Day 11: ‘It had come to pass, yea, all things, every whit’

This article is part of a series called “12 Days of Christmas: A daily study guide to bring the Savior into the season.” See the full list of days in the study guide and learn more about how it’s formatted here.

The night without darkness that Samuel the Lamanite had spoken about had been fulfilled. Those who didn’t believe fell to the earth, and “all the people upon the face of the whole earth from the west to the east, both in the land north and in the land south, were so exceedingly astonished that they fell to the earth” (3 Nephi 1:16–17).

Then in verse 18, we read of the unbelievers’ fear. It reads: “For they knew that the prophets had testified of these things for many years, and that the sign which had been given was already at hand; and they began to fear because of their iniquity and their unbelief.”

Everything transpired just as it had been foretold. Verse 20–21 explains, “And it had come to pass, yea, all things, every whit, according to the words of the prophets. And it came to pass also that a new star did appear, according to the word.”

• If we follow the prophets, we need not fear. Everyone who saw the sign of Christ’s birth was so astonished that they fell to the earth. But those who didn’t believe began to fear because of their iniquity. This story reminds us that if we listen to—and follow—the prophet’s voice, we will be on the right course and do not ever have to be afraid.
  
• The Lord fulfills His word through the prophets. Everything had come to pass just as the prophets had said they would. They weren’t partially correct or mostly correct. The scriptures say “all things, every whit” happened “according to the words of the prophets.” So when we are looking for direction in our own lives, we can study and apply the words of the prophets, knowing that all their words will come to pass. This will help us draw closer to the Savior and learn what His will is for us and for His children.

Quote: “I make you a promise. It’s a simple one, but it is true. If you will listen to the living prophet and the apostles and heed our counsel, you will not go astray” (Elder M. Russell Ballard, “Follow the Prophet”).

Ponder: What counsel from the prophet can I apply to my life?

Read: “Overcome the World and Find Rest,” President Russell M. Nelson, October 2022 general conference

Watch: “Why Do We Have Prophets?”