Before brushing off the song below, think of the words when you remember what happened with the Nephites in the city of Zarahemla. The closing chapter of Helaman shows how Satan did stir up the hearts of the Nephites to do iniquity. They reasoned amongst themselves that a Christ is not needed nor is possible for one to be able to atone for all.To add to this confusion, the great prophet Nephi departed from the land right before the prophecies of all the prophets were coming to pass! Many had mixed emotions, and the believers feared the prophesies they believed in, may not happen. Some continued to look steadfastly for the signs. To add to this turmoil, the more wicked part decided to "put to death...all those who believed in those traditions".
Thus we see, the Lord does not leave them hopeless. The night before, the Lord comforted Nephi by confirming His coming into the world the next day as He promised - "I will fulfil"! And we see the Jesus did come into the world, and the sign was given; the righteous spared. Truly the light shined in those dark streets and the hopes and fears, of the last 5 years specifically, were met in the Lord that night.
O little town, Zarahemla,
How still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light;
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee to-night.
How silently, how silently,
The wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of His Heaven.
No ear may hear His coming;
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive Him still
The dear Christ enters in.
"Joy to the world, the Lord is come!"
I love the Christmas season!
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