Help Bring Christ Into The World

Have you ever wondered what it may have been like when the Savior was born? Common sense would make you wonder if Mary had another woman there to assist her. As I imagined that woman, a story and beautiful lesson came to life. As women we have a noble calling to help bring the Savior into the world. In the process we will find healing in our own lives. In this episode I share my testimony of the power of righteous women as well as the moving story I wrote about the handmaid who assisted Mary.

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References:
"The Role of Righteous Women" By President Spencer W. Kimball
“And upon the Handmaids in Those Days Will I Pour Out My Spirit” By Julie B. Beck
"Turn On Your Light" By Sharon Eubank
Joel 2:28-19


00:00 The Noble Calling of Righteous Women
00:25 Introduction to the Podcast
00:30 A Life-Changing Scripture
01:00 Physical and Spiritual Preparedness
01:34 Episode Introduction: Bringing Christ into the World
01:51 The Desire to Follow Mary's Example
03:20 The Power of Joel's Prophecy
04:54 The Role of Women in God's Plan
06:00 The Unwritten Stories of Women in Scriptures
06:49 A Journey to Oberammergau
07:45 The Profound Nativity Discovery
10:04 The Handmaid's Story
12:59 The Handmaid's Divine Experience
19:54 The Savior's Birth
22:29 The Call to Women Today
23:20 Final Reflections and Testimonies

Transcript

Amber: 0:00

President Spencer W. Kimball explained, to be a righteous woman during the winding up scenes on this earth before the second coming of the Savior is an especially noble calling. It will be female exemplars of the church who will be a significant force in both the numerical and the spiritual growth of the church in the last days. Hello, it's Amber here and welcome back to the Hope Smiling Brightly podcast. There is a scripture that I read on August 30th, 2017 that changed the trajectory of my life. And it's part of the reason why I have the courage to be here on a podcast, something I swore I would never do. And it also plays a role in the story I'm going to share with you today.,, but before we get into our spiritual feast today, let's talk about some physical food. You guys, it's just as important to be physically prepared as it is to be spiritually prepared. And Thrive Life is the easiest and most delicious way to help you do that. It is food with a 25 year shelf life and all you do is set up a delivery with a budget that works for you and you are slowly able to build up a supply of food for whatever may come. So go to amber.thrivelife.comm and set up a delivery to get 15 percent off retail and free shipping on orders of a hundred dollars or more. You are listening to Hope Smiling Brightly with Amber Dawn Pearce, episode 11, help bring Christ into the world. I had just finished reading the biography of President Thomas S. Monson and there were some words that I could not get out of my mind because they were the very desire of my heart. He said, I pledge my life, all that I may have, I will strive to the best of my ability to be what you would want me to be. This quote reminded me of the desire I had always had to follow the example of the beautiful Mary, the mother of our savior. When she was presented with one of the most daunting, overwhelming tasks I could possibly imagine. her answer was faithful and simple. Behold, the handmaid of the Lord, be it unto me according to thy word. Can you imagine answering that way to whatever God asks of us? No matter how overwhelming or out of our comfort zones and just trust that whatever it is. He will help us, and we will be able to bless many. As I continued to ponder that desire and ask God, what is it you want of me? What is it you would ask of me that I could answer in that way? And as I opened the scriptures, I found myself riveted by one verse that I had seen before, but it just felt different this time. Has a scripture ever stood out to you with power like that before?, This scripture was in Joel chapter 2, verses 28 and 29. And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out My Spirit. What days was he talking of? He was speaking of right here and right now, the day that we live in. This is the same scripture that the angel Moroni quoted to the prophet Joseph Smith and let him know that this scripture had not yet come to pass, but it was about to. Isn't it glorious that we get to live in this day, that the spirit will be poured out upon us, and we will be able to use our gifts to prophesy of Christ and prepare this world for the second coming. Do you recognize the power and magnificence of So along with that charge is also a promise that the Lord will show us individually how we can answer this call. I also feel powerfully the importance of women to rise up and recognize the power and influence for good that they have. One of Satan's most strategic and effective plans of attack is the attack on women, trying to devalue their worth, their potential to make us believe that we can't do it, to make us believe that we are powerless. Because if we all truly begin to understand through the spirit who we truly are, and the magnitude of our role and influence, there will be nothing that can stop the work, this work, from moving forward. As I continued on this journey and sought to understand what my own role was, sought to truly have it written in my heart, who I was, my gifts, my worth, my potential. I started to see in every word in the scriptures, the voice of a woman. Every person on the earth has a mother. Every prophet that ever wrote down the words of God was taught by a mother. And so I've often stopped and pondered on the unwritten stories in the scriptures, wondered what their wives and mothers were like, And tried to see their example in the scriptures and follow it myself. And this is where my next experience and story that I wrote comes into play. My husband and I had traveled to Oberammergau, Germany, to watch the historic Passion Play, a play about the last week of the Savior's life that has been performed every 10 years since 1634. The town is known for their talent in wood carving and especially carvings of the nativity scene. That was one thing I knew I wanted to get on this trip. But there were literally hundreds, probably thousands, of beautiful nativities for me to choose from I had to choose quickly because the play was about to start. Me and choosing quickly do not go together. But when I saw a particular nativity, I was immediately drawn to it. And I asked them to quickly wrap it up and made the purchase. It wasn't until, it wasn't until I got home a week later that I even noticed. I slowly unwrapped each piece of the nativity and put the figures into place. I placed Mary in her spot next to baby Jesus. But I was confused for a moment when I opened the next piece. It was another woman. Didn't I just unwrap Mary? Then I noticed the vessel in her hand. And the word Handmaid. immediately came to my mind. It was the first nativity I had ever seen that had another woman in it. I don't know why it was so profound to me, but it brought me near to tears. Common sense would suggest that there was likely another woman there to help Mary bring the Savior into this world. But here it was depicted in a nativity for the first time that I had seen. And now I see the connection between this beautiful handmaid and myself along with all other women. Just as that handmaid helped bring the Savior into the world that sacred night, we have unique gifts connected to our very nature that help us do the same. We bring the Savior into the world every day in simple ways in our homes and as we go about our day. this thought was so profound to me, that even though it was July, I left that nativity up. And actually I have never put it away all these years later. But as Christmas drew closer, I started to ponder more and more on if there was a handmaid. What would her story have been? What could I learn from her example? And as I continued to think, a story started to come together in my mind. And that is what I want to share with you today. And through this story, I hope this handmaid can forever be an example in our lives. So here we go. I always wished to serve you, Lord, she softly breathed to herself. She did not want to let life's anguish suffocate her believing. She had remained immovable in her faith, even when every baby to be held in her arms at birth would not be her own. She lovingly passed them into the eager arms of the mothers she expertly assisted. Her deepest sorrow, held in the same space as her hope, then, a miracle. Her own rounding belly, the unmistakable flutter of life,

10:44

each day filled with anticipation

Amber: 10:44

and joy, the Lord had remembered her. But when the time came, there would be no breath in her sweet boy's lungs. The pain inside her so deep she wished for her own final exhale. Pieces of her that she didn't know existed, broken. This was not the life she prayed for. Cursed people spoke in whispers. Once revered for her special abilities as a handmaid to those in labor, now shunned. She no longer had the strength to serve in bringing life to this world anyway, wishing to never hold a baby again if she could not hold her own. As she walked down the cobbled path to the market, she wondered at the cruelty of it, given an exceptional gift to succor women in childbirth, yet never being able to hear the soft cry of her own baby. Why had she held so much hope? Hope only magnifies pain. Do not be foolish. The subtle yet calculated suggestion to her mind had dimmed her belief. Until this instant of reflection, she did not realize how imperceptible the light in her had become. She stopped to lean against the mud wall and was comforted by the warmth generously given by the sun. The market was crowded with little room to move, her senses invaded by the sounds of bartering and the smell of pungent spices. Though the streets were overflowing, there was more space here compared to where she was staying. What she wished for was the solace of her home, but circumstances required her and many others to travel to this now bustling town of her birth. She allowed her mind to rest. Just as the sounds around her were becoming a calm hum, an unexpected feeling surged in her. She opened her eyes and her view was immediately guided to a single scene. The busy street seemed empty except for the sight of a young woman who just as she was leaning against the support of a wall. Her gaze turned upward. It had been years since she had allowed herself to lower her eyes for more than a glimpse to see the curve of a woman's blessed womb. The reminder, too painful. But in this moment, she could not look away. She took in every detail of the young, soon to be mother. From the leather braid in her worn sandals, to the loose braid in her dark hair that was long enough to rest at the top of her swollen belly. It was not a hot day, but a strand of her hair stuck to her face from the moisture that was coming from her forehead. She watched her and could almost feel the conflicting emotions that displayed on her face. Wonder. Worry. Excitement. Exhaustion. She didn't know her, but there was something she did know without a doubt through years of experience and intuition. This would be her first child, and she was going to deliver before the night was through. Everything was so still and stunning that for a blink she forgot her pain and remembered something else. Understanding given to her years ago that could not be explained, but no less real. The knowing that blanketed her once before had come again. She tried to remove it, to tell herself it was foolish, but she could not. The one prophesied of. He was coming. And she knew it. She perceived it as a young girl and was reminded of it at every birth she was requested to attend. The one that gave breath and light to every soul would soon breathe the very air he created. she used to try and imagine what it would be like when he came. What peace and healing would he bring to the world? Movement from the laboring woman shifted her attention. A sharp intake of breath As her hand instinctively went to her belly. The man who had been in urgent conversation turned to her in concern. She couldn't make out his words, but saw the surrender in his expression as the one he spoke to turned and motioned for him to follow. Alarm rose in her as she guessed at the situation. Where would this dear woman give birth in this overflowing place? How long had she traveled in this condition? Was there someone to help at the birth? If she had just arrived, there would be no time to make such arrangements. Curiosity and care wouldn't let her turn away now. But there were other questions in her mind that she was reluctant to acknowledge. What child was this woman carrying? Why was she reminded of her former hope and knowledge as she looked upon her fruitful womb? Could this be? Whatever the answer, she felt drawn to help. So she discreetly followed. The sun was setting and the handmaid began to notice an increase in deliberate pauses as the young woman tried to walk. The birth of her child was very near. She observed from a distance and was stunned as she watched them being led into the last place she would choose for someone to give birth. A stable. How she wished she could find a more suitable option, but she knew there was little time. If she was going to offer her service, she needed to act quickly. She pulled up the edges of her worn dress, moving with such determination that the man who was now retreating from the stable took a step back at her approach. She was surprised at her own surety as she told him she would be assisting this young couple and listed the items she would need. A look of surprise flashed in his eyes, but her certainty must have been enough to prevent his questioning. He seemed to absorb her urgency and immediately directed her to all she asked for. In little time, she held an oil lamp in one hand, rags draped over the same shoulder, a water vessel balanced between her other arm and hip. Her heart sped up, even though her steps had slowed. She was about to enter the stable, and for the first time, she stopped to consider what she was doing. A calm assurance pushed her forward, before she could question herself again. She lowered her head to enter the small opening of the stable, and almost stopped short. What was this place she was entering? It felt more than just a shelter for animals. If she wasn't walking into a stable, she wouldn't have questioned the sudden desire to remove her shoes. Holy ground. She had practiced in her mind what she might say to the couple as she entered, but somehow the meeting of their eyes replaced any needed conversation. A grateful smile was given by both the man and woman, and the handmaid didn't have to think as she fell into a familiar rhythm. Loving reassurance. A gentle touch. Guidance to breathe. She moved as if she had witnessed this very moment in a past time. Everything familiar. The sweet smell of clean straw. Silence aside from the laboring breath. The light of a single lamp casting a golden glow around the mother. A presence of serene strength uncommon in a woman giving birth for the first time. How was it possible to have memories of something she had never experienced before? She matched the mother's deep inhale with her own, aware that when the exhaled exertion was done, there would only be one more inhale before the baby was here. In those divine seconds, the knowing came again. Vivid light of pure heavenly communication overwhelmed her and tears were her only response. She lifted the baby boy, ensured his first breath, and waited for the small cry. Time paid no heed to moving forward. The night stood still. He had come and she knew it. Alpha and Omega, Eternity to all Eternity, King of Kings. Here he was, power without end, yet small enough to catch in her hands, hands that would never feel empty again. In her mind the words, He came. He came for me. A simple handmaid, the first to hold the one who before had so tenderly held me. The healing and peace she once imagined for the entire world at his coming was, in this small moment, just for her. He knew her. In his birth, his very first breath, his first miracle was given in mercy. He was only in her hands for seconds, but she was restored for an eternity. The handmaid looked at the mother, whose tears matched her own, then softly placed him in her waiting arms. She eagerly pulled him in, whispered his glorious name, and kissed his forehead. She watched and wondered, all the broken pieces within her healed by him in one inhale. How could a little baby hold such power? She now understood the purpose in every gift, in every trial of her life. It was for this time. If she had never felt that pain, she would have never experienced this wholeness. She helped bring the savior of the world into the world. In that action, she was made complete. Her immediate desire was that this gift could be given to everyone. It seemed unfair that she was the only one chosen for this purpose. Then understanding came to her mind. Are we all not like handmaids, sometimes broken and forgotten, yet chosen for this time, given the great responsibility and honor to help bring the Savior into the world every day through our words and deeds, in so doing, finding and giving hope and healing. You've heard it in your mind, stirred in your soul, the call to assist in this labor, you, a handmaid to the Lord, steadfast and immovable, trusting that upon the servants and upon the handmaids in these days, will he pour out his spirit, seeking inspiration that you might know how to bring the Savior into the world today, given special gifts to help prepare the world for his coming. This is just a little story from my imagination, but I hope you have felt a message in it for you. These words by Julie B. Beck wrap this message up perfectly. She said, A revelation in the book of Joel states that in the last days, sons and daughters of God will prophesy and the Lord will pour out his spirit upon his servants and handmaids. President Spencer W. Kimball echoed this prophecy when he said, Much of the major growth that is coming to the Church in the last days will come because many of the good women of the world, in whom there is often such an inner sense of spirituality, will be drawn to the Church in large numbers. This will happen to the degree that the women of the church reflect righteousness and articulateness in their lives, and to the degree that the women of the church are seen as distinct and different in happy ways from the women of the world. Thus it will be that female exemplars of the church will be a significant force in both the numerical and spiritual growth of the church in the last days. The Lord depends on his daughters to do their part to strengthen the homes of Zion and built his kingdom on the earth as they seek and qualify for personal revelation. The Lord will pour out his spirit upon his handmaids in these latter days. Close quote. I also echo Sister Eubank when she said, The prophets are calling on us, my sisters. Will you be righteous? Will you articulate your faith? Can you bear being distinct and different? Will your happiness, in spite of your trials, draw others who are good and noble and who need your friendship? Will you turn on your light? I testify the Lord Jesus Christ will go before us and be in our midst. Close quote. So perhaps a question you might ponder and ask of God in your studies this week, how can I help bring the Savior into the world? What is beautiful is that as we ask that question and act upon the answers, the things left in our hearts, our souls that feel broken will miraculously heal. It is the turning outward in love, in service, that we come to know the Savior and come to know his healing. Christ. Is coming again. Christ is hope. Smiling Brightly.