Resolve

From Greg Bates

(Cross Posted from the Bow Valley Ward Newsletter, Issue #17)

Roman bas-relief of the 2nd century AD
representing the god Saturn,
in whose honor the Saturnalia were celebrated, holding a sickle

Like most agrarian societies, the Romans celebrated the annual return of the sun, the time of year we call Winter Solstice. 

The Romans called their celebration Saturnalia. Saturnalia, or more precisely, the early Christians' reaction to it, is the origin of our observance of Christmas.

Saturnalia was followed by another celebration called Calend. Calend marked the beginning of the Roman civil year, when protocols were renewed. Not only is Calend the origin of the word calendar, it is also the origin of our custom of making New Year's resolutions . . .. January 1, 2020, seems so long ago.

However, as church members we don't have to wait until New Year to make resolutions. We have many opportunities throughout the year. General, stake/district and ward/branch conferences, with their inspired messages, offer us opportunities to renew our faith. Monthly Fast and Testimony meeting is also another opportunity. Our weekly Sacrament meeting is yet another.

In truth, we are offered the opportunity to make resolutions every day. Retiring for the night, contemplating what happened during the day, and rising on the morrow to a new day, we have the opportunity to renew, to rededicate, to resolve . . . just for today."