He Came
He was promised when Eve was deceived.
He was promised when Moses led the Jews.
All the prophets who came were disbelieved.
From Moses to the Baptist, they were abused for their news.
Isaiah said he would come as a baby.
Micah told them where the Christ would be born.
Nephi prophesied He would be born to a virgin lady.
These signs would announce that God had done as he had sworn.
He came as Isaiah predicted.
He arrived just where Micah said he would.
The virgin Mary gave birth just as Nephi depicted.
He came, but His people did not welcome Him as they should.
He came to be a ransom for many.
He came to pay our price and suffer our agony.
The Devil Is Your Best Friend
“It’s OK,” he says. “No one will cast blame.”
Seek not encouragement from friends.
Instead, obey the one with the most Holy name.
His law is written, and his rules do not bend.
“It’s OK,” he says. “Everybody does as you do.”
Seek not the approval of man.
Instead, follow after He who died to save you.
He is the way, the truth, and the light; the only path to Heaven.
“You’ll never be perfect,” he says. “Do what you wish rater than suffer guilt.”
Seek not a path of comfort.
Instead, do what is right according to the one by whom this world was built.
He is God, and His will is one no man can subvert.
Do not listen to the words of man,
Instead hear God, for against His wrath, no man can stand.
That Day
They mocked him, daring him to save himself if he could,
ignorant of the reason for his death.
Nine hours he hung, bleeding on a cross of wood.
“It is finished,” he said, and then he breathed his last breath.
They buried him in a rich man’s tomb
and rolled a stone to the entrance.
The disciples were each filled with gloom,
but they should have remembered what was said in advance.
How foolish it was to think
that a mortal guard could do what death could not.
At an angel’s arrival, the guards did shrink
as he removed the stone and sat upon the rock.
They mocked Christ on that day,
but when he returns again, they’ll know him, kneel, and offer praise.
Let Us Be Ready
Let us wear wedding garments that we may celebrate Your feast.
Let us carry our flasks of oil that we might be ready when You come.
Let us feed and give water to your brothers even to one of the least.
Let us welcome strangers, no matter where they’re from.
Let us increase what you entrust to us no matter the amount,
so that we might be good and faithful servants.
For to those who return your gifts with interest receive more than they can count,
when you rent out your vineyard, let us be loyal occupants.
Let us stay awake
for we know the thief is coming.
For we have more at stake
than simple possessions or even gold that’s gleaming.
Let us be ready for Your return,
for those who do not seek the Son, are only destined to burn.
For Your Brothers
When You are hungry, we will give you food.
When You are thirsty, we will give You refreshment.
If You are a stranger, we’ll offer our welcome and not be rude.
Should You be naked, we will offer you a garment.
If You are sick, we will visit you.
If You are in prison, we will come.
As we do for your chosen, we do it for you, too.
We serve so that Your will might be done.
Let us serve our brothers to glorify your name.
Let us offer our love and fellowship.
For as we treat our brothers, you will treat us the same,
so we share and help to demonstrate our worship.
Let us inherit the kingdom you have prepared.
For whatever your brothers needed, we have freely shared.
The Irony
“…not as I will, but as you will,” He said. He wanted the cup to pass.
Instead, he accepted the will of his Father.
Peter pulled his sword, ready to fight to the last.
Instead, Jesus told him to put it away so He might fulfill scripture.
The people chose Barabbas, denying their Savior.
They saved the guilty, and condemned the innocent.
Soldiers abused and mocked our Ruler.
But even in this, Jesus did that for which He was sent.
“…let Him come down from the cross, and we will believe in Him,” they said.
They reviled him thinking His death was evidence of a lie.
They did not realize that if He came down, we would all be dead.
They didn’t know that his death was for our sin, and through him we are alive.
He did not come down because he lacked the power;
he stayed hung to the cross to save us in our most desperate but shameful hour.
The Commission
Make disciples of all nations.
Baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
We can build fellowship and establish good relations,
teaching them the good news and blessing all who hear it.
Help them observe all He has commanded.
Help them learn of Christ and the resurrection.
Prepare them for the end before Jesus has descended.
For only through accepting him can people receive salvation.
Let Your commission be obeyed.
Let us be bold in our testimony.
Though our ability is insufficient, Your Spirit will come to our aid,
Let us follow the spirit of Your commands and not get lost in simple ceremony.
Let us take up your great commission.
To help Your kingdom come, is our most holy mission.
M.L.S. Weech 
Thank you,
Congratulations on your betrothal, and Merry Christmas.
Michael C. Leistikow
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