Christmas 2025: A Missionary Christmas

Merry Christmas to all of my beloved Unshaken Saints! In this video, I share a Christmas message I wrote as a 19-year-old missionary, linking my first Christmas in Puerto Rico to the first Christmas in Bethlehem. May this beautiful holiday season bring you a greater measure of "peace on earth, good will to men."

When "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" was issued in 1995, some called it a "duh document". Today, it is a subject of controversy, dismissed by some as outdated and praised by others as a powerful, prophetic anchor. This lesson breaks down the nine paragraphs of this crucial declaration, understanding why the family is central to the Creator's plan. The Plan of God: Marriage between a man and a woman is "ordained of God" and the family is "central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children". The pre-mortal realm involved accepting God's plan to "obtain a physical body" and "gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection". Gender is Essential: Gender (male and female) is an "essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose". All human beings are "beloved spirit son[s] or daughter[s] of heavenly parents". Eternal Families: The divine plan of happiness enables "family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave" through "sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples". The Divine Design and Responsibility Parenthood & Chastity: God's first commandment to Adam and Eve to "multiply and replenish the earth remains in force". The sacred powers of "procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife". We affirm the "sanctity of life". Mothers and Fathers: By divine design , fathers are to "preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection". Mothers are primarily responsible for the "nurture of their children". Both are obligated to help one another as "equal partners". Success Principles: "Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ". Successful marriages are maintained on principles of "faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities". The Warning and the Call: The Proclamation warns that the "disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets". It calls upon "responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society". Call-to-Action: What is one way you can better live the principles of "equal partners" or "complete fidelity" this week? Share your commitment in the comments! If this message helped you feel the centrality of the family, please like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay "Unshaken" in your faith. 

How does a church navigate change, controversy, and continuing revelation while staying true to its foundation? The Articles of Faith lay the groundwork, but the two Official Declarations provide proof of a living church, led by a living prophet. We'll analyze the deep counsel given in these landmark sections. Official Declaration 1: The End of Plural Marriage President Wilford Woodruff faced a devastating dilemma: adhere to the law of plural marriage and lose the temples, ordinances, and leadership to imprisonment, or cease the practice. Honoring Authority: President Woodruff declared his "intention to submit" to the laws of Congress that the Supreme Court had pronounced constitutional. He even went so far as to order the Endowment House "taken down without delay" following one reported (but unproven) case of a marriage performed there. The Critical Question: He was commanded by God to "ask the Latter-day Saints a question" —which was the wisest course: to sacrifice the temples and ordinances, or to cease the practice, "leave the Temples in the hands of the Saints," and let the work for the dead continue. Prophetic Integrity: He declared he would have let all the temples go and gone to prison himself "had not the God of heaven commanded me" to do what he did, and when that command came, "it was all clear to me". This shows a willingness to fully embrace the opposing viewpoint before receiving the final divine guidance. Official Declaration 2: Revelation on the Priesthood Received by President Spencer W. Kimball after "extended meditation and prayer in the sacred rooms of the holy temple" , this declaration fulfilled the promises of earlier prophets. Divine Guidance: The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles "pleaded long and earnestly" and supplicated the Lord for "divine guidance". The Result: God "heard our prayers," and by revelation, confirmed that "the long-promised day has come". This revelation extended the priesthood and temple blessings to "every faithful, worthy man" so he could "enjoy with his loved ones every blessing" that flows therefrom. The Articles of Faith These 13 points, part of the Wentworth Letter, establish our fundamental beliefs: Core Doctrine (A of F 1-4): Belief in the Godhead , accountability for "our own sins, and not for Adam's transgression" , salvation through the Atonement "by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel" , and the first principles of Faith, Repentance, Baptism, and the Gift of the Holy Ghost. A Living Church (A of F 5-9): We believe in priesthood authority , the "same organization that existed in the Primitive Church" , spiritual gifts , and accepting the Bible and the Book of Mormon as the word of God. Most importantly, we believe God "will yet reveal many great and important things". The Path of Discipleship (A of F 10-13): We believe in the literal gathering of Israel , "claim the privilege" of worshiping according to conscience , are subject to the law , and seek after anything "virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy". Call-to-Action: What "great and important thing" (A of F 9) do you need to seek personal revelation on this week? Share your thoughts below! If this message reinforced your faith in continuing revelation, please like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay "Unshaken" in your faith. Chapter Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 5:47 Avoiding the Appearance of Evil 17:42 Precedent or President 30:13 Following Fallibility 51:40 Race and the Priesthood 1:04:22 Returning to God 1:14:30 The Church of Jesus Christ 1:22:23 Gathering Israel by Being Good 1:30:50 One-Liners

Imagine seeing your brother, who died before being baptized, standing as an heir of the celestial kingdom. This profound experience, recorded in D&C 137, opens the door to understanding God's infinite mercy. Decades later, another prophet received a vision (D&C 138) that dramatically expanded our knowledge of the work for the dead. D&C 137: The Desire of the Heart In January 1836, Joseph Smith beheld the celestial kingdom. He "marveled" to see his deceased brother, Alvin, there. The Lord revealed the magnificent principle that "all who have died without a knowledge of this gospel, who would have received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God". God judges all men according to their "works, according to the desire of their hearts". This section also confirms that "all children who die before they arrive at the years of accountability are saved in the celestial kingdom of heaven". D&C 138: The Redemption of the Dead In 1918, during a time when death was on everyone's mind , Joseph F. Smith was "pondering over the scriptures". This act of study and reflection was crucial; he found that as he "wondered," his "eyes of my understanding were opened". Christ's Ministry: The prophet saw Christ's sojourn in the spirit world. Christ "went not in person among the wicked and the disobedient". The Mission Organization: Instead, He spent His time "instructing and preparing the faithful spirits of the prophets" who had testified of Him. He "organized his forces and appointed messengers" —Spirit World Missionaries—to "carry the message of redemption unto all the dead". The Eternal Work: This revelation clarifies that the faithful elders of this dispensation "continue their labors" after death. The great and mighty ones, including our latter-day prophets, were "chosen in the beginning" and received their "first lessons" in the world of spirits. This work of redemption and temple ordinances is truly a "continuation of the seeds"—a vast family effort. Call-to-Action: Which person—living or dead—can you extend the "great and wonderful love" of Christ to this week? Share your thoughts on "the desire of their hearts" in the comments! If this message helped clarify God's plan of mercy, please like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay "Unshaken" in your faith. Chapter Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 4:41 A Vision of Heaven 13:05 Heirs of the Celestial Kingdom 28:08 Pondering the Word 44:55 No Paradise, Only Prison 59:57 The Fate of the Unevangelized 1:12:00 Spirit World Missionaries 1:23:04 Preschool 1:32:07 One-Liners

June 27, 1844. Carthage Jail. The greatest tragedy and the ultimate triumph of the Restoration. How does the Church move forward after the Prophet seals his testimony with his blood? D&C 135 and 136 answer with a powerful statement on sacrifice and a direct revelation on how to build a Zion people. Summary: This episode explores the final, foundational sections of the Doctrine and Covenants: D&C 135: The Martyrdom. Written by John Taylor, this section seals the testimony of the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants with the death of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. We contrast the different, yet unified, ways the brothers met their end—Hyrum falling "calmly" and Joseph attempting to leap from the window. The section declares that Joseph Smith "has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it". His innocent blood was shed , and it was "needful that he should seal his testimony with his blood". D&C 136: The Word and Will of the Lord. Received by Brigham Young in Winter Quarters, this revelation provided the blueprint for the great western exodus. It commanded the "Camp of Israel" to be organized into companies with a "covenant and promise to keep all the commandments". Collective Effort: The trek was not individualistic; the Saints were commanded to "bear an equal proportion" in taking the "poor, the widows, the fatherless," and the families of soldiers. The command was to "go to with their might, to prepare for those who are to tarry" —to be "pioneers to prepare". Preparation for Zion: The Lord warns, "my people must be tried in all things, that they may be prepared to receive the glory that I have for them". He assures them, "marvel not at these things" , and that He is the "God of your fathers" who led Israel and whose "arm is stretched out in the last days, to save my people Israel". Call-to-Action: Which person—a widow, a poor person, or a family—can you help bear their burden this week? The pioneer spirit is still needed! Share your plans in the comments below. If this message inspired you to keep striving for Zion, please like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay "Unshaken" in your faith. Chapter Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 6:28 Life and Death Differences 19:33 Praise to the Man 33:39 Innocent Blood 45:10 Pioneers to Prepare 59:47 Still Hoping for Zion 1:08:35 Not My First Rodeo 1:20:29 Don't Be Surprised 1:31:12 One-Liners

If the Doctrine and Covenants is the capstone of the Restoration, how does it conclude? It ends with a booming warning and an urgent political declaration. D&C 133 provides the final marching orders for the Church: prepare for Christ's return. Summary: In this episode, we analyze the urgent call to action in the Appendix (D&C 133) and the foundational principles of religious liberty (D&C 134). D&C 133: The Prophetic Appendix. This section is a restatement of the urgent warnings in D&C 1. The Lord commands the Saints to "prepare ye, prepare ye" and to "go ye out from Babylon" to avoid the destruction of the last days. This involves the call to "be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord." We explore the magnificent, yet terrifying, description of the Second Coming: Christ, "mighty to save," descending with "dyed garments"—red from having "trodden the wine-press alone"—a powerful symbol of both judgment and sacrificial love. The section concludes with the tender reassurance that "in all their afflictions he was afflicted." D&C 134: Church & State. Written in 1835, this declaration defines the Church's stance on civil governance, reflecting the persecution the Saints had endured. Government's Role: We believe governments are "instituted of God for the benefit of man" and should secure the "free exercise of conscience," property rights, and the protection of life. Freedom of Conscience: The central principle is clear: civil magistrates should "restrain crime, but never control conscience; should punish guilt, but never suppress the freedom of the soul." We advocate for a separation of Church and State, believing it is not right to "mingle religious influence with civil government" in a way that fosters one religion while suppressing another. Painful Compromises: We discuss the difficult historical context of verse 12, where the Church states it will "not interfere with bond-servants," revealing the painful compromises sometimes necessary in a fallen world to secure peace and the higher goal of preaching the gospel. Call-to-Action: What aspect of "Babylon" are you striving to leave behind this week? What does it mean to you to "be ye clean"? Share your commitment in the comments! If this message helped you feel Christ's love in your afflictions, please like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay "Unshaken" in your faith. Chapter Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 9:56 Be Prepared 25:27 Leaving Babylon 38:50 The Shortest Verse in All Scripture 46:59 Robes of Reminding Red 1:00:17 The Role of Government 1:13:38 Freedom of Religion 1:25:12 Painful Compromises 1:40:46 One-Liners

Discerning spirits, the nature of God, glorious sociality, the timing of the Second Coming, eternal marriage, and plural marriage. In this pivotal lesson, we jump into the deep end of Restoration doctrine, covering Joseph Smith's most profound teachings on the nature of God, our eternal potential, and the covenants that bind us forever. Summary: This episode explores D&C 129–132, revelations containing foundational and high-level doctrine for the Church. D&C 129: Discerning Spirits. The Lord provides "three grand keys" to distinguish a resurrected being, a righteous spirit, and the devil appearing as an angel of light. This section emphasizes the eternal reality of the body and the importance of discernment. D&C 130: Eternal Knowledge and Timing. Joseph records several "items of instruction," including the promise that "whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection," providing an "advantage in the world to come." He also recounts the Lord's gentle command to "trouble me no more" about the timing of the Second Coming. Crucially, we learn that the "same sociality" we enjoy here, "coupled with eternal glory," will exist in the world to come. D&C 131: The New and Everlasting Covenant. This section reveals that in the celestial glory, a man "must enter into this order of the priesthood [the new and everlasting covenant of marriage]" to obtain the highest degree and have an eternal "increase." D&C 132: Eternal Marriage and Law. This essential revelation lays out the foundational law of eternal marriage, which must be "sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise" and entered into by revelation through the authorized servant. We discuss the stark difference between marriages that "have an end when men are dead" and those that lead to "thrones, kingdoms, principalities, and powers." We also examine the difficult topic of plural marriage, seeing it as an Abrahamic test given by command to "restore all things." Call-to-Action: What kind of "knowledge and intelligence" are you working to secure for your resurrection? Share your study goals in the comments! If this message helped clarify the path to eternal lives, please like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay "Unshaken" in your faith. Chapter Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 7:04 Discerning Spirits in an AI World 19:02 Timing of the Second Coming 29:34 Education for Eternity 43:39 Eternal Relationships 1:08:34 Growing into Godhood 1:17:39 Plural Marriage 1:38:09 Abrahamic Tests 2:02:11 One-Liners

While in hiding from enemies, a prophet writes two of the most doctrinally explosive letters in scripture. How can we make sense of the work of salvation for the dead, and what does it have to do with the "fullness of times"? D&C 127 and 128 reveal the magnificent scope of God's work, which binds heaven and earth together. Summary: This episode explores D&C 125–128, focusing on lessons in discipleship, divine priorities, and the eternal cause of redemption. D&C 125: Saints in Deed. The Lord gives direction to the Saints in Iowa Territory, asking if they are merely "Saints in name only" or truly "essaying to be my saints." The call is to gather and live up to the Book of Mormon standard by naming their city Zarahemla. D&C 126: An Honorable Release. The Lord gives Brigham Young an honorable release from constant missionary travel, declaring, "your offering is acceptable to me." His new command: "take especial care of your family from this time, henceforth and forever." This sets the eternal priority of family over temporary callings. D&C 127-128: The Great Cause. Joseph Smith's letters, written while he was "deep water is what I am wont to swim in," focus intensely on baptism for the dead. The Power of Binding: We learn the "very bold doctrine" that whatsoever is bound on earth by proper priesthood authority is "bound in heaven". This work is essential, as "their salvation is necessary and essential to our salvation." The Record: The Lord requires a recorder who is an "eye-witness" for every ordinance, ensuring the records are "in order" and worthy to be placed in the temple archives. The Offering: Joseph encourages the Saints to "waste and wear out our lives" in this cause. The ultimate goal is to present in the holy temple a "book containing the records of our dead, which shall be worthy of all acceptation"—an offering in righteousness to the returning King. The Final Charge: Joseph rallies the Saints with an ecstatic vision of the Restoration, crying, "shall we not go on in so great a cause? Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory!" This work forms the "welding together of dispensations" that defines the fullness of times. Call-to-Action: What small act can you do this week to "weld" your family together—living and dead? Share your commitment below! If this message inspired you to go "on, on to the victory," please like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay "Unshaken" in your faith. Chapter Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 3:20 Saints in Name Only 11:50 An Honorable Release 21:34 Deep Water 38:26 Always On My Mind 50:19 The Infinite Umbrella 1:13:12 A Book of Remembrance 1:27:44 So Great a Cause 1:39:41 One-Liners

Imagine starting over, driven from your home, betrayed by friends, and attempting to build a city and a temple in a malaria-infested swamp. The sheer audacity of the Nauvoo project required a powerful new revelation. D&C 124 provides the blueprint for healing the past, trusting the present, and embracing a grand future. Summary: This episode analyzes D&C 124, a pivotal revelation received in Nauvoo in 1841. Proclaiming Zion (D&C 124:2-11): The Saints are commanded to issue a solemn proclamation to "all the kings of the world" and world leaders, inviting them to "come to the light and glory of Zion". This was an act of courage, recognizing that the set time had come to favor Zion. Heart Health & Integrity (D&C 124:15-20): The Lord praises Hyrum Smith for the "integrity of his heart" and his love for what is right. In stark contrast, John C. Bennett is given multiple "ifs" —his reward depends entirely on his choice to "receive counsel" and continue in love and acceptance. The Nauvoo House (D&C 124:22-24, 60-61): The Saints are commanded to build a "healthful habitation" and a "resting-place for the weary traveler" where he can "contemplate the word of the Lord". The Lord instructs that stockholders must be "a believer in the Book of Mormon, and the revelations". The Temple & Acceptance (D&C 124:27-35): Because the Saints lack a proper house for ordinances, the Lord mercifully accepts baptisms for the dead performed outside a temple "only in the days of your poverty". However, this acceptance has a strict deadline: failure to complete the temple after a "sufficient time" will result in the Church being "rejected as a church". "A for Effort" (D&C 124:49-55): The Lord gives a powerful principle: when we go "with all their might" and are hindered by enemies, the Lord will "accept of their offerings". This principle is applied to the failed attempt to build the temple in Jackson County , offering "consolation" and a command to "prove yourselves unto me" by trying again in Nauvoo. The Cause of the Poor (D&C 124:74-76): Saints are commanded to "plead the cause of the poor and the needy" and to support this cause with their interest , establishing a pattern of generosity that ensures their "seed be found begging bread" no more. Call-to-Action: What "cause of the poor" can you dedicate yourself to this week? Share your commitments in the comments below! If this message helped you find renewed hope and purpose, please like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay "Unshaken" in your faith. Chapter Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 5:06 Hope Springs Eternal 18:37 Heart Health 29:43 The Nauvoo House 42:47 Good Enough for Now 52:44 Temple Ordinances 1:06:01 A for Effort 1:17:19 The Cause of the Poor 1:33:46 One-Liners

Imagine being unjustly imprisoned for months, watching your family and people suffer, and asking the piercing question: "O God, where art thou?" The revelations given to Joseph Smith in the darkest dungeon of his life are some of the most beautiful and powerful in all scripture. Summary: In this profound episode, we explore the transcendent revelations of Doctrine and Covenants 121, 122, and 123, written from the confines of Liberty Jail. D&C 121: The Power of Righteousness. We delve into Joseph's heartfelt plea, "How long shall thy hand be stayed?" The Lord answers with a staggering lesson: authority and power are inseparably connected with the principles of righteousness. We analyze the fatal trap of "unrighteous dominion"—covering our sins, gratifying pride, and exercising compulsion—which instantly causes the heavens to withdraw. Crucially, we learn the six principles of Godly Influence: persuasion, long-suffering, gentleness, meekness, love unfeigned, and kindness. This section is a master class in Christlike leadership. D&C 122: Eternal Perspective in Suffering. The Lord reassures Joseph: "My son, peace be unto thy soul." He validates every trial Joseph has faced, from false accusations to the "jaws of hell," and promises that "all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good." This section confirms that the "Son of Man hath descended below them all," granting Him perfect knowledge to comfort us in our extremities. D&C 123: The Duty to Record. Finally, we discuss the duty to collect a "catalog of catastrophes" detailing the Saints' sufferings and abuses. This was not for vengeance, but to "leave the whole nation without excuse" and to help those who are "kept from the truth because they know not where to find it." The lesson culminates with the principle of total effort: "cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God." Call-to-Action: What principle from D&C 121 is helping you the most right now? Share your thoughts in the comments below! If this discussion brought peace to your soul, please like this video, subscribe to the channel, and hit the notification bell to stay "Unshaken" in your faith. Chapter Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 4:55 Divine Hiddenness 15:47 Hitting Rock Bottom 29:19 Damning the River & Praying for Rain 40:48 Unrighteous Dominion 54:25 Godly Influence 1:12:36 A Catalog of Catastrophes 1:26:08 Work and then Wait 1:35:19 One-Liners