Sister Patti Tippetts
Primary Music Leader
Some time ago I bought a couple of beautiful puzzles for my grandchildren to do while they are here at my home. One of the puzzles has this thoughtful picture…
The puzzle is just a smidge challenging for extra-small hands and often requires the more experienced hands of Nana for support. As I have had the occasion to help finish this puzzle many times, it always causes me to reflect on the meaning behind this purposeful picture. Many people might regard this as a picture of Jesus… and a chicken. But the title of the picture (by Christopher Creek) is “As a Hen Gathereth her Chicks”.
In the Book of Mormon, 3 Nephi 10:4–6
4 O ye people of these great cities which have fallen, who are descendants of Jacob, yea, who are of the house of Israel, how oft have I gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and have nourished you.
5 And again, how oft would I have gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, yea, O ye people of the house of Israel, who have fallen; yea, O ye people of the house of Israel, ye that dwell at Jerusalem, as ye that have fallen; yea, how oft would I have gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens, and ye would not.
6 O ye house of Israel whom I have spared, how oft will I gather you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, if ye will repent and return unto me with full purpose of heart.
Mother hens gather their precious babies under their wings to protect them from rain and storms, from predators, and any other perceived dangers. She knows it is her job to keep them safe. But in order for the baby chicks to benefit from their mother’s protecting wing, they have to listen to her when she calls them in. If they don’t come when called, or if they have wandered too far away to hear the cries of their caregiver, they will be in great danger. These babies have not yet learned the signs of storms, or the evidence of hungry, prowling critters. But their mother does; she sees and understands so much more than they do. Their life literally depends on them paying heed to her warnings, and then going to her, and allowing her to bring them close to her, under her wing for protection.
In these few verses from the Book of Mormon it mentions 4 times how He would “gather us like a hen gathereth her chickens”. He will be that same protecting wing for us. Jesus knows the dangers of our world and He knows how to keep us safe from the harsh, cold, and often scary storms we encounter throughout our lives.
When in a barnyard we see a hen gathering in her babies for protection, she does not stop the storm, but rather gives them a warm, comforting, peaceful place to weather the storm. Much like them, the love Jesus give us is a warm, comforting, and peaceful place for us to dwell during the storms of our lives. Being close by His side, letting Him spread His protective comfort over us will not stop our storms, but will give us a safe and loving place to rest. Also much like the hens and chicks, we must listen when Jesus warns us, we much go to Him when He calls, and we must seek His comfort and peace. But unlike the hen’s loud cackling cry, Jesus calls to us in loving, reverent tones. We must listen carefully and always stay near enough to hear.
Next week we get to gather together at church again, and I am looking forward to seeing your smiling faces.
Much Love,
Sis Tippetts
This is the time of year we would normally be finalizing our Primary Program and counting down the days! But here are some songs you could enjoy singing with your family instead.
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