12/22/2022
Meaning of The 12 Days of Christmas
The Partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ.
Two Turtle Doves are the Old and New Testaments.
Three French Hens stand for Faith, Hope, and Love.
The Four Calling Birds are the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
The Five Golden Rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.
The Six Geese a Laying stand for the six days of Creation.
The Seven Swans a Swimming represent the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.
The Eight Maids a Milking are the eight Beatitudes.
The Nine Ladies Dancing are the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control.
The Ten Lords a Leaping are the Ten Commandments.
The Eleven Pipers Piping stand for the eleven faithful Disciples.
The Twelve Drummers Drumming symbolize the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.
HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS!
What is the original Apostles' Creed?
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth; I believe in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord; He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, and born of the Virgin Mary, He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
12/20/2022
The Medlock Post Ep. 96: I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
December 20, 2022
The Medlock Post Ep. 96: I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
I HEARD THE BELLS ON CHRISTMAS DAY — HOPE SURFACES
FROM DESPAIR:
On Christmas day in 1863, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
was inspired to write the poem we now know as the Christmas carol, I Heard the
Bells on Christmas Day. It was a testament to the resilience of the human
spirit.
12/19/2022
The Medlock Post Ep. 95: Mankind was My Business
December 19, 2022
The Medlock Post Ep. 95: Mankind was My Business
"A Christmas Carol," a globally celebrated
timeless tale of heartwarming human redemption crafted as a haunting holiday
ghost story, was published in London on this day in history, Dec. 19,
1843.
Except for the biblical narrative of the birth of
Christ itself, "A Christmas Carol" may be the world's most well-known
and most frequently retold tale of the holiday.
English author Dickens, 31 years old at the time, had
recently gained literary celebrity following the release of "Sketches by
Boz," "The Pickwick Papers" and "Oliver Twist."
"'A Christmas Carol' was written over a few short
weeks to ensure its publication before Christmas 1843, but its message has
stood the test of time," notes the Charles Dickens Museum of London.
"Recognized by critics on its publication as ‘a
national benefit to every man and woman who reads it a personal kindness’, the
story has been retold and adapted ever since."
12/15/2022
The Medlock Post Ep. 94: Anniversary of The Bill of Rights
December 15, 2022
The Medlock Post Ep. 94: Anniversary of The Bill of Rights
"Why was the Bill of Rights tacked onto the Constitution just three years after its ratification in June 1788? Essentially, anti-Federalist delegates objected to the proposed draft, arguing that it provided a framework for a new centralized government but failed to safeguard individual liberties and states’ rights. They finally agreed to ratify the Constitution on the condition that Congress amend the document to include these protections.
With Special guest Joni Bryan of the 917Society.org.
12/14/2022
The Medlock Post Ep. 93: Christmas, A Wonderful Time to Celebrate
December 14, 2022
The Medlock Post Ep. 93: Christmas, A Wonderful Time to Celebrate
Love came down at Christmas,
Love all lovely, Love Divine;
Love was born at Christmas,
Star and angels gave the sign.
12/13/2022
The Medlock Post Ep. 92: It's Christmas Time Again
December 13, 2022
The Medlock Post Ep. 92: It's Christmas Time Again
Perhaps your worldview is that the human family are all brothers and sisters, obligated by love and familial ties to help one another. When you act on these powerful feelings of accountability and compassion, it reinforces your personal values and generates feelings of living true to your own ethical beliefs.
12/09/2022
The Medlock Post Ep. 91: Has the Government Grinch Stolen America?
December 9, 2022
The Medlock Post Ep. 91: Has the Government Grinch Stolen America?
The Biden Administration and the Democratic Marxists have moved down the dark path that John Locke describes so vividly to “destroy” the God-given rights of life, liberty, and property protected by the Constitution of the United States.
12/07/2022
The Medlock Post Ep. 90: C.S. Lewis and Politics
December 7, 2022
The Medlock Post Ep. 90: C.S. Lewis and Politics
At the end of the first book, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, we catch a glimpse of the good reign of the four children (Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy) as kings and queens of Narnia. Take a read for yourself.
12/05/2022
C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
December 5, 2022
C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
"Suppose one reads a story of filthy atrocities in the paper. Then suppose that something turns up suggesting that the story might not be quite true, or not quite so bad as it was made out. Is one's first feeling, 'Thank God, even they aren't quite so bad as that,' or is it a feeling of disappointment, and even a determination to cling to the first story for the sheer pleasure of thinking your enemies are as bad as possible? If it is the second then it is, I am afraid, the first step in a process which, if followed to the end, will make us into devils. You see, one is beginning to wish that black was a little blacker. If we give that wish its head, later on we shall wish to see grey as black, and then to see white itself as black. Finally, we shall insist on seeing everything -- God and our friends and ourselves included -- as bad, and not be able to stop doing it: we shall be fixed for ever in a universe of pure hatred."
Prayer for the First Sunday in Advent
December 5. 2022
Prayer for the First Sunday in Advent
"Loving God, during these days of Advent, we
meditate upon the meaning of your coming.
We approach you and wonder at all as we prepare to
welcome the Christ, whom you have so sacrificially sent.
How thankful we are for His assurance that you do not
leave us alone -
Into our highest joys and satisfactions you send light
and warmth.
Into our experiences of worship, you bring insight
and renewal.
Into our times of stress and uncertainty you infuse
strength and faith.
We rejoice in your transforming work going on in us
and in the world, your work that nothing can stop.
We come to you as seekers as curious Children wanting
to explore the Mysteries of your grace and love.
Like Mary and Joseph,
we seek to experience the Christmas miracle ourselves
Like the shepherds,
we seek to worship at the manger in Bethlehem
Like the angels,
we seek to join the multitude of the heavenly host to
sing glory to you in the highest.
Give us sensitive spirits, attentive minds, and
receptive hearts, we pray.
Begin your work in us anew, that we might reflect your
light and life in every environment in which we find ourselves.
Show us how we may more fully receive the gift of
Jesus, who is the sign of your presence in the world.
Bring to our awareness the places in our inner spirits
where He has yet to enter - the places where we have resisted Him, rejected
Him, run from Him.
Help us to invite Him to enter now. Grant that during
this Advent season, we might hear His Word and experience His grace as if for
the first time, that we might respond with renewed commitment.
O God, rekindle the romance of our faith,
Awaken us to the attraction and the passion and the
devotion of Jesus Christ.
Let His hope live in us, not for our own sake only,
but for the sake of your eternal kingdom both in heaven and on earth.
In all things and in all ways, make us people who think
and act in peace, that the world may know of your saving love.
Ten Symbols of Christmas
December 5, 2022
Ten Symbols of Christmas:
By Charlotte Larcabal and Eric B. Murdock
Lights.
Trees. Stars. Bells. Ever wonder what all these Christmas symbols might mean?
With all the hype of the holidays, you’re sure to see
Christmas decorations everywhere. It’s a huge part of celebrating Christmas!
But have you ever thought about how some of those traditional decorations can
help us get in touch with the true spirit of the season? If we look at them in
the right way, we can allow them to help us remember Jesus Christ in our
Christmas celebrations as Christians have done for centuries.
The Star:
It’s hard to go anywhere during Christmas without
seeing stars hanging from street lamps or sitting on top of Christmas trees.
The star is one of the most recognizable symbols of the holiday. It represents
the star that appeared in the sky when Jesus Christ was born. Five years before
Jesus was born, Samuel the Lamanite prophesied of the signs of the Savior’s
birth, including the appearance of a bright new star (see Helaman 14:5). The
star led the Wise Men to Jesus (see Matthew 2:2) and reminds us to follow the
light of the Savior just as the Wise Men followed the light of the star to find
Him.
Lights
and Candles:
Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve
Apostles has taught: “Many of our memorable and enduring Christmas traditions
include different kinds of lights—lights on trees, lights in and on our homes,
candles on our tables. May the beautiful lights of every holiday season remind
us of Him who is the source of all light.”1 Christmas lights can remind us that
Jesus Christ is the Light of the World. They can also remind us to be lights to
others and to help others come unto Christ.
For centuries, candles have brought brightness and
warmth to the season. Candles can also represent the light of the star that
appeared at the birth of the Savior, and like other lights, remind us that He
is the Light of the World. Did you know candles were often used to decorate Christmas
trees before electric lights were invented?
Trees:
Even before Christ’s birth, trees that stayed green
all year long carried special meaning for people. A green, thriving tree in the
dead of winter reminded people of hope and new life. Because of Jesus Christ,
we can have everlasting life (see 3 Nephi 5:13), so we can choose to see the
evergreen tree as a natural symbol of Him and His gift to us.
Poinsettias:
The poinsettia originates from Mexico, and like the
evergreen tree, it is a plant that thrives during the winter and symbolizes new
life. But it doesn’t stop there! Their shape resembles a star, like the one
that led the Wise Men to Jesus. Red poinsettias can remind us of the blood that
Christ spilled for us. Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926–2004) of the Quorum of the
Twelve Apostles taught, “Having bled at every pore, how red [Christ’s] raiment
must have been in Gethsemane, how crimson that cloak!”2 white poinsettias can
symbolize His purity (see Moroni 7:48).
Holly:
Because its red berries and prickly green leaves last
all year round, holly is used as a Christmas decoration all over the world. The
sharp edges of the holly leaf can remind us of the crown of thorns placed on
the Savior’s head (see Matthew 27:29). The red holly berry can remind us of His
blood shed for all of us. Christians have long seen these symbols. In fact, in
some Scandinavian languages, the word for holly is “Christ-thorn.”
Wreaths:
Traditionally, wreaths are made of evergreens such as
pine branches or holly. Their circular shape can represent eternity (see
D&C 35:1). Wreaths hung on doors or in windows are like a symbolic
invitation for the spirit of Christmas to fill our homes with the joy of the
season.
Bells:
For centuries, bells have been rung to announce the
arrival of the Christmas season. They can symbolize the announcement of the
birth of Christ when angels in heaven praised God and declared, “Glory to God
in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14).
Candy
Canes:
Perhaps a better name for the candy cane is “candy
crook.” They can remind us of the staffs carried by the shepherds who visited
the baby Jesus. During Christ’s time, a shepherd’s staff often had a crook, or
bend, at the top that was used to hook sheep by the neck to gently lead them to
food or water or to protect them from harm. As you enjoy a candy cane, remember
that Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd (see John 10:11, 14). If we choose to
follow Him, He will gently lead us to safety and peace.
Stockings:
If you think about it, it’s a bit strange for someone
to put goodies in your old sock. But like many Christmas traditions, the
tradition of Christmas stockings comes from an old legend. A long time ago (so
the story goes), a poor man had three daughters and couldn’t afford to give
them a dowry (money or goods given to the groom’s family by the bride’s
family). In those days, it was very hard for a woman to get married without a
dowry. A Christian bishop named Nicholas heard about the problem and wanted to
help, but the man refused to accept money. One night, Nicholas threw three
balls made of pure gold in through the open window of the man’s house. Each one
landed in a stocking hung by the fire to dry. The next morning, each daughter
found a gold ball in her stocking. With this bounty, they were all able to get
married. Stockings can remind us of the importance of service. The greatest
example of service is Jesus Christ. He always “went about doing good” (Acts
10:38). Take some time to think about the Savior’s selfless acts of service.
How can you give Christlike service and show kindness to others?
Gifts:
Christmas is the season of giving.Remember the Wise
Men who came to see Jesus? They “presented unto him gifts; gold, and
frankincense, and myrrh” (Matthew 2:11), but the greatest gift of all came from
our Heavenly Father: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only
begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have
everlasting life” (John 3:16). As you open your brightly wrapped presents on
Christmas morning, remember that the Savior is the true gift of Christmas.
The Medlock Post E. 89: A Beautiful Season
The Medlock Post E. 89: A Beautiful Season
With all the hype of the holidays, you’re sure to see Christmas decorations everywhere. It’s a huge part of celebrating Christmas! But have you ever thought about how some of those traditional decorations can help us get in touch with the true spirit of the season?
12/02/2022
The Medlock Post Ep. 88: Seasonal Traditions
December 2, 2022
The Medlock Post Ep. 88: Seasonal Traditions
We love Christmastime—gathering with family and friends, sharing gifts, good food, and happy celebrations. Do you know when those customs began in your family? Such traditions bind us to our heritage and will be passed on for generations to come.
11/30/2022
The Medlock Post Ep. 87: The 12th Principle of the Constitution
November 30, 2022
The Medlock Post Ep. 87: The 12th Principle of the Constitution
This principle is highlighted in the pledge of allegiance when it says:
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic For which it [the flag] stands....
There are many reasons why the Founders wanted a republican form of government rather than a democracy.
11/28/2022
The Medlock Post Ep. 86: Thanksgiving Leftovers
November 28, 2022
The Medlock Post Ep. 86: Thanksgiving Leftovers
Last week we spent the week of Thanksgiving traveling and staying in hotels and eating in restaurants. There was one very obvious thing we noticed about the people everywhere we went. They were enjoying themselves. They were not sad or grieving because of the “Doom and Gloom” being preached in the media.
11/18/2022
The Medlock Post Ep. 85: Thanksgiving and Gratitude
November 18, 2022
The Medlock Post Ep. 85: Thanksgiving and Gratitude
Rejoicing is a state of spirit, a state of being, more expansive than just a state of mind. In its purity it is the eternal in man reaching toward deity. And, as he approaches his Father, learns of him, and becomes like him, he experiences a state of rejoicing, or joy.
11/16/2022
The Medlock Post Ep. 84: The 8th Principle of the Constitution
November 16, 2022
The Medlock Post Ep. 84: The 8th Principle of the Constitution
The Founders did not believe that the basic rights of mankind originated from any social compact, king, emperor, or governmental authority. Those rights, they believed, came directly and exclusively from God.
11/15/2022
The Medlock Post Ep. 83: The 7th Principle of the Constitution
November 15, 2022
The Medlock Post Ep. 83: The 7th Principle of the Constitution
The Founders recognized that the people cannot delegate to their government the power to do anything except that which they have the lawful right to do themselves.
11/11/2022
The Medlock Post Ep: 82 Special Veteran's Day Salute 2022
November 11, 2022
The Medlock Post Ep: 82 Special Veteran's Day Salute 2022
This is a solemn day for our country as we set aside time to honor the past, present, and future Veterans. A moment of silence will take place on this day, the 11th Day of November at 11:11 AM. Please stop and bow your head at that time to honor the brave men and women who have and are wearing the uniform of our great America.
“This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.” Elmer Davis
11/09/2022
The Medlock Post Ep. 81: The Republic for Which It Stands
November 9, 2022
The Medlock Post Ep. 81: The Republic for Which It Stands
The Constitutional Republic of the United States has proven repeatedly that it will survive the enemies of Freedom and Liberty. God continues to bless this great land with strength and stability. We The People will continue to Fight for the Right.
11/08/2022
The Medlock Post Ep. 80: Election Day 2022
November 8, 2022
The Medlock Post Ep. 80: Election Day 2022
Good no Great morning to you! My energy and excitement has trumped my need for sleep so using this time wisely with our God in prayer with praise and a thankful heart that WE THE PEOPLE are blessed and highly favored to have the greatest privilege to VOTE!
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