Why Imagery?

After teaching for the church for 36 years, I have learned that the Lord loves to use imagery. In Hosea 12:10 he states that he uses similitude's by the ministry of the prophets. I believe that when there is a event about a prophet recorded in scriptures, we can then look to see that the story may be talking about the life and mission of the Lord Jesus Christ. Isaiah 8:18 talks about how he and his family are for signs and wonders. Moses 6:63 states that all things bear witness of Him, and I hope to show some of these examples. This blog is designed to share some of my discoveries and those of many of my students who helped me learn so much in seeing Christ throughout all scripture. I was blessed to have these students from Northern Arizona, Texas and the Seattle area. I also thank all the CES teachers who have shared their thoughts and ideas. I will also include some posts giving helps to understand the book of Revelation and a few other books and chapters. Also included is an imagery sheet of notes taken at an in service meeting given by Gerald Lund back in the 80's that helped get me started with symbolism or imagery. I believe that the Lord uses both sides of your brain to teach about him. The logical side will just tell you the doctrine put straight forward and the creative side of your brain to see the imagery and symbolism, giving you two witnesses in your own body. These thoughts do not reflect any official position of any church but may be of help to some who want to learn more about their Savior.
I will try and not post more than one a week, so I don't overwhelm you.
Suggested reading order: 1. Scriptural Symbols 2. Imagery that got me started
Other blogs available. - Christ as the husband of Church part 1 of 2. It shows how family is central to God's plan,-Our marriage imagery part 2 of 2 -Jonah as a similitude of Christ - Jaredite Barge story - Nephi Building a boat - Joseph in Egypt or Temple experiences - Ammon in B of M Cutting Off Arms - The war chapters in the Book of Alma - Book of Revelation Helps-Understanding Adam and Eve-The Good Samaritan a plan of happiness story-The earth teaches the Plan of Happiness- Moses as a type of the Savior-The following posts are the chapters of Isaiah as found in the Book of Mormon.
The next series of posts will be the chapters of the book of Revelation,-A little paper on some Christmas imagery-


Sunday, December 7, 2014

Christmas Imagery Modern and Ancient

Christmas Symbolism
Both Ancient and Modern

Joseph: Lineage of Jesus Christ comes through Joseph in Matt.  James Talmage said, If Judah would have reigned from David until Joseph, Joseph would have been king of the Jews and Jesus would have been as his successor. Jesus the Christ  (1916 p. 87)  Luke 1:32 Throne of his father David Luke 1:32
Mary a virgin: undefiled by man
Angel sent: A heavenly mission that comes from God and not of man.
Name of Jesus: Hoshea or Joshua he will save his people from their sins.
Emmanuel: God is with us
Her First Born Son: Right to preside over the family,  he would also inherit all that his father has (as the birthright son), who was King of the universe.
Joseph knew her not so Jesus would be born of a virgin to show the world he came not of any man, he came only by God, his father.
Bethlehem: House of Bread- I am the bread of Life to those who will internalize and make him a part of their lives.
City of David: Right to rule the nation
Day-night-day no darkness:  With Christ there is no darkness, he is the light of the world.
Born at night: Light to lead the world out of darkness
Wrapped in Swaddling Clothes: Arms (Power) not available to use, he is helpless as all kids
Laid in a manger: Christ will be the food for the sheep
Shepherds watching over their flocks: Priesthood leaders and their responsibilities to be a witness, many believe the shepherds were the temple priests caring for the sheep that would be the paschal lambs for the “feast of the Passover”
Angelic Choir: praising God, announcing the good news of a Savior for the world
Shepherds bear witness of the Savior: He is the shepherd of Israel
Wise men from the East:  All will come to worship him from the highest to lowest.
New Star in East: East =comes from God, He is here to give us guidance and direction.
Gold: wealth for a king, symbolic of the Celestial kingdom
Frankincense-incense: spices for burial, his purpose was to come and die for us.
Myrrh: to prepare him for his death in order to save us.
Stable: He received nothing man would consider important, descended below all things
Candy Cane: shepherd’s staff, also colors red, blood of Christ & white, purity.
Snow: Pureness of the world through the atonement
Green: eternal life    Gifts: He is the 1st gift
Christmas Tree: evergreen or eternal life       Christmas lights: light and truth

Presents: The greatest gift ever given. (Christ and his atonement)
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