NOVEMBER 17-23: “Prepare Ye for the Coming of the Bridegroom”
Come Follow Me Doctrine and Covenants 133-134
Preparing for the Bridegroom: “Awake and arise and go forth to meet the Bridegroom; behold and lo, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him,” (D&C 133:10). Matthew 25 records the parable of the ten virgins. Ten young women carry their lighted lamps, ready to welcome the Bridegroom when he arrives at the wedding. Five of them brought with them extra oil, for the wait for the Bridegroom could be a long one. (D&C 133:11) “Watch, therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour.”
Five of the ten did not bring extra oil, thinking to beg some from others, that could not be shared. As they went off to buy more oil, the Bridegroom came, and all who were ready went in to the wedding. When they came back, the doors were closed; they were not able to enter.
There are many lessons to be learned in this parable. First and foremost is that it is up to each of us individually to prepare to meet the Bridegroom, or Christ, when he at last comes.
…The Midnight Cry – Schpendi Zenki
Another lesson is what the lamp and oil represent; why those who had extra fuel could not share with others.
The lamp is simply light. It is fueled from the deeds of our lives- the oil. The light increases as we align our deeds – our oil – with the divine. Simple obedience may add to our light; yet how much more is added when obedience comes with our best intentions – not just hope for our own increase, but for other’s also, or to glorify the one who gives us His light.
Fill me up. With love, with intention to bless, with gratitude.
Fill Me Up + All My Oil – Bruna Olmeda
Some years ago a musical program of this parable became popular with our church neighbors. Written by Emily Belle Freeman, it is a parable of the parable; a story of a shopkeeper who creates lamps and gives them freely to those who will come into his shop. Ten women are represented in the varying ways they accept this gift. Follow the story of ‘Leora’, a beautiful example of a light to emulate.
Leora (The Ten Virgins) – Emily Belle Freeman & Simon Dewey
I conclude with another song from this same program. As we presented the program for my neighborhood, I was blessed to sing this duet with my daughter as counterpoint. I still hear in it the choice to be made: Do I focus on myself for how I want others to see me? Worried over the things I wear, value what outwardly looks important or costly? Or is my focus on what will truly make me to become ‘more’.
More (The Ten Virgins) – Emily Belle Freeman
My daughter was the wise one of this duet. And I still strive to follow her example.
I hope these songs will add oil to your lamp, add light to your life.
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