SilentOne

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
- Matthew 2:10-11
When the magi received the message of the birth of Jesus Christ, they prepared and brought gifts; they followed a bright new star in the sky to find Him. As we celebrate Christmas today, we need to seek this shining star which leads to the Lord. Then our soul shall be illuminated and shall reflect that we have received the Savior in our life by remaining faithful to Him until the end.
- Pungwe S. Kongolo, True Christmas: See the Spirit of Simplicity, Peace, Love and Generosity

And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
- Matthew 2:13-15
You can’t separate Bethlehem from Gethsemane or the hasty flight into Egypt from the slow journey to the summit of Calvary. It’s of one piece. It is a single plan. It considers “the fall and rising again of many in Israel,” but always in that order. Christmas is joyful not because it is a season or decade or lifetime without pain and privation, but precisely because life does hold those moments for us.
- Jeffrey R. Holland

But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a vision to Joseph in Egypt, Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life. And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee: And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
- Matthew 2:19-23
After some time in an unfamiliar land, Joseph and Mary made their longest trip yet. But the miles must have seemed shorter, because this time, they were returning home. Once there, they put their faith in God and raised Him who would “be called a Nazarene.”
Like Mary and Joseph, we too are traveling on our own journey with Jesus Christ. While the going may be long and difficult, every footstep of faith leads us closer to eternal life—a gift provided by our loving Savior, whose own journey made salvation possible.
- Christina Crosland, The First Christmas Journey
 

I do not mean to detract from the conversation at all, and this may be a completely false perception on my part, but growing up I always figured that being called to high leadership positions in the chuch would require a certain level of prosperity on the part of that individual and their family so they could financially support themselves beyond the (I assume) humble expense stipends they may receive.
At the end of the day, Christ prepares those who He calls to lead His church. The idea of church leaders being out of touch or unable to relate has been brought up several times before. I always remember a talk by Elder Holland where he said: "Not often but over the years some sources have suggested that the Brethren are out of touch in their declarations, that they don’t know the issues, that some of their policies and practices are out-of-date, not relevant to our times. As the least of those who have been sustained by you to witness the guidance of this Church firsthand, I say with all the fervor of my soul that never in my personal or professional life have I ever associated with any group who are so in touch, who know so profoundly the issues facing us, who look so deeply into the old, stay so open to the new, and weigh so carefully, thoughtfully, and prayerfully everything in between. I testify that the grasp this body of men and women have of moral and societal issues exceeds that of any think tank or brain trust of comparable endeavor of which I know anywhere on the earth. I bear personal witness of how thoroughly good they are, of how hard they work, and how humbly they live. It is no trivial matter for this Church to declare to the world prophecy, seership, and revelation, but we do declare it. It is true light shining in a dark world, and it shines from these proceedings." Prophets in the Land Again
Either the church is truly led by Christ or it is not. My testimony is firm in Christ as my personal Savior. Everything else is just an appendage to that.

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
- Matthew 2:10-11
When the magi received the message of the birth of Jesus Christ, they prepared and brought gifts; they followed a bright new star in the sky to find Him. As we celebrate Christmas today, we need to seek this shining star which leads to the Lord. Then our soul shall be illuminated and shall reflect that we have received the Savior in our life by remaining faithful to Him until the end.
- Pungwe S. Kongolo, True Christmas: See the Spirit of Simplicity, Peace, Love and Generosity

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
- Matthew 2:10-11
When the magi received the message of the birth of Jesus Christ, they prepared and brought gifts; they followed a bright new star in the sky to find Him. As we celebrate Christmas today, we need to seek this shining star which leads to the Lord. Then our soul shall be illuminated and shall reflect that we have received the Savior in our life by remaining faithful to Him until the end.
- Pungwe S. Kongolo, True Christmas: See the Spirit of Simplicity, Peace, Love and Generosity

The very best way to hear the word of God is to ask a bunch of random people on the streets.

Indeed...
If you don't like how Christ is picking his leaders then tell him next time you talk tell him...  Vent to him... get it all out...  He will listen... He is unlikely to change how he does things.. but he will listen.  And you will know to talked to the one and only person who can make a difference in the matter.
 
 

I trust God knows what He's doing.  I'm not interested in demographic pandering just for the sake of it.
 
It certainly reads that way to me.
 

So, what, 23? 24?  Those were great ages.  Wish I were that age again (but with my 50-something brain).
We do not sing Once in Royal David's City often enough.  (Nor Far, Far away on Judea's Plains.)

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judæa in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is the child that is born, the Messiah of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
- Matthew 2:1-2
It is my prayer that we may know and love our Savior daily. That we will do as Moroni suggested and “seek this Jesus.” May you and I find, by the end of every day, the one of whom Moses and other prophets wrote: Jesus of Nazareth. In seeking Christ, we will see God’s hand in our lives. And the more we seek Christ daily, the more we will find Him and be able to recognize His voice, leading and guiding us all throughout our lives.
- Orson S. Franco, Are You Seeking Christ Each Day?

And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
- Luke 2:36-38
Anna faithfully stood in holy places. She had lived a long life of service to God, and as she searched for the face of the promised Messiah, she beheld the infant Jesus in the temple. Faith carried Anna through her hardships in life, just as it can carry us and inspire us to seek the Lord.
- Heather Farrell, Anna

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judæa in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is the child that is born, the Messiah of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
- Matthew 2:1-2
It is my prayer that we may know and love our Savior daily. That we will do as Moroni suggested and “seek this Jesus.” May you and I find, by the end of every day, the one of whom Moses and other prophets wrote: Jesus of Nazareth. In seeking Christ, we will see God’s hand in our lives. And the more we seek Christ daily, the more we will find Him and be able to recognize His voice, leading and guiding us all throughout our lives.
- Orson S. Franco, Are You Seeking Christ Each Day?

Did you read his bio?

And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
- Luke 2:36-38
Anna faithfully stood in holy places. She had lived a long life of service to God, and as she searched for the face of the promised Messiah, she beheld the infant Jesus in the temple. Faith carried Anna through her hardships in life, just as it can carry us and inspire us to seek the Lord.
- Heather Farrell, Anna

Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
- Luke 2:28-32
My beloved brothers and sisters and friends, the Savior announced, “Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world.” “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
There is much written and many sermons given concerning Christ—his ministry, teachings, miracles, atoning sacrifice, resurrection, and ascension to eternal glory. He is truly our Lord and Savior, our Redeemer and God.
- Delbert L. Stapley, The Savior's Ministry

Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
- Luke 2:28-32
My beloved brothers and sisters and friends, the Savior announced, “Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world.” “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
There is much written and many sermons given concerning Christ—his ministry, teachings, miracles, atoning sacrifice, resurrection, and ascension to eternal glory. He is truly our Lord and Savior, our Redeemer and God.
- Delbert L. Stapley, The Savior's Ministry

And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word
- Luke 2:25-27
When we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, we also celebrate all the prophetic promises Jesus Christ fulfilled through His teachings and Atonement.
- D. Todd Christofferson, Your Promised Messiah

And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
- Luke 2:21-24
The Child was born a Jew; the mother was a Jewess, and the reputed and legal father, Joseph, was a Jew. The true paternity of the Child was known to but few, perhaps at that time to none save Mary, Joseph, and possibly Elisabeth and Zacharias; as He grew He was regarded by the people as Joseph's son. The requirements of the law were carried out with exactitude in all matters pertaining to the Child.
- James E. Talmage, Jesus the Christ: Chapter 8, The Babe of Bethlehem

And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
- Luke 2:21-24
The Child was born a Jew; the mother was a Jewess, and the reputed and legal father, Joseph, was a Jew. The true paternity of the Child was known to but few, perhaps at that time to none save Mary, Joseph, and possibly Elisabeth and Zacharias; as He grew He was regarded by the people as Joseph's son. The requirements of the law were carried out with exactitude in all matters pertaining to the Child.
- James E. Talmage, Jesus the Christ: Chapter 8, The Babe of Bethlehem

And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word
- Luke 2:25-27
When we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, we also celebrate all the prophetic promises Jesus Christ fulfilled through His teachings and Atonement.
- D. Todd Christofferson, Your Promised Messiah

I would say the items you listed are covenants that bind and seal us to Him, and we attach ourselves to Him by making them. And the prep work leading to that (faith and repentance). We stay attached by honoring these covenants (baptism, the gift and companionship of the Holy Ghost, priesthood and temple). 
 

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
- Luke 2:13-17
As we approach Christmas, I wonder if we could become more like the angelic host by visiting modern shepherds to provide the good news of Christ, peace, and comfort. And I wonder if we can become more like the shepherds by responding to the call to visit and minister to the modern Josephs and Marys in our neighborhoods and communities to provide reassurance that God loves them and is watching and caring for them.
- Ulisses Soares, A Modern Angelic Host

And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus as the prophets have written, who is called Christ.
- Matthew 1:16 JST
The mortal birth and life and death of the Son of God was essential to our Heavenly Father’s plan “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” Before the earth was created, Jesus Christ was chosen to experience mortal life and be the Savior necessary to carry out that plan. Father Adam was commanded to offer sacrifices as “a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father, which is full of grace and truth. Wherefore [he was taught], thou shalt do all that thou doest in the name of the Son, and thou shalt repent and call upon God in the name of the Son forevermore.”
- Dallin H. Oaks, Prophetic Announcements of Christ's Birth

Well, we can't let this part of the story go by without the one Christmas hymn in hymnal written by a Latter-day Saint:
Not my favorite rendition, but whatever.