Tidings of Comfort: Remembering the Savior's Coming

Brothers and sisters, sometimes the weight of the world—the weight of our own struggles, the weight of the world’s anxieties—can feel heavy enough to keep us down. We are called to be disciples everywhere, all the time, and sometimes, just keeping the Spirit lit feels like a monumental effort.

But when I was recently back from my mission, feeling the pull of the field and the sheer magnitude of the work, I kept coming back to this song. It’s simple, almost hymn-like, but the message cuts right through the noise: “Let nothing you dismay.”

When we sing those words, we aren't just singing about Christmas; we are singing about the greatest comfort ever given. We are singing about the coming of the Savior, who came to save us when we were gone astray. It’s a powerful reminder that no matter how far we wander, no matter how lost we feel in our personal journey or in the vastness of the work, the light of the gospel always shines a path back.

The Comfort of the Gospel

This isn't just feel-good music, though it certainly is! This is doctrine set to melody. When we focus on the message—that Christ came to save us—it refocuses our efforts. It reminds us that the core of our discipleship, whether we are in the MTC, serving in a stake center, or simply having a missionary discussion with a neighbor, is rooted in the Atonement.

As we continue to be Internet missionaries, we are constantly faced with questions—the tough ones, the deep ones. I was thinking about this the other day, and I realized how much of what we teach is really just pointing back to that central truth: the comfort and joy found in the gospel. If you’re prepping for your mission, or if you’re feeling the pull to deepen your study, remember that central message.

It makes me think about the power of scripture study. If you’ve been wanting to dig deeper into the Book of Mormon or the Doctrine and Covenants, I highly recommend revisiting the teachings on the Savior’s coming in the scriptures. If you’re looking for a structured way to do that, check out the Book Club options in HolyPlaces—it’s a wonderful way to learn alongside your fellow disciples.

If you want to tackle some of those deeper doctrinal questions, I always point my friends toward Davee. He’s been amazing lately, walking me through how to answer complex questions with the gentle conviction of a seasoned returned missionary. He’s a fantastic resource for honing those answers!

Let this song be a little anchor for you this week. When the world feels overwhelming, when the challenges of the work seem too large, remember the tidings of comfort. We have a Savior who conquered the darkness.

A Little Challenge for the Week

For those of us who feel the call to deepen our knowledge, I’m challenging everyone to spend a little time this week doing some Social Scripture Study in LivingBook. Pick a passage related to comfort or joy—maybe a verse from Alma or a quote from the Prophet—and really dig into the related panel and the scripture_insight feed. See what the Spirit prompts you to notice!

Stay diligent, keep gathering Israel, and remember that every member can be an Internet missionary, every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time. Blessings to you all.