The Liturgical Soul: Hope, Expectation, and the Iron Rod

The liturgical calendar, as discussed in the Revival podcast, provides a framework for spiritual renewal, a rhythm of sorrow, anticipation, celebration, and rededication. This isn’t a novel concept; it echoes the ancient practices of Israel, and finds resonance within the Restoration. As Latter-day Saints, we are familiar with the cyclical nature of covenants, the renewal of testimonies, and the ever-present call to repentance. Yet, how often do we intentionally engage with these rhythms, allowing them to shape our spiritual landscape?

Stephan's reflections on the Advent candles—hope, love, joy, and peace—struck a chord. Each flame represents a facet of Christ’s grace, an invitation to cultivate those virtues within our own hearts. The anticipation inherent in Advent mirrors the confident expectation Elder Andersen spoke of in “The Triumph of Hope,” a hope not merely for Christmas, but for the ultimate triumph of Christ’s love and the fulfillment of His promises. As Nephi taught, “Wherefore, I cannot say that I have seen all things… But I have seen things which my father hath told me; and my father hath told me things which he saw” (1 Nephi 11:26). This expectation is built not on blind faith, but on the bedrock of prophetic testimony and personal revelation.

The temple, that house of hope, becomes a focal point within this liturgical understanding. It's not merely a place of ordinances, but a sanctuary where we actively engage with the promises of eternity. The covenants we make, the ordinances we perform, all contribute to a growing confidence in the blessings that are ours. Think of the families we are sealed to, the friends we gather, the righteous brethren and sisters from across time and space – these are the tangible manifestations of a hope that transcends earthly limitations.

David’s mention of his father’s Lutheran upbringing highlighted the universality of this yearning for spiritual structure. While our practices may differ from those of our forefathers, the underlying desire for intentionality remains. The Emmanuel wreath, with its nightly affirmation of Christ’s name, is a beautiful example of how we can integrate these ancient rhythms into our Latter-day Saint lives. The potential for accidental immolation of the house notwithstanding, the spirit of devotion is undeniably present.

Let us be mindful, however, that the liturgical calendar is not a rigid set of rules, but a framework for personal growth. We are not bound by tradition for tradition’s sake, but rather guided by the Spirit to cultivate a deeper connection with our Father in Heaven. The danger lies in ritualism without understanding, in observing the forms without embracing the spirit. As the Book of Mormon warns, “And it came to pass that there were many who did believe, and were baptized; and they were confirmed members of the church of Christ; but they did not endure to the end” (Helaman 6:26).

The call to cultivate confident expectation is not a passive endeavor. It requires diligent scripture study, earnest prayer, and a willingness to act upon the promptings of the Spirit. It demands that we actively engage with the doctrines of the Restoration and strive to live in accordance with the covenants we have made. It necessitates a constant refining fire, a willingness to confront our weaknesses and seek the grace of our Savior.

May we, like the faithful disciples of old, embrace the rhythms of the soul, clinging to the iron rod with unwavering conviction and confident expectation of the blessings that await us.