Conditions are building toward the greatest event the world has ever known.  The greatest and most momentous event was not a particular battle or war; nor was it the eruption of Mount Tambora, which is thought to have produced the loudest sound ever heard on earth.  The greatest event was not the striking of the earth by an asteroid which wiped out the dinosaurs.  It was not an earthquake or a tsunami that killed hundreds of thousands.  It was not even the birth of Christ.  All of these things happened as precursors for the greatest event.

The greatest event in the history of the world is yet to come.  It is about near enough to be seen.  It is the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.  The Lord's Second Coming has been prophesied from the beginning.  We have been told the signs that will precede it.  We see more and more of them being fulfilled.  It is at the door, so to speak, and we will all see it.  Whether on this side of the veil or on the other, we will see it.

"Behold, he cometh with clouds, and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him ..."  (Revelation 1:7).  Many will be overcome with joy to see Him making His promised appearance.  Others will be overcome with horror when they realize that the prophecies are true, and that they have abused themselves and His commandments.

We will all be spectators at this event.  The question is, will we also be participators?  We are each offered that opportunity.  The participators will either come with Him when He makes His appearance, or will be caught up to meet Him.  The participators will be the Saints who have kept His commandments.  (D&C 45:44-45; 88:96-98; Joseph Smith-Matthew 1:26).

A participator is one who has helped prepare for the Lord's Second Coming.  He or she has prepared by repenting, and by trying to be like Jesus.  He or she has taken the Spirit for his guide, and has borne testimony of their Redeemer.  He or she has given a Book of Mormon to a friend, and checked up on the welfare of a recently-bereaved acquaintance.  He or she has taken note of the need for help of a new mother, or an overburdened neighbor, or a lost soul.  He or she has been a purposeful minister to those assigned to him or her, and to those who are not assigned.

We are preparing for the Lord's Second Coming whenever we keep a commandment, repent of a sin, or help one of the Father's children.  We are preparing for the Lord's Second Coming as we teach and nurture and study and testify and serve in any way.  Such are participators.  Such are the Saints who will be with Him when He comes, and who will be caught up to meet Him.  These will have taken upon themselves His name.  They will know Him and be glad, even relieved, to see Him.  It will be the greatest event of their lives.

Will I be a spectator or a participator?  It is up to me.  It is my decision.