Summary of the 2024 First Presidency Christmas Devotional

Elder David A. Bednar warmly welcomed participants to the First Presidency Christmas devotional presided over by President Russell M. Nelson. He invited everyone to reflect on the birth, life, and mission of the Savior and expressed prayerful hope that everyone may feel the joy of this season.

Elder Bednar welcomed the presence of church leaders and introduced the Tabernacle Choir and Temple Square Orchestra, who would provide the evening’s music.

Tamara W. Runia

At the heart of Tamara W. Runia’s message was the tender love of the Savior, who, like a good shepherd, knows each of us by name and cradles us in his arms.

She shared an image of a shepherd who refused to compensate an injured lamb and instead chose to carry it and chant its name. “All His sheep have one name, for He is their Shepherd.” This story beautifully illustrates the Savior’s personal love for us.

As Sister Runia reflected on the Christmas story, she shared her childhood nickname, “Tammy Lamb,” and how it deepened her connection to the shepherds in Luke’s account. She reminded us that the angel’s proclamation—“Christ the Child has been born for you”—is deeply personal and conveys the assurance that the Savior has come to elevate and redeem us individually.

Sister Runia examined our shared struggles as “wounded lambs” and acknowledged the brokenness that comes with mortality.

During the sacrament, she often feels the weight of her recurring weaknesses, but imagines the Savior’s comforting words: “I knew you would feel this way—that’s why I came to earth and suffered what I did.” She emphasized that His grace is available here and now.

Sister Runia also testified to the power of the Sabbath, calling it a day of rest from guilt and inadequacy.

Drawing on the Savior’s ministry in the Book of Mormon, she noted that He healed “everyone” who came to Him, both visible and invisible sufferers. Healing, she explained, is transformative and makes us whole in new and profound ways.

Concluding her remarks, Sister Runia reflected on the angel’s statement about “the good news of great joy.” The Savior, our heavenly Shepherd, humbled Himself to become the Lamb who bore our burdens.

“Christ the child was born for you,” she declared, testifying to his infinite love and healing power.

S. Mark Palmer

Elder S. Mark Palmer reflected on the sacred meaning of Christmas and explained that “no event in world history has had a greater impact than the birth and mission of Jesus of Nazareth.”

Noting that the tradition of gift-giving dates back to the wise men who made offerings for the Christ child, he invited listeners to consider three eternal gifts they could give this season: witness, forgiveness and Christian love.

The first gift, testimony, allows us to share the deepest expression of our souls. Elder Palmer recounted a family home evening in which his teenage daughter, Chelsea, said, “Dad, I have never heard your testimony before,” even though he had heard him testify many times as a stake president.

In that moment, she felt the power of his testimony in a new way, teaching him the importance of sharing it often to strengthen others and ourselves.

The second gift, forgiveness, brings freedom and healing. Elder Palmer shared the story of his friend Sandile Makasi, whose father was tortured and killed during apartheid. Sandile was initially consumed with anger and found peace through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

He shared, “The gospel helped me understand that I should forgive… and that my joy and spiritual progress depend on it.” Forgiveness replaced his bitterness with light and love.

The third gift, Christian love, softens hearts and builds connections. Elder Palmer told of a young man who decided to tell his mother, “I love you,” after learning how to express love from the missionaries.

Her startled reaction opened a conversation about his transformation through the gospel. This simple expression of love inspired them and deepened their relationship, illustrating how Christ-like love reflects God’s love for others.

Elder Palmer concluded by reminding the audience that although material gifts are diminishing, these spiritual gifts are invaluable. He invited everyone to bear witness, forgive others, and show Christian love, promising that these gifts “will bring lasting and true joy.”

He bore testimony of Jesus Christ and declared, “Because of His infinite gift…we can receive the greatest gift of all: eternal life in the presence of our Heavenly Father.”

Quentin L Cook

Elder Quentin L. Cook reflected on the true spirit of Christmas through personal experiences and the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Recounting a tender moment from his mission to England, he recounted the sacred experience of hearing Harry Secombe sing “Bless This House,” which inspired him and his companion to feel like “true emissaries of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” . This story set the stage for his focus on service and discipleship during the holidays.

Elder Cook emphasized that all of us on earth are leaving our heavenly home and that only through service can we feel the comfort of that home. He highlighted the church’s “Light the World” initiative, saying it helps members “focus the minds of all on the Savior” as they give to those in need and perform Christ-like service.

He shared his observations on modern Christmas traditions and noted that many department store displays no longer feature scenes featuring the Christ Child. This absence reminded him of a poignant banner he had once seen asking, “If Christ came tonight, to whom would he come?”

Elder Cook used this question to stimulate reflection on spiritual preparation and encouraged members to “rededicate their lives to Jesus Christ,” as President Russell M. Nelson taught.

Elder Cook discussed the Savior’s life and mission, pointing to His miraculous birth, sinless life, and infinite Atonement as gifts central to the meaning of Christmas.

He quoted from Preach my gospel: “The Savior’s Atonement included His suffering in Gethsemane, His suffering and death on the cross, and His resurrection.” These events are the foundation of hope and salvation for all humanity.

He also spoke about preparing for the Second Coming of Christ and reminded members of the scriptures that say, “Prepare for the great day of the Lord.” Elder Cook encouraged moving toward love for God and others focus, pointing out that this is “the ultimate test of the state of our minds.”

In closing, Elder Cook called members to gratitude and discipleship, urging them to be the Savior’s hands and show love through service. “The most important way we can show our gratitude to the Savior this Christmas season is by being His servants,” he said.

Elder Cook bore witness to the Savior’s life and mission and encouraged everyone to center their Christmas celebrations on Jesus Christ.

Dallin H. Oaks

President Dallin H. Oaks began his address by reflecting on the meaning of Christmas, noting that it is a season that calls for deeper consideration of what is truly important in life. He shared, “Christmas reminded us to think of each other…The spirit of Christmas brought out the best in us.”

He emphasized that the light of Christmas is indeed the light of Christ, declaring, “The warmth and light of Christmas is the light of Christ.”

This light, he explained, is central not only to the celebration of Christmas, but to the world, since Jesus Christ is the most important figure in history. “Over a billion people celebrated his birth,” President Oaks noted, underscoring Christ’s global influence.

The core message of Christmas, “peace on earth, goodwill toward men,” echoed in his address, recalling the teachings of Christ.

He noted: “The message was old and familiar. It was preached to Adam. It was preached to the children of Israel. It was preached to the descendants of Father Lehi,” showing that Christ’s message of peace transcended time and place.

President Oaks also called for extending the spirit of Christmas giving beyond family and friends, saying, “The spirit of Christmas giving should extend beyond our circle of family and friends.” Giving toys, food and comfort to those in need, describing this service as an expression of Christian love.

He then explained the broader meaning of “peace on earth, goodwill toward men,” noting that it also refers to love for our enemies.

He quoted the Savior’s words, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” and reminded everyone that Christmas is a time for forgiveness and the repair of broken relationships. “Christmas should have been a time for forgiveness, a time to heal old wounds and restore relationships that have gone awry.”

In his closing remarks, President Oaks urged Latter-day Saints to promote love and understanding across racial, cultural and religious divides. He quoted the Lord’s command through Moses: “The stranger who dwells with you shall be to you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself.”

He concluded with a powerful reminder of the eternal significance of Christ, quoting “The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles,” which said, “He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world.”