The dedication of the Copenhagen Denmark Temple brings to 118 the temples in operation by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, providing spiritual refuges for its members worldwide. The temples are beacons of hope in an uncertain world, symbols of stability in times of peril and they allow those who enter a glimpse of eternity not found in other earthly places.

By participating in the holy ordinances performed in the temple, we gain greater insight into the human condition and glimpse the possibilities outlined for the human family. More importantly, we partake in the blessings provided by a loving Father and His Son to all of us, if we will obey the commandments and live the gospel.

At the dedication of the remodeled Arizona Temple in 1975, President Spencer W. Kimball remarked, "The house of the Lord is functional. Every element in the design, decoration, atmosphere and program of the temple contributes to its function, which is to teach. The temple teaches of Christ. It teaches of His ordinances. It is filled with His Spirit. There is an aura of deity." (Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, pp. 534-35).

This aura of deity lasts with us long after our visit to the house of the Lord. You can see it in the countenances of those who attend the temple. It is a feeling of peace that lasts long after we depart the building, and it can remain with us while we strive to live the teachings and perform the sacred work that draws us to the temple.

"Verily, verily I say unto you, I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy; and then shall ye know, or by this shall you know, all things whatsoever you desire of me, which are pertaining unto things of righteousness in faith believing in me that you shall receive" (Doctrine and Covenants 11:13-14).

President Gordon B. Hinckley has commented, "I know of no other people so concerned with the eternal well-being of the sons and daughters of God of all generations. Surely the work that goes on in (temples) is the most unselfish of all work. Those who labor (there) do so, for the most part, in behalf of those beyond the veil of death. They do it because of a knowledge of the importance of eternal ordinances and covenants. They do it so that even the dead may exercise agency concerning the acceptance or rejection of sacred ordnances." (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, p. 634.)

At the dedication of the Kirtland Temple, as recorded in the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord said: "Let the hearts of your brethren rejoice, and let the hearts of all my people rejoice, who have, with their might, built this house to my name.

"For behold, I have accepted this house, and my name shall be here; and I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house.

"Yea, I will appear unto my servants, and speak unto them with mine own voice, if my people will keep my commandments, and do not pollute this holy house" (Doctrine and Covenants 110:6-8).

Each of us, by attending the temple as often as practical for our circumstances can enjoy the blessings spoken of in scripture and by our leaders. By going to the House of the Lord, we gain insight into our own spiritual needs while performing saving ordnances for our kindred dead.

President Hinckley has counseled us, "I hope you are using the temple constantly, because you will gain blessings there that you cannot gain anywhere else on the face of the whole earth. The temple stands as a monument for all to see. It stands as a statement that we as a people believe in the immortality of the human soul. Everything that occurs in that temple is of an uplifting and ennobling kind. It speaks of life here and life beyond the grave. It speaks of the importance of the individual as a child of God. It speaks of the importance of the family as a creation of the Almighty. It speaks of the eternity of the marriage relationship. It speaks of going on to greater glory. It is a place of light, a place of peace, a place of love where we deal with the things of eternity." (Teachings, pp. 623-24.)

As we attend the temple and participate in the ordinances there, we strengthen ourselves and our families and we can enjoy the companionship of the Spirit in much greater abundance in our lives.