FAMILIES CAN BE TOGETHER FOREVER LYRICS - trunking

Families Can Be Together Forever: Exploring the Meaning and History of a Beloved Hymn

The phrase "Families can be together forever" is a central tenet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, expressing the belief that family relationships can continue beyond mortality through sacred ordinances. This concept is most famously associated with the hymn of the same name, a piece deeply ingrained in Latter-day Saint culture and often featured in family gatherings and religious services. It offers comfort, hope, and a powerful reminder of eternal family bonds.

The Origins and Significance of the Hymn

The hymn "Families Can Be Together Forever" was written by Ruth Muir Gardner and composed by Bethany Beardslee. It was first published in 1970 in the *Children's Songbook* of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Its simple melody and poignant lyrics resonate deeply, expressing the longing for eternal family connections. The song reinforces the Latter-day Saint belief that temple sealings—special ordinances performed in temples—can bind families together for eternity. fam tastic rates

Temple Sealings and Eternal Families

The concept of eternal families is tied directly to temple sealings. Latter-day Saints believe that marriage and family relationships are not automatically eternal. Instead, they must be sealed or bound together by proper priesthood authority in a temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to last beyond death. This sealing ordinance is considered a sacred and vital part of their faith, providing hope for eternal connections with loved ones. Learn more about the familiar injury in football and soccer crosswordorg/wiki/Temple_sealing" rel="nofollow">Temple Sealing ceremony on Wikipedia.

Impact on Latter-day Saint Culture

The hymn "Families Can Be Together Forever" has a profound impact on Latter-day Saint culture. It's often sung at family home evenings, church services, and even funerals, serving as a reminder of the enduring nature of family relationships. family cross The song provides comfort during times of grief and strengthens the hope of being reunited with loved ones in the afterlife. It also motivates individuals to prioritize family relationships and strive to live in a way that allows them to qualify for eternal blessings.

Lyrics Reflecting Core Beliefs

The lyrics of the hymn directly reflect core Latter-day Saint beliefs about the purpose of life and the importance of family. family dollar application pdf They emphasize that through Jesus Christ and the temple ordinances, families can overcome the separation caused by death. The words also encourage living righteously and striving to create strong, loving family relationships that can endure eternally. The song reinforces the idea that families are central to God's plan for His children.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be sealed as a family?

Being sealed as a family means that a husband, wife, and children are bound together eternally through a special ordinance performed in a temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This ordinance is believed to create a bond that lasts beyond mortality.

What happens to families who are not sealed?

Latter-day Saints believe that families who are not sealed will not automatically continue as families in the afterlife. However, opportunities are available, even after death, for individuals to accept temple ordinances and be sealed to their families.

How do you prepare for temple sealing?

Preparing for temple sealing involves living righteously, obeying God's commandments, and being worthy to enter the temple. This often includes repentance, baptism, confirmation, and receiving the priesthood (for men).

Is family sealing only for Latter-day Saints?

While temple sealings are performed in Latter-day Saint temples, the church believes that everyone will eventually have the opportunity to receive these ordinances, either in this life or the next.

Can sealings be performed for deceased ancestors?

Yes, Latter-day Saints perform temple ordinances, including sealings, vicariously for their deceased ancestors. This is done out of love and the belief that these ancestors can then choose to accept or reject these ordinances in the spirit world.

Summary

The hymn "Families Can Be Together Forever" encapsulates a core belief of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: that family relationships can endure beyond death through sacred temple ordinances. This belief provides comfort, hope, and a powerful incentive to strengthen family bonds and live righteously, fostering a culture that prioritizes the eternal nature of the family unit.