The gathering of Zion proceeds at multiple levels with spiritual vigor and heavenly enlightenment. Elder L. Tom Perry assures us that: “If we will build righteous traditions in our families, the light of the gospel can grow ever brighter in the lives of our children from generation to generation. We can look forward to that glorious day when we will all be united together as eternal family units to reap the everlasting joy promised by our Eternal Father for His righteous children. Our family activities and traditions can be a beacon to the rest of the world as an example of how we should live to merit His choice blessings and live in peace and harmony until the day that He returns to rule and reign over us” (“Family Traditions,” Ensign, May 1990, 19ff). Through missionary work, temple work, Church worship services, and family activities (especially family home evening and family reunions), we can participate in the gathering of Zion foretold by prophets in every age and confirmed by the risen Lord: “And I will remember the covenant which I have made with my people; and I have covenanted with them that I would gather them together in mine own due time” (3 Nephi 20:29).
Loving family traditions help assure that our homes and family circles are holy places in which to emulate the example of the Savior. Where we pray together, study the word of God together, join together in charitable service to our neighbors, cultivate our talents for the blessing of others, and strive in all ways to honor our covenants with the Lord, we will find that His Spirit will attend our family gatherings and illuminate our worthy family traditions with the light of enduring love. Here are two examples of how every family can participate in the “gathering of Zion” at the family level: