Looking for the Savior's Birth in the Book of Mormon (and Mosiah 25-29)

For our final week of Seminary for 2009, we will take time to look for the arrival of the Savior, just as did the people in the Book of Mormon. We will follow the events that took place in Bethlehem and in the Americas. What a wonderful opportunity to re-commit ourselves to strengthening our testimonies of Him, the Book of Mormon, and finding ways to serve our brothers and sisters.

Before we break for the Holidays, we will study Mosiah 25-29. This important part of the Book of Mormon is a record of what happened in Zarahemla from approximately 120 to 91 BC. The people of Zeniff's colony (this now includes Limhi's people and Alma's followers -- remember them?), had returned to Zarahemla and were united safly under King Mosiah's rule. It was a time of peace and prosperity, but many members of the Church were still led into sin by unbelievers.

This week, we will have a special visit by an Arlington Seminary graduate, who will talk about how her testimony has grown during her first sememster at college. We will share in some special Christmas activities and will enjoy a Holiday Celebration on December 18. Seminary will re-convene on January 4...but we'll continue to read and study over the break so that our testimonies and understanding can grow.

We have so much to be grateful for this Christmas Season. I love your testimonies and am so proud that you, like Samuel of old, are not afraid to share your knowledge of the Savior. Let's remember to share this news by showing our goodwill to all and spreading peace. You are a group that is up to the task.

Be faithful!

Love,

-Bro. Sherinian

Schedule: December 7-11

This week we follow Alma and his people, first at the Waters of Mormon and later during their trials, captivity and deliverance. We will learn from the Book of Mormon more about our baptismal covenants, how we support and teach one another as members of the Lord's Church, and ways to follow the Savior in our daily lives. These are beautiful chapters filled with important lessons for us as Arlington Seminary students.

Monday: Mosiah 18-20

Tuesday: Mosiah 21-22

Wednesday: Mosiah 22-24

Thursday: Mosiah 24-26

Friday: Scripture Mastery and special guest and testimony

Please do not forget the important lessons from last week's powerful mornings with Abinadi. Nothing could stop you from learning...not even the cold of a malfunctioning heating unit. I was moved by your steadfast examples to come to class, study the scriptures, and fellowship with one another. You are true friends and are examples of following the teachings of Christ.

I have included below a picture that will have special significance for those students who were with us for Thursday's class. There is something growing and developing in this tree outside our Seminary room. We are going to watch our testimonies grow along with these blooming branches this Fall. Remember to think about what you are doing to nurture your testimony of the Book of Mormon and the Restoration so that it can be stronger (like Abinadi's!) by the time this tree is in full bloom.

I love you and am grateful for your friendship and fellowship. Thank you for welcoming me back to Seminary and for the gracious, masterfully planned fiesta this Monday. Your generous gifts have helped us welcome our little baby Eliza Rose to the world. I hope she'll grow up to be just like each of you amazing young people!

Love,

-Bro. Sherinian