The Church of Jesus Christ Christmas Devotional encourages members to reach out

SALT LAKE CITY – President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency encouraged members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to love others and to promote understanding and love among people of all faiths, races and backgrounds.

He shared that message Sunday evening at the First Presidency’s annual Christmas devotional. President Oaks said the Christmas season makes people more thoughtful and grateful. He said the season leads people to think of others, appreciate their families and exchange greetings with strangers.

“The spirit of Christmas brings out the best in us,” he said, attributing it to the light of Christ.

President Oaks said the “whole world” should celebrate Christmas because Christ is the most important person who ever lived – “even by secular standards” – as the subject of the world’s greatest poetry, music and art.

He said the Christmas message was “peace and goodwill towards people” and encouraged members to share this not only with people they already love, but also with casual friends, strangers or enemies.

President Oaks said he is saddened when he hears that parents who are not members of the Church believe their children are excluded, and he hopes such cases are rare.

“We should teach our children to be kind and considerate to everyone. … We should be the kindest and most considerate of all peoples,” he said.

President Oaks told members that Christ’s return was getting closer every day. He quoted a recent address by President Russell M. Nelson, who said, “The best is yet to come.”

Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke about people who are away from home during the Christmas season, especially missionaries, and reminded members that they are all away from home—their heavenly home.

“The way to feel the comfort of this home is to serve our Savior,” he said.

He spoke about the church’s “Light the World” initiative, saying it was an attempt to “focus everyone’s thoughts on the Savior” and give to those in need. He encouraged members to follow Christ and “accept the gifts (Christ) provided.”

Elder Cook said light shows associated with this initiative were presented in New York City last year and will be shown in cities around the world this year.

He invited members to reflect on Christ’s miraculous birth, his mission, his perfect life, his example, his death, his resurrection, and his atonement.

“The most important way we can show our gratitude to the Savior this Christmas season is to be His servants, to be, in effect, His hands here on earth,” Elder Cook said.

Sister Tamara W. Runia, the first counselor in the Young Women presidency, encouraged people to remember that they belong to Jesus Christ and that he was born to raise them up.

“We are all hurting lambs in need of the good shepherd. His help, His grace is available to you now – not at the end of the road when you feel like you have everything perfectly under control,” she said.

Sister Runia said that if members understood what Christ has sacrificed for them and what He is willing to do to help them return to their Heavenly Father, they would “hurry to greet Him at the manger.” .

Elder S. Mark Palmer of the Presidency of the Seventy said the birth of Jesus had a greater impact on the world than any other event. He encouraged members to give three gifts that bring lasting joy—their testimony, forgiveness, and Christian love.

He said feeling God’s love through others can soften people’s hearts.

Elder Palmer said that you can even buy gold, frankincense and myrrh on Amazon, but the precious gifts he suggested are not available in any stores.

“They are gifts without price, but they will bring lasting and true joy to both the giver and the recipient,” he said.