By Andrew Bolton, Leicester, England

For in [Jesus] all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell.

All of God’s peace, shalom, salaam is embodied in Jesus: economic peace, social justice, earth healing, and our personal reconciliation with the divine. Jesus is God’s peace become human—modeled in a single human life for all of us to follow.

This year is the 150th anniversary of the church seal—a momentous anniversary! Our church logo with lion and lamb, led by a child, is inspired by Isaiah 11:1–10. When the Messiah comes, the lion will lie down with the lamb and a little child shall lead them to peace. At the dedication of the Kirtland Temple in March 1836, they sang about this story in “The Spirit of God like a Fire Is Burning” CCS 384 (stanza 3).

How did the church seal come about? A committee of three people, including Joseph Smith III, met on the morning of April 8, 1874, and finalized the design and proposal. It was approved by a conference that afternoon. However, it was only used as a seal for church legal documents for fifty or more years.

President F. M. Smith, after the tragedy of World War I, popularized the church seal by using it on stationery, Herald House books, and our church buildings. The beloved symbol became visual theology for the church. I think it inspired the purpose of the temple—dedicated to the pursuit of peace, reconciliation, and healing of the spirit. This is Christ’s mission. And our purpose, too.

Prayer Phrase

“…do good and share what you have” (Hebrews 13:16).

Enough and to Spare

Take three slow, deep breaths. As you inhale, silently say, “There is enough.” As you exhale, say, “And more to share.” Then name aloud or write down three ways you already experience God’s generosity in your life—big or small. End by asking, “How can I share from what I’ve been given today?”

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.