The Earth was Created

The earth was created
That man might be
Physically estated
In families

God's plan was presented
Most happily given
We commonly consented
With councils of heaven



Consisting of three components
The process took hold
A paradisaical planet
A fall, a Savior to behold

The Lord created all things
In spiritual birth
Then staged seven phases
For the physical earth

I
The atmospheric heavens
Gathered around a mass globe
Light emerged from the darkness
The earth was disrobed

II
The waters were divided
And provisions were made
That rain could be invited
From the clouds in array

III
Vegetation began
Too, grasses, herbs, and trees
Soon covering the land
Growing from its own seeds

IV
The sun filled the expanse
Dividing seasons and time
The stars and moon then enhanced
The evenings sublime

V
Fish swam, the fowl did fly
As living creatures
Each soon to multiply
And pass on its own features

VI
Creation continued
With beasts everywhere
Each tame and subdued
The land, theirs to share

The last to be formed
Were the man and the woman
They were taught and informed
And given dominion

VII
The last creative phase
Was designed for our rest
A time to pause and give praise
For the vast ways we are blessed

The earth is filled with riches
For us to discover and use
Unto technological bridges
To further spread the Lord's news

Grand as it is, this planet
It is part of something grander
Though difficult to comprehend it
Is preparatory for grandeur

Elder Russell M. Nelson
The Creation
Ensign, May 2000, 84

estated- a period or condition of life: to attain to man's estate.