Mary had a Little Lamb

This was one of my many favorite pictures while working at Deseret Book. I believe that the title of it at the store was The Innocence by William-Adolphe Bouguereau. But I love the imagery in it of this woman, who I understand to be Mary, holding both a Baby, who I understand to be Jesus, and a Lamb, a symbol of Christ.

Seeing this picture made me think of the first stanza of the nursery rhyme "Mary had a Little Lamb":

Mary had a little lamb,
His fleece as white as snow,
And everywhere that Mary went,
The lamb was sure to go.
-John Roulstone

I don’t know much of the history of this nursery rhyme or whether or not it has religious implications, but I do think it’s interesting that the fleece of the lamb was described to be white as snow.

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

-Isaiah 1:18 (Scripture Mastery!)

I want to study even more about the Savior and His life. I am ever so grateful for Him and His example and Atoning sacrifice. I know that my actions and conduct do not always show it, but I am glad that I have the opportunity to change and improve. The fact that we can become clean before God is a priceless one. What makes it even better is when we utilize this gift and become clean before God and improve our lives.

I am glad that we have records of many of the prophecies of Christ. Some of the most beautiful and well known come from Isaiah.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

I am convinced that Jesus Christ will play each of these roles at some point in our lives if we let Him. He will continue to be Wonderful as we draw near unto Him. We are to counsel with the Lord through prayer. Because of His role in the Creation and our lives He is considered the mighty God. Through our covenants with him he becomes the everlasting Father. But one of the best title for Him is the Prince of Peace.

Peace is one of those things that we are constantly in search of. We like to know that we are at peace with those around us, but more especially that we are at peace with God. It is an endeavor that we are consistently working towards. As we consistently follow the Lord, He will consistently bless us. As we consistently look for His peace, He will find ways to give it to us.

With the Christmas season comes the reminder that the year is almost out. There is the stereotypical tradition to come up with New Year’s resolutions. While I have participated in this before I am not good at being accountable and following up on them. I would have been married by now if I had, theoretically.

But I try and think what I can give to God and Christ for all they have done for me. I know that nothing that I can give them will ever be close enough for repayment, but I can give what I have to show my gratitude. I love the poem/ Christmas carol “In the Bleak Midwinter.” The last stanza talks about what each of us are capable of giving Him!

What can I give Him,

Poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd

I would bring a lamb;

If I were a wise man

I would do my part;

Yet what I can, I give Him –

Give my heart.

-Christina Rossetti

I hope that we are able to appreciate the gift of the Lamb of God and be willing to give all we can to show our gratitude.

God Bless! Until Next Time!