet?
Multiple-choice answers:
(a) God
(b) Jesus Christ
(c) Holy Spirit
(d) Joseph Smith
Question 20
If a "Living Prophet" is taking a December publication (2005) to say: "We acknowledge...proclaim...reverence Him," then he MUST be expressing devotion to who?
Multiple-choice answers:
(a) God
(b) Jesus Christ
(c) Holy Spirit
(d) Joseph Smith
Question 21
Likewise if that same "Living Prophet" is taking anotherDecember publication (1997) to glowingly-- in a worship posture--say: "We stand in reverence Him," then he MUST be expressing devotion to who?
Multiple-choice answers:
(a) God
(b) Jesus Christ
(c) Holy Spirit
(d) Joseph Smith
Question 22
"The early members of the Church remembered his birthday with festive celebrations. We can remember the birth of" [This person] "...and show our PRAISE and admiration for him by living the principles that he taught." Another dead giveaway for an official December 1990 Lds church publication, right? Whose the focus here?
Multiple-choice answers:
(a) God
(b) Jesus Christ
(c) Holy Spirit
(d) Joseph Smith
Question 23
Lds Prophet Brigham Young said in 1861 that [this person] "...was a God to us, and is to the nations of the earth, and will continue to be." (Boy, that's a tough one: We wonder, we wonder who this is? Yeah, right?)
Multiple-choice answers:
(a) God
(b) Jesus Christ
(c) Holy Spirit
(d) Joseph Smith
Question 24
In December 1978, the Lds Ensign publication was aglow with: "As we commemorate the birth of the babe in Bethlehem, the Savior of the world, may we..." "...consciously rejoice in his life and sacrifice, as well." (Yeah, I know yet ANOTHER giveaway answer, eh, right?) Name the being referenced here.
Multiple-choice answers:
(a) God
(b) Jesus Christ
(c) Holy Spirit
(d) Joseph Smith
Question 25
This person said: "God made Aaron to be the mouthpiece for the children of Israel, and He will make me be god to you in His stead..." Who was this?
Multiple-choice answers:
(a) God
(b) Jesus Christ
(c) Holy Spirit
(d) Joseph Smith
Question 26
A 1984 priesthood manual stressed this primer lesson, quoting Brigham Young: "No man or woman in this dispensation will ever enter into the celestial kingdom of God without the consent of..." [this being]. "He holds the keys of that kingdom for the last dispensation—the keys to rule in the spirit-world; and he rules there triumphantly... Who is this?
Multiple-choice answers:
(a) God
(b) Jesus Christ
(c) Holy Spirit
(d) Joseph Smith
The literal simplest meaning of "Christmas" = Christ as the "Sent One." The Mormon Church stresses Joseph Smith as key "Sent One":
| 1862 (July 13) [Quote republished by church in 1925] | Brigham Young: "I have taught for thirty years, and still teach, that he that believeth in his heart and confesseth with his mouth that Jesus is the Christ and that Joseph Smith is his Prophet to this generation, is of God; and he that confesseth not that Jesus has come in the flesh and SENT Joseph Smith with the fulness of the Gospel to this generation, is not of God, but is antichrist. All who confess that Joseph Smith is SENT of God in the latter days, to lay the foundation of his everlasting kingdom no more to be thrown down, and will continue to keep his commandments, are born of God" | Journal of Discourses Vol. 9 |
| 1994 (June) | Official Lds Church Magazine re: Joseph Smith "shed[ding] his blood in order that the final testament, the reestablishment of the new covenant, might be in full effect.": "As suggested earlier, the life of Joseph Smith was in some degree patterned after that of his Master, Jesus Christ. That pattern holds true even when extended to its tragic conclusion. Like his Master, Joseph Smith also shed his blood in order that the final testament, the reestablishment of the new covenant, might be in full effect ... Thus, to bear witness of Joseph Smith is to bear witness of Jesus Christ, who SENT him, in the same way that a testimony of Christ also implies clearly a testimony of the Eternal Father, who sent Him. On the other hand, to deny Joseph Smith outright—to deny the spiritual impressions which attest to his prophetic assignment—is to deny the Lord, who sent him." | Lds Church Magazine Ensign |
Answers to these 26 questions are to be found at this second posting:
What a Liturgical Order of Smithmas Sacrament Meeting Might look like! [Vanity, Part B]
[Note: the exact link will be added within the "Comment" section immediately upon this piece being posted]
Is it better to spend an extra two days walking around the borders of Samaria? Or would it be better to take the shorter route directly through.
((sigh))
Oh great and mighty Smith, forgive Colofornian, for he doth not knoweth what he has started-eth. On Joe’s name and blessed memory. Achmed.
I am a Christian and the day is Christmas.
Merry Christmas to every Mormon reading this thread!
May you truly know Christ as revealed in the Bible, and the glorious Gospel of His Grace.
May the New Year be a time of spiritual blessing for you.
Didn`t his picture once appear on a cough syrup bottle?
Without peeking, are they all d?
“The literal simplest meaning of “Christmas” = Christ as the “Sent One.””
A nonsense statement…. the term Christmas comes from a combining of Christ and mass….not Chris is the sent one but Christ’s mass (i.e. the celebration of his death because that is what a mass is)
I don’t give a rat’s behind what the Mormon’s chose to worship or do because that is not my faith.
I do care deeply about the overall decline of my church and it’s inability to find a way to stay true to the original teachings of the Nazarene.
I celebrate Christmas.
Don’t bother to respond back with all of your usual anti mormon stuff. I really just don’t care but I did want to at least make your opening statement accurate
O give me back my Prophet dear,
And Patriarch, O give them back;
The Saints of latter days to cheer,
And lead them in the gospel track.
But oh! they’re gone from my embrace,
From earthly scenes their spirits fled;
Two of the best of Adam’s race,
Now lie entombed among the dead.
Ye men of wisdom tell me why,
No guilt, no crime in them were found,
Their blood doth now so loudly cry,
From prison walls, and Carthage ground.
Your tongues are mute, but pray attend,
The secret I will now relate,
Why those whom God to earth did lend,
Have met the suffering martyr’s fate.
Your tongues are mute, but pray attend,
The secret I will now relate,
Why those whom God to earth did lend,
Have met the suffering martyr’s fate.
O give me back my prophet dear.
http://www.spiremusic.org/jstpdvd/lyrics.php
And I join that chorus of well-wishing.
God indeed loves Mormons!
Sometimes a little "tough love" is needed, but as 1 Corinthians 13:6 says, "Love rejoices in the truth!" (true love doesn't fight or ignore the truth!)
Btw, I thought this quote -- which I'll cover in a near-future thread posting more in depth:
A dozen years ago -- at this very time of the year -- some Mormon posters at the Mormon Forum NewOrderMormon.org were discussing:
Mormon Poster "January" commented:
"Thanks for the opportunity to vent.
I went to church today, too, and yes, lots of very dull, ill-prepared music and minimal decoration. I went with a pretty bad attitude, but it is lame that one of the two most important holidays in all Christendom just is like any other Sunday at our church. It would help if our chapels at least looked like churches, the stained glass alone at other churches gets me in a worshipful mood. I am looking forward to going a Protestant Christmas eve ceremony tomorrow."
Mormon, please consider going to a Protestant/Evangelical Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Day worship this week! We welcome you!
From a Bible church...can find other sources if you wish:
We have entered into the Christmas Holiday season. In light of this, I think it is important for us to recognize some things. One is concerning the word "Christmas." We get the word Christmas from two Latin words: Christus, and missa. Putting these two words together, we get the compound word, Christ-mas. Christmas, like all compound words, has a meaning that the particles explain. It literally means "Christ is sent." This morning I want us to prepare our hearts for a sermon that has to do with the great event of the sending of Christ. The theme is, God's Christmas Plan: Christ is Sent
God's Christmas Plan: Christ is Sent
And Missa est is recognized by Catholics as "go/sent":
QUESTION: WHAT DOES “ITE, MISSA EST” REALLY MEAN?
“Ite, Missa est” is the Latin concluding prayer of the Catholic Mass. Non-Catholics listen up: the Mass is highest form of worship for Catholics. It concludes with a brief dialogue between the priest and the congregation. Here’s how it goes in Latin: Priest: Dominus vobiscum [The Lord be with you] People: Et cum spiritu tuo. [And with your spirit.] Priest: Ite, missa est. People: Deo gratias. [Thanks be to God] Normally translated today as “Go, the Mass is ended,” “Ite, missa est” literally means “Go, it has been sent.”
Sorry, Nifster, even the Catholics here say that "mass" comes from the Latin Missa...
Since the linguist background of Christmas comes from Christmasse and Old English word that refers to Christ and mass (check any dictionary) AND since the words you sight actually refer to the DISMISSAL from the service (i.e. go….not sent) the meaning came to be about going forth and carrying the message.
You are clueless. But that’s okay. I have come to expect that from your posts
Yeah, I did check ANY dictionary...The very FIRST one I came to -- found here says:
Mass also mass (ms)
n.
1.
a. Public celebration of the Eucharist in the Roman Catholic Church and some Protestant churches.
b. The sacrament of the Eucharist.
2. A musical setting of certain parts of the Mass, especially the Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, and Agnus Dei.
THEN IT SAYS -- and note:
[Middle English MASSE, from Old English mæsse, from Vulgar Latin *messa, from Late Latin missa, from Latin, feminine past participle of mittere, to SEND away, dismiss.]
Old English derived this from vulgar Latin -- did you not know Nifster that Roman's legions at one time inhabited parts of the UK -- and that the Latin stuck around?
AND since the words you sight actually refer to the DISMISSAL from the service (i.e. go….not sent) the meaning came to be about going forth and carrying the message. You are clueless. But that’s okay. I have come to expect that from your posts
In addition to what it says above: "Vulgar Latin *messa, from Late Latin missa, from Latin, feminine past participle of mittere, to send away, dismiss" -- I then looked up a hard copy Chambers-Murray Latin-English Dictionary I have:
Latin words like missicius = discharged from ...
Similar Latin words like missus and missio [where we get "mission" from] = "letting go".
And then you get the near-same meaning with a Latin word like missito = "to SEND repeatedly."
Missito, missio, mission, missionary...all the same -- letting go/sending.
As all indicated above -- "disMISS" is a good summation. The Son of God was dismissed from heaven, and He "let go" of the rights and fully revealed glory He had. The more literal New American Standard version of Philippians 2:6-7 says this nicely:
6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be GRASPED, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.
The Son of God didn't "GRASP" His "equality with God" -- He "let go" ... ["let go" is found in the Latin words missio, missio, and mitto -- mitto being a derivative of mittere -- the word cited above]
But, hey, I appreciate this opportunity to focus on the incarnational portion of the Gospel:
The Son of God didn't grasp equality with God -- He let go. Instead, He was disMISSed from Heaven -- SENT away from there to earth -- in servant form in the form of the Christ child, whom we worship -- whether Catholics do that at "Mass" or at ChristMAS.
(i.e. go….not sent)
(Yeah, we know, you have an earth-centric focus vs. a heaven-centric focus...but the Son of God was SENT from heaven -- NOT from earth. He was gone from heaven for those 33 years.)
Teppe, how did you score on the quiz?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.