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(12/11/96)
"What does Christmas really mean?" Christmas means "giving." The
Father gave His Son and the Son gave His life. Without giving there is
no true Christmas, and without sacrifice there is no true worship. There
is more to this day than neckties, cuff links, engagement rings, and all
the tinselled stuff of which we make so much. Let me repeat something
that I heard the other day at a stake conference in Idaho. A member of
the stake presidency told it. He runs a building supply business. A farm
family in that community had contacted for the installation of a
bathroom in their home. They had never had one before. Then the father
came to the building supply dealer and said, "Will it be all right with
you if we cancel that contract? The bishop talked with John about a
mission last night, and so we will go outside for another two years."
Then the building supply man said, "The young man will go on his
mission, and he will find a bathroom in the house when he returns." Here
is the spirit of Christmas—the family which sends a boy into the world
to teach the gospel, and friends who come to lift the family out of
their problems. What then shall you do with Jesus which is called
Christ? Christmas means "giving," and the gift without the giver is
bare. Give of yourselves; give of your substance; give of your heart and
mind and strength to bring to pass His eternal purposes and to spread
the cause of His eternal truth.—Gordon B. Hinckley, BYU Speeches,
December 14, 1960
(12/12/96)
As I read the account of the birth of my Savior, I long to have the
experience the Wise Men had—to be led by a star; or to experience what
the shepherds did—to be invited to Bethlehem, invited by a choir of
angels. I want to kneel at the manger and smell the clean straw and see
that tiny baby with His earthly mother, to witness for myself this
miracle. I believe that in every mortal there is an instinctive desire
to come unto Christ. Perhaps we have a basic human need, because each of
us is a child of God, to make that commitment to the spiritual part of
our being. We each try to meet this need according to what we know. As
members of His true Church, perhaps we do not need to be taught new
things as much as we need to be reminded of what we already know. This
is what pondering the birth of our Savior does for all of us. I believe
it reminds our mortal minds of things our spirits already know.—Sister
Betty Jo N. Jepsen, General Conference, October 1992
(12/13/96)
I visited a southern stake of Zion, just recently, in connection
with our Church work, and met a poor widow there, who had raised to
manhood and womanhood a splendid family, and when she was speaking to
me, she said that the remark of one of her boys had been worth all her
efforts. "Last Christmas," she said, "I did not have the means to
distribute the tokens to my children that I would like, and to my
youngest son, who was married, I said, 'My boy, O my heart aches that I
cannot give to you and to the rest of my children some substantial token
at Christmas time of my love for you. And the young man stood there
looking his mother in the eyes, and said, 'Why, mother, you have given
unto me something more than all the Christmas gifts that I could
possibly obtain. You have given me a good training, a good education,
and more than all, a clean body—and, mother, I thank you for that
precious gift that has come unto me, and I want to live to be worthy of
such a mother.'"—Benjamin F. Goddard, Conference Report, October 1917,
p.137
(12/14/96)
Christmas means the Christ child, the babe wrapped in swaddling
clothes lying in a manger while angels sang and wise men traveled far to
bring gifts. It is a beautiful and timeless story, and I hope that you
will read it again this season.—Gordon B. Hinckley, BYU Speeches,
December 14, 1960
(12/15/96)
Christmas means "eternity." As certainly as Christ came into the
world, lived among men, laid down his life, and became the first fruits
of them that slept, so shall all men live eternally. Death may and will
come, but death has been robbed of its sting, and the grave of its
victory. "I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me,
though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and
believeth in me shall never die." (John 11:25-26.)—Gordon B. Hinckley,
BYU Speeches, December 14, 1960
(12/16/96)
Christmas means "compassion and love" and, most of all
"forgiveness." "Behold, the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of
the world." (John 1:29. ) How poor indeed would be our lives without the
influence of His teachings and His matchless example. The lessons of the
turning of the other cheek, going the second mile, the return of the
prodigal, and scores of others have somehow filtered down to become the
catalyst to bring kindness and mercy out of man's natural inhumanity to
man.—Gordon B. Hinckley, BYU Speeches, December 14, 1960
(12/17/96)
Christmas means peace. Four years ago this month, I was in
Switzerland. At that time Russian tanks were rolling down the streets of
Budapest, Hungary, and students were being slaughtered with machine-gun
fire. I stood that December day in the railroad station in Berne,
Switzerland. At eleven o'clock in the morning, every church bell in
Switzerland began to ring, and at the conclusion of that ringing every
vehicle stopped—every car on the highway, every bus, every railroad
train. That great, cavernous station became deathly still. I looked out
the front door across the plaza. Men working on the hotel across the
street stood on the scaffolding with bared heads. Every bicycle stopped,
and every man and woman and child dismounted and stood with bared, bowed
head. Then, after three minutes of reverent pause, trucks, great convoys
of them, began to roll from Geneva and Berne and Basle and Zurich toward
the Austrian border, and across Austria to the Hungarian border, laden
with supplies—food, clothing and bedding. The gates of Switzerland were
thrown open to refugees. As I stood there that December morning, I could
not help marveling at the miraculous contrast: the devil incarnate as
represented by the oppressive power of the Communists mowing down
students on the streets of Budapest in contrast with the spirit of a
Christian people in the land of Switzerland who bowed their heads in
reverence, then rolled up their sleeves to provide succor and
salvation.—Gordon B. Hinckley, BYU Speeches, December 14, 1960
(12/18/96)
And now, my beloved brothers and sisters, what must we do this
Christmas season—and always? Why, we must do the same as the Wise Men of
old. They sought out the Christ and found Him. And so must we. Those who
are wise still seek Him today. "I would commend you," urged Moroni, "to
seek this Jesus of whom the prophets and apostles have written." (Ether
12:41) And God has provided the means—the holy scriptures, particularly
the Book of Mormon—that all who seek may know that Jesus is the
Christ.... What a gift it would be to receive at Christmastime a greater
knowledge of the Lord. What a gift it would be to share that knowledge
with others. To that end may I encourage you not only to read the
biblical account of Christ's birth, but to read and share with a
nonmember acquaintance the Book of Mormon account of Christmas Eve in
America and Christ's personal manifestation following His
resurrection.—Pres. Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, December 1993, pp. 4-5
(12/19/96)
Why Bethlehem? Is there symbolic significance in the meaning of the
name Bethlehem, which in Hebrew means "house of bread"? The Great
Provider declared Himself to be the "bread of life." (John 6:48) How
appropriate it was that He, the "bread of life," was to come from the
"house of bread."—Russell M. Nelson, Ensign, December 1989, p. 14
(12/20/96)
But why among the animals? He, whom John declared to be the "Lamb
of God" (John 1:29), was born during the season of Passover amongst the
animals, as were other lambs being prepared for Paschal
sacrifice.—Russell M. Nelson, Ensign, December 1989, p. 14
(12/21/96)
At the birth of Him who is called the "good shepherd" (John 10:14),
shepherds were the first to receive the announcement of His holy birth
(Luke 2:8-16).—Russell M. Nelson, Ensign, December 1989, p. 14
(12/22/96)
At the birth of Him who once identified Himself as the "bright and
morning star" (Rev. 22:16), a new star appeared in the heavens (Matt:
2:2, 3 Ne. 1:21). Shining brightly over Bethlehem, that star had been
placed in orbit far in advance of the foretold event in order that its
light could coincide in time and place with His blessed birth.—Russell
M. Nelson, Ensign, December 1989, p. 14
(12/23/96)
"At the arrival of Him who is called 'the light of the world' (John
8:12), darkness was banished as a sign of His holy birth (3 Ne. 1:15,
19). He was born the Son of God and the son of a virgin mother, as
foretold by Isaiah (Isaiah 7:14) and other prophets. (1 Ne. 11:13-21,
Alma 7:9-10.)"—Russell M. Nelson, Ensign, December 1989, p. 14
(12/24/96)
At Christmastime, young people in all the world celebrate the birth
and life of our Savior, Jesus Christ. They do this in many different
ways. Some hang glowing lights on beautiful green Christmas trees; some
display manger scenes; some send cards or gifts to family and friends;
some draw colorful pictures of how they think it might have been in the
stable in Bethlehem, so long ago. Something nearly all children seem to
enjoy at this season of the year is the singing of wonderful Christmas
songs. The carols of Christmas are sweet echoes of the angel's "tidings
of great joy" which were sung to the shepherds who tended their flocks
by night in the fields near Bethlehem (Luke 2:10). One of the most
beautiful Christmas hymns proclaims, "Joy to the world, the Lord is
come; Let earth receive her King!" (Hymns, no. 201) Even at this busy
holiday time, this hymn reminds us that the reason Jesus Christ came to
earth was to bring us joy and happiness. By following His teachings, we
find joy. The Book of Mormon prophet Lehi said, "Men are that they might
have joy" (2 Ne. 2:25). Everything that Heavenly Father does for us is
to help us find peace and joy in our lives. The most special gift He has
given us is His Son, Jesus Christ. This was the greatest of all gifts
ever given. It includes the gift of the Atonement and the gift of His
commandments as taught by the prophets. With the gift of the Atonement,
Jesus paid the price for our sins. If we will repent of our sins, and do
them no more, and are baptized in His name and keep His commandments, we
can return to Heavenly Father. This wonderful gift and promise can make
every morning seem like Christmas morning! Jesus said, "If ye love me,
keep my commandments" (John 14:15). As we learn of Him at church and in
our families, we learn to love Him and we want to be like Him. May the
joy of this Christmas season be with us all.—The First Presidency, The
Friend, December 1995, p. 3
(12/25/96)
I believe in Christ; he is my King!
With all my heart to him I'll sing;
I'll raise my voice in praise and joy,
In grand amens my tongue employ.
I believe in Christ; he is God's Son.
On earth to dwell his soul did come.
He healed the sick; the dead he raised.
Good works were his; his name be praised.
I
believe in Christ; oh, blessed name!
As Mary's Son he came to reign
'Mid mortal men, his earthly kin,
To save them from the woes of sin.
I believe in Christ, who marked the path,
Who did gain all his Father hath,
Who said to men: "Come, follow me,
That ye, my friends, with God may be."
I
believe in Christ—my Lord, my God!
My feet he plants on gospel sod.
I'll worship him with all my might;
He is the source of truth and light.
I believe in Christ; he ransoms me.
From Satan's grasp he sets me free,
And I shall live with joy and love
In his eternal courts above.
I
believe in Christ; he stands supreme!
From him I'll gain my fondest dream;
And while I strive through grief and pain,
His voice is heard: "Ye shall obtain."
I believe in Christ; so come what may,
With him I'll stand in that great day
When on this earth he comes again
To rule among the sons of men.
Bruce R. McConkie, Hymns no. 134
(12/21/97)
"As we approach this Christmas season our thoughts turn to the
lowly stable in Bethlehem where there was born on that sacred night of
long ago, 'The Prince of Peace' (Isaiah 9:6), the 'light of the world'
who promised: 'he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but
shall have the light of life' (John 8:12). In this season of celebration
of the Savior's life and mission, and as we reflect upon the events of
this historic Sesquicentennial year, may we carry forward that which was
established by our pioneer forebears as we turn about and face the
future, more fully committing ourselves to walk with faith in every
footstep. May we grasp the opportunities that are ours, living in order
that we might gain the peace and light so willingly offered to us by Him
who is our Savior. We bear witness of the life and divinity of Jesus
Christ, who is the Son of God, the Redeemer of mankind. We pray that you
will be blessed at this wonderful season and throughout the coming
year.—First Presidency's Christmas Message — 1997
(12/22/97)
"Let Joseph Smith's birth be as humble as it will, it cannot be
more lowly than that of Jesus Christ. The fortunes of the mother of the
Prophet were not more fallen than those of Mary, the mother of Jesus. A
log house in Sharon, Vermont, was not a more humble birthplace than a
stable in Bethlehem. The rude cradle of Joseph Smith, made by his
father's hands, though rough hewn, was at least equal to the ruder
manger of the stable at Bethlehem; and the occupation of husbandman,
which the father of Joseph followed, and in which the Prophet in boyhood
assisted him, is not more humble as an occupation than that of a
carpenter which the supposed father of Jesus followed, and in which
Jesus doubtless assisted him, before entering upon his public ministry.
Indeed, I may say that neither Joseph Smith nor any other prophet has
been permitted to start from a more lowly station in life than the Son
of God; for it is fitting that he who is to ascend above all things—all
heights, principalities and powers, should also descend below all
things, that he might in all things touch all points of human experience
so that whatever the experience of man might be, however lowly his
station, however distressing his misfortunes; however poor, forsaken,
desolate; however ridiculed, despised, hated, persecuted; however
tempted—looking down from his exalted throne at the right hand of God,
with his soul swelling with compassion, Jesus might say—'The Son of Man
hath descended below them all.'"—B. H. Roberts, New Witnesses for
God, Vol.1, p.204
(12/23/97)
"'Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth, good will toward
men!' How simple the words! How deep, how comprehensive their
significance! At Christmas we celebrate his birth in whose mission on
earth (1) God is glorified; (2) earth is promised peace; (3) all men
given the assurance of God's good will toward them!"—David O. McKay, Gospel
Ideals, p.36
(12/24/97)
"See, the idea of Christmas is to give us a glimpse of what the
world could be. In 'A Christmas Carol,' Scrooge gets a look. But the
point is that it should be Christmas every day."—Hugh Nibley, Teachings
of the Book of Mormon, p.460
(12/25/97)
"Christmas is a fitting time to renew our desires and to strengthen
our determination to do all that lies within our power to make real
among men the message heralded by the angels when the Savior was born.
Let us glorify God by seeking the good, the true, the beautiful! Let us
strive to establish peace on earth by exercising that same good will
toward one another which God has shown toward us!"—David O. McKay, Gospel
Ideals, p.36
(12/26/97)
"When Jesus lay in the manger, a helpless infant, he knew not that
he was the Son of God, and that formerly he created the earth. When the
edict of Herod was issued, he knew nothing of it; he had not the power
to save himself; and his father and mother had to take him and fly into
Egypt to preserve him from the effects of that edict. Well, he grew up
to manhood, and during this process it was revealed unto him who he was,
and for what purpose he was in the world. The glory and power he
possessed before he came into the world was made known unto
him."—President Lorenzo Snow, Conference Report, April 1901, p 3
(12/27/97)
"Yes, we still wish Christmas were more deeply felt and lasted
longer, but the visibly increased goodwill nevertheless reminds us, if
only briefly, of what could be everlastingly. For a few days, the first
and second commandments are more pondered and observed."—Elder Neal A.
Maxwell, The Christmas Scene, p. 2
(12/20/98)
"Our celebration of the Christmastide should be so ordered that
holy angels can approve and in spirit participate with us; then shall
our joys and festivities be acceptable to Him whose birth we honor." —
Christmas Pastoral Epistle, 20 December 1930, "Messages of the First
Presidency", p. 287
(12/21/98)
"Five years before the birth of Christ, Samuel the Lamanite stood
upon the walls of the city of Zarahemla and predicted the signs of the
birth and of the death of Jesus. He asserted that, at his birth, there
should be a day and a night and a day of continuous light as if it were
one day, and a new star should appear. Since Jesus Christ is the light
and the life of the world, no more appropriate sign or symbol of his
birth into mortality could have been given." — Milton R. Hunter,
"General Conference Reports", p. 50, 1 April 1961
(12/22/98)
"The birth of Christ our Lord was more than an incident, it was an
epoch in the history of the world to which prophets had looked forward,
of which poets had sung, and in which angels joined their voices with
mortals in praise to God. It was the day decreed and foreordained by our
Father who is in heaven when he would manifest himself to his children,
who are here upon earth, in the person of his Only Begotten Son." —
Heber J. Grant, "General Conference Reports", p. 13, April 1926
(12/23/98)
"Whether or not the 25th day of December is the proper date of the
birth of Christ, our Lord, matters little. We join with other Christian
people in celebrating it as such and if we observe it in the true spirit
of the Master, renewing the covenant which we have made that we are
willing to take upon us his name, and keep the commandments which he has
given, our offering will be accepted." — Heber J. Grant, "General
Conference Reports", p. 13, April 1926
(12/24/98)
"The mercy, the grace, the love, the condescension that is involved
in the fact of the birth of Christ into the world is something that is
beyond our comprehension. Yet it had to be, and it had to occur in the
very manner in which it did occur, so that there would be a Personage
here among men who on the one hand could lay down his life and on the
other hand could take it up again. He could lay it down because Mary was
his mother, and he could take it up again because God was his Father." —
Bruce R. McConkie, "BYU Speeches of the Year", 15 August 1967
(12/25/98)
Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never
thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of
water springing up into everlasting life. — (John 4:14)
"As the Savior offered living water to the woman of Samaria, likewise does He extend to us the salvation He alone can give. This incomparable blessing which we contemplate throughout the Christmas season is an offering of hope, a gift of peace, and a bestowal of love. It is our solemn witness that He lives! We reverence Him as the Savior of the world. We honor Him as the Prince of Peace. We testify that He is the Son of God, our Redeemer, our Advocate, and Friend. We invite people everywhere to drink deeply from the waters of life which He so freely imparts. May our lives reflect His example of kindness, love, and virtue."
First Presidency Christmas Message 1998
(12/23/00)
"With the birth of the babe in Bethlehem, there emerged a great
endowment, a power stronger than weapons, a wealth more lasting than the
coins of Caesar. This child was to be the King of Kings and Lord of
Lords, the Promised Messiah, even Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Born in
a stable, cradled in a manger, He came forth from heaven to live on
earth as mortal man and to establish the kingdom of God. During His
earthly ministry, He taught men the higher law. His glorious gospel
reshaped the thinking of the world. He blessed the sick. He caused the
lame to walk, the blind to see, the deaf to hear. He even raised the
dead to life." — Thomas S. Monson, "They Showed the Way," Ensign, May
1997, p. 52
(12/24/00)
"In each of us there is at Christmastime something of our childhood. We
all revel in the fun of Christmas—of giving and receiving tinseled
presents, of singing favorite carols, of feasting on goodies we never
miss at other seasons, of gathering together as family and friends, all
having a wonderful time. But there is something else, something better,
and that is to sit together as families and read again the fascinating
story of the birth of Jesus, who was born in Bethlehem of Judea. It is a
wondrous story told in language ever so simple and beautiful by the
writers of the Gospels of Matthew and Luke." — Gordon B. Hinckley, "To
Do Good Always," Ensign, Dec. 1994, p. 2
(12/25/00)
"Christmas gifts? There were none at that time. The Wise Men came later
with their offerings. But God now gave His gift to the world—that of His
Only Begotten Son. And this divine Son by His very birth on earth gave
Himself as the greatest Gift of all time. He would provide the plan for
our salvation. He would give His life that we might rise from the grave
and have a happy life in the eternities, forever. Who could give more?
What a gift this was! Think what it means to us! We can learn patience,
devotion, and faithfulness such as Mary had. And like her Son we can
follow the true gospel principles, being in the world but not of the
world." — Mark E. Petersen, "The Gifts of Christmas," New Era, Dec.
1983, p. 4
(12/26/00)
"I humbly pray that each and every one of us will realize just who we
are and what sacrifice Jesus made for us. And as we go on through life,
let us live each day so that we may be worthy of that great sacrifice
which he made. May we have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May
the full meaning of the spirit of Christmas go with us throughout the
year..." — N. Eldon Tanner, "Our Greatest Gift—To Be about Our Father’s
Business," Tambuli, Dec. 1980, p. 5
(12/16/01)
"The most important gift we received--although we may not have realized
it then--was a true understanding of the oft-repeated story about the
birth of our Lord and Savior. That knowledge and testimony has been the
basis for every Christmas observance I have participated in since my
youth. Through the years all of my own children and grandchildren who
can gather in their own little family groups, wherever they may be,
reenact the story of the Baby Jesus and emphasize the importance of this
event and its effect on the lives of all mankind." — N. Eldon Tanner,
"Christmas Remembrances of the First Presidency", "Friend," Dec. 1976,
p. 4
(12/17/01)
"Certainly Christ might have been born under circumstances so
overwhelming and miraculous that all who lived at the time of his birth
could not have questioned his supernatural origin. But he came more
quietly than that, a light that 'shineth in the darkness; and the
darkness comprehended it not.... But as many as received him, to them
gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on
his name.' (John 1:5, 11-12)" — Bruce C. Hafen, "Is Yours a Believing
Heart?", "Ensign," Sept. 1974, p. 55
(12/18/01)
"This is a glorious time of the year, simple in origin, deep in meaning,
beautiful in tradition and custom, rich in memories, and charitable in
spirit. It has an attraction to which our hearts are readily drawn. This
joyful season brings to each of us a measure of happiness that
corresponds to the degree in which we have turned our mind, feelings,
and actions to the spirit of Christmas." — Thomas S. Monson, "What Is
Christmas?", "Ensign," Dec. 1998, p. 2
(12/19/01)
"Even though events and circumstances in the world at times become
discouraging, our task, not alone in the Christmas season but always, is
to be of good cheer. The Lord so often counsels us to have cheerfulness
in our lives." — Spencer W. Kimball, "A Gift of Gratitude", "Tambuli,"
Dec. 1977, p. 2
(12/20/01)
"Our Savior teaches in many places in the scriptures the value of
giving. At this Christmas season it is interesting to contemplate that
for everyone who gives there must also be a receiver. Is the receiver
any less a Christian or any less Christlike because circumstances may
have put him in a position where he cannot give but must be prepared to
receive? Many others who do not need to receive will also have the
blessing of receiving. To give or to receive in a Christlike way demands
gratitude--gratitude for great blessings if a person be the giver and
gratitude to the giver if one is the receiver." — Vaughn J.
Featherstone, "To Give and to Receive", "New Era", Dec. 1975, p. 4
(12/21/01)
"I hope that each of us this Christmas season will be touched by the
feelings of others and give freely, without compulsion or expectation of
gain. I hope we experience the joy of sacrifice, of giving something of
ourselves. If we do so, we will learn this final lesson about
giving--that those gifts are truly great which are given simply for the
joy they bring to another heart." — Henry B. Eyring, "Giving with Joy",
"Ensign," Dec. 1982, p. 11
(12/22/01)
"Christmas is more than trees and twinkling lights, more than toys and
gifts and baubles of a hundred varieties. It is love. It is the love of
the Son of God for all mankind. It reaches out beyond our power to
comprehend. It is magnificent and beautiful." — Gordon B. Hinckley, "A
Season for Gratitude", "Ensign," Dec. 1997, p. 4
(12/23/01)
"The desire and the effort to give to the Lord, born of the surrender of
man to the plan of salvation, stamp every Christmas gift with genuine
value. They who identify themselves with the plan, who do not resist it,
who earnestly seek to tread the path of the plan, are true givers to the
Lord, and their gifts to men come with the flavor of heaven. The Lord
and his plan must have place in our Christmas celebration." — John A.
Widtsoe, "The Gifts of Christmas", "Ensign," Dec. 1972, p. 4
(12/24/01)
"I firmly believe that the only way to make Christmas real is to imitate
the Master. We need to form living links with people everywhere whose
loneliness needs brothering or sistering, whose hurts, physical and
emotional, need healing, whose poverty cries out for bread and
understanding. Jesus spent his life rescuing us all from ourselves.
Shouldn't we rescue others from loneliness and discouragement?" — Hugh
W. Pinnock, "Who Needs Christmas?", "New Era," Dec. 1987, p. 6
(12/25/01)
"We need the continuing faith to declare to the world that Jesus lives
today, that He is our Savior, our friend, the Son of God, and that His
church and kingdom are available to all today. God does live. Jesus is
one with the Father. It takes self-discipline not only to know but also
to declare these truths. With God's love and help all of these things
are possible, and they will bring peace and joy to each of us as we know
and understand the real meaning of Christmas. An attitude of 'come and
see' makes it possible for cherished memories and mountains to
overshadow losses and valleys in our quest for the joyous." — Marvin J.
Ashton, "Come and See", "New Era," Dec. 1989, p. 7
(12/21/03)
"Jesus was in very deed the great Jehovah of the Old Testament, who left
His Father's royal courts on high and condescended to come to earth as a
babe born in the most humble of circumstances. His birth was foretold
centuries earlier by Isaiah, who declared prophetically, "For unto us a
child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon
his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The
mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace" (Isa.
9:6). This Jesus Christ of whom we solemnly testify is,
as John the Revelator declared, "the faithful witness, and the first
begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth." He
"loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made
us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and
dominion for ever and ever" (Rev.
1:5-6)." - Gordon B. Hinckley, "A
Testimony of the Son of God," Ensign, December 2002
(12/22/03)
"We all enjoy giving and receiving presents. But there is a difference
between presents and gifts. The true gifts may be part of
ourselves-giving of the riches of the heart and mind-and therefore more
enduring and of far greater worth than presents bought at the store....
The message of this season that is applicable throughout the year lies
not in the receiving of earthly presents and treasures but in the
forsaking of selfishness and greed and in going forward, seeking and
enjoying the gifts of the Spirit, which Paul said are 'love, joy, peace,
longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance:
against such there is no law' (Gal.
5:22-23)." - James E. Faust, "A
Christmas with No Presents," Ensign, December 2001
(12/23/03)
"When all is said and done, when all of history is examined, when the
deepest depths of the human mind have been explored, nothing is so
wonderful, so majestic, so tremendous as this act of grace when the Son
of the Almighty, the Prince of His Father's royal household, He who had
once spoken as Jehovah, He who had condescended to come to earth as a
babe born in Bethlehem, gave His life in ignominy and pain so that all
of the sons and daughters of God of all generations of time, every one
of whom must die, might walk again and live eternally. He did for us
what none of us could do for ourselves." - Gordon B. Hinckley, "The
Wondrous and True Story of Christmas," Ensign, December 2000
(12/24/03)
"At the heart of the message of the Savior of the world is a single,
glorious, wonderful, still largely untried concept. In its simplest
terms the message is that we should seek to overcome the selfishness we
all seem to be born with, that we should overcome human nature and think
of others before self. We should think of God and serve Him, and think
of others and serve them." - James E. Faust, "A
Pattern of Love," Ensign, December 1999
(12/25/03)
At this sacred season, we reaffirm the reality of the birth of Jesus
Christ, the Son of God. We testify that He was the only perfect man ever
to walk the earth. He "went about doing good" (Acts
10:38) and beckons to all, "Come, follow me" (Luke
18:22). It is His holy influence that stirs mankind to acts of
mercy and kindness. He who has "borne our griefs, and carried our
sorrows" (Isaiah
53:4) inspires each of us to reach out with love to the poor, the
lonely, and the downtrodden. May Christmastime remind us that the Prince
of Peace, who stilled the tempest on the Sea of Galilee, has the power
to calm the storms in our personal lives. May His peace fill our hearts
and homes throughout the coming year as we strive to walk in His ways.
Sincerely yours, The First Presidency (from the LDS Church News, 6
December 2003)
(12/22/04)
"There is a season when tokens of affection and esteem are offered in
Christmas gifts. This is a pleasing and commendable custom, but the mere
present bestowed is not so much worth as is the loving look and kindly
words that should accompany them. Costly gifts beyond the means of the
giver are unwise, and wisdom and discretion should be exercised
concerning them. It is not prudent to vie with one another in rich and
costly presents involving liabilities difficult to meet, for, after all,
it is the loving remembrance and the spirit in which gifts are made that
commend them to the recipients, and it should be kept in mind that the
mere annual gift or birthday present will not fill the void that may
have been caused by careless neglect or thoughtless inattention during
the other parts of the year. The poor should be remembered particularly
at this festive season. No one should be left without the comforts of
life while we are rejoicing over the advent into the world of Him who
taught love and charity and peace to be extended even to our enemies.
The poor ought always to receive our aid and at Christmas time
especially they should be supplied with comforts suitable to the
occasion." - "Messages of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints," 6 vols. (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft,
1965-75), 4:96
(12/23/04)
"We honor His birth. But without His death that birth would have been
but one more birth. It was the redemption which He worked out in the
Garden of Gethsemane and upon the cross of Calvary which made His gift
immortal, universal, and everlasting. His was a great Atonement for the
sins of all mankind. He was the resurrection and the life, 'the
firstfruits of them that slept' (1
Cor. 15:20). Because of Him all men will be raised from the
grave.... We love Him. We honor Him. We thank Him. We worship Him. He
has done for each of us and for all mankind that which none other could
have done. God be thanked for the gift of His Beloved Son, our Savior,
the Redeemer of the world, the Lamb without blemish who was offered as a
sacrifice for all mankind." - Gordon B. Hinckley, "A
Season for Gratitude," Ensign, Dec. 1997, p. 4
(12/24/04)
"What a glad season this is when we remember the coming of the Christ
child. There are only a few lines of scripture that tell us of this
event, but their simple words carry with them 'the hopes and fears of
all the years' for people everywhere. ("O Little Town of Bethlehem,"
Hymns, 1985, no. 208.)" - Gordon B. Hinckley, "Do
Ye
Even So to Them," Ensign, Dec. 1991, p. 2
(12/26/04)
"We rejoice with you in this glorious season commemorating the birth of
our Savior, the Prince of Peace. As His servants, we testify that Jesus
Christ is the Son of the Almighty. He left His Father's royal courts on
high and condescended to come to earth as a babe born in the most humble
of circumstances. Angels announced His birth, bringing 'good tidings of
great joy' (Luke 2:10).
After His incomparable mortal ministry and Atonement, angels again
declared good tidings: 'He is not here, but is risen' (Luke
24:6).
"We testify that as we follow His divine example and teachings, our
lives will be blessed and we will find that peace that 'passeth all
understanding' (Philippians
4:7).
"May you and your loved ones experience the true joy of this special
season."
Sincerely,
The First Presidency
12/25/05
"At this glorious time of year, we bear witness of Jesus Christ, the Son
of God. He is indeed 'the way, the truth, and the life' (John 14:6). He
is our Exemplar, our Teacher, and our Redeemer.
"In this year commemorating the 200th anniversary of the birth of the Prophet Joseph Smith, we gratefully acknowledge the Prophet's unparalleled role as the great testifier of the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. As he boldly declared, 'And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives! For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father — That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God' (Doctrine and Covenants 76:22-24).
"God be thanked for the gift of His Beloved Son. We add our testimonies that He lives and guides His people today. May His peace be with you and your loved ones this Christmas season and throughout the coming year." - The First Presidency, Christmas 2005
12/1/07
In remembrance of the birth of
our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we express our heartfelt Christmas
greetings at this festive season of the year.
We rejoice in the Savior's loving invitation:
"Yea, verily I say unto you, if ye will come unto me ye shall have
eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and
whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who
come unto me" (3
Nephi 9:14).
Jesus Christ is the Savior and Redeemer. We
testify that He lives and that He loves our Heavenly Father's
children. It is our sincere prayer that this knowledge will be a
source of comfort and peace to one and all, and that each of us will
seek His invitation to come unto Him.
May the spirit of Christmas, which is the spirit
of Christ, bless and sustain each of us. - The First Presidency,
Christmas 2007
12/7/08
"And
so we approach the Christmas season when we think about the simple
life of the Master and how he came to the sinners, not to the
righteous. Let us remember that we are our brothers' keepers and that
we do have great problems, and that there are ways of reaching the
hearts of those that need us. Maybe I'm not the right one to do it,
but if I'm not the right one, somewhere there is someone who can touch
the lives of these men."
- Matthew Cowley, "Matthew Cowley Speaks," p.155
12/18/08
"At
this joyous Christmas season men and women of faith turn their thoughts
to our dear Savior who came forth from heaven to live on earth as a
mortal man and to establish the kingdom of God. His glorious gospel
reshaped the thinking of the world. He blessed the sick. He caused the
lame to walk, the blind to see, the deaf to hear. He even raised the
dead to life. To us He has said, 'Come,
follow me.'
"We testify of the living reality of Jesus Christ as the Savior of mankind. As we seek Christ and as we follow Him, we shall have the Christmas spirit, not for one fleeting day each year, but as a companion always." - The First Presidency
12/19/08
"I rejoice this Christmas season with my brethren and sisters that 'God
so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever
believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.'
(John 3:16.) And
under that inspiration he established his Church that mankind might have
peace through obedience to the gospel. There is no other way. Men
everywhere strive for peace, but as they attain it, they do so only to
the extent that they apply the principles of the gospel. The gospel of
Christ is the true philosophy of life; it is the science of living; and
its essence was heralded by the angels two thousand years ago." - David
O. McKay, "Man May Know
for Himself: Teachings of President David O. McKay,"
compiled by Clare Middlemiss, p.446
12/25/09
“Christmas
is a glorious time, simple in origin and deep in meaning. It is rich
in memories, charitable in spirit, and beautiful in tradition and
custom. It has an attraction to which our hearts are readily drawn.
“At this season of the year, we remember that our Heavenly Father gave us His Son, Jesus Christ. We also remember that His precious Son gave us His life, the Atonement, and victory over the grave.
“Therefore, let us give to our Lord and Savior the gift of gratitude by living His teachings and following in His footsteps. During His mortal ministry, He ‘went about doing good’ (Acts 10:38). As we do likewise, the Christmas spirit will fill our hearts.” – First Presidency Christmas Message, December 2009
12/21/11
No worry or anxiety over
the choosing and giving of gifts; no enjoyment of holiday feasts; no
decorations however modern or attractive; no social parties however
jovial, should ever overshadow the fact that Christmas is the
celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ who came to give life, light,
and peace to all mankind, and who marked the way by which these eternal
blessings may be obtained. Let us ever remember that ". . . God so loved
the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth
in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John
3:16.) - David O. McKay, "Man
May Know for Himself: Teachings of President David O. McKay," compiled
by Clare Middlemiss, p.434
12/22/11
At the Christmas
time we pay homage to the birth of Jesus Christ, Savior of the world.
Many, many thousands will, in one way or another, attempt to do him
honor and pay tribute to him. All over the land carols and anthems of
praise will be sung; sacred pageants will be performed; reverential
sermons will be preached; cities will be decorated and festivities
carried forward to honor the birth of Christ. What is even more
important than these material expressions of adoration is the almost
universal effort to bring something more of the traditional spirit of
the Savior into the hearts and minds of men, women, and children. As he
is acclaimed to be the Exemplar of giving, having given more than any
other for the welfare of mankind, so largely in his honor we give to
each other, not only presents as material manifestation of goodwill, and
which incidentally, owing in part to the stimulation of commercial
interests, has become something of a burden and a source of
embarrassment to some people; but more importantly, and I think more in
harmony with the true spirit of the occasion, there is a conscious
effort to generate within ourselves a more generous thinking about
others, and a deeper and more heartfelt concern for friends, neighbors,
and family. This is the aspect of Christmas I like best, and I think he,
whom we honor, likes it too. - Stephen
L Richards, "Where Is Wisdom?," p.25
12/18/12
On this Christmas I send my love to every missionary, every man or woman
in the military, every student, and every employee and traveler who
won’t “be home for Christmas,” as the carol says. Keep your faith. Look
for the good in your situation. Do something kind for someone. Seek
Christ devoid of wrapping and tinsel. You will find that despite
external circumstances, Christmas—like the kingdom of God—is “within
you” (Luke 17:21).
- Jeffrey R. Holland, "Christmas
Within You," Ensign December 2012
12/23/12
The Spirit of Christmas
creates in our hearts a desire to give joy to others and to serve
them. At this time of year we feel a spirit of giving and of
gratitude for what we have been given. The celebration of Christmas
helps us keep our promise to always remember the Savior and His
gifts to us and, in turn, to serve others.
Each act of kindness to anyone becomes a kindness to the Savior
because He loves all of Heavenly Father's children. And because that
brings joy to Him it also brings joy to His Father, to whom we owe
thanks beyond measure.
Jesus Christ taught us that there is a way to give an even more
priceless and lasting gift. He said: "I am the bread of life; he
that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me
shall never thirst" (John
6:35). With all the kindnesses we give for Him, the greatest
we can offer is to point those we love and serve toward Him, the
only source of Eternal Life.
We bear witness of the living reality of our Lord and Savior, Jesus
Christ. May the peace and joy that come through Him be present in
the lives and hearts of God's children throughout the world this
Christmas season.
The First Presidency
12/24/12
We celebrate
the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ at this season of the year. How
grateful we are that the baby Jesus was born. His birth and life and
death were the greatest of all. He died a propitiation for our sins to
open the way for our resurrection, to point the way to our perfection
of life, to show the way to exaltation. He died purposefully,
voluntarily. His birth was humble, his life was perfect, his example
was compelling; his death opened doors, and man was offered every good
gift and blessing. - Spencer W. Kimball, "Jesus
of Nazareth," Ensign December 1984
12/25/12
My brothers and
sisters, true love is a reflection of the Savior’s love. In December
of each year we call it the Christmas spirit. You can hear it. You can
see it. You can feel it. - Thomas S. Monson, "Christmas
Is Love," Ensign December 2012
12/7/14
As
we celebrate this Christmas season, our thoughts turn to
that sacred event long ago when the Prince of Peace and the
Light of the World was born (see Isaiah
9:6). Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer, who was
“wounded for our transgressions, ... and with his stripes we
are healed” (Isaiah
53:5). He promised: “He that followeth me shall not
walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John
8:12).
We sincerely pray this Christmastime that the light and
testimony of the Savior will come into our hearts, that our
lives will reflect His life and attributes, and that people
everywhere will accept the blessings of His mercy and grace
that are made possible through His atoning sacrifice.
May each of us be blessed during this joyous time of the
year, and may we acknowledge with gratitude our Heavenly
Father’s incomparable gift to us — His Son, the Lord Jesus
Christ.
The First Presidency
Thomas S. Monson
Henry B. Eyring
Dieter F. Uchtdorf
12/13/14
Why
is the story A Christmas Carol so popular? Why is it ever new? I
personally feel it is inspired of God. It brings out the best within
human nature. It gives hope. It motivates change. We can turn from
the paths which would lead us down and, with a song in our hearts,
follow a star and walk toward the light. - Thomas
S. Monson, “Now
is the Time,” Ensign (CR) October 2001
12/24/14
How
pleasant it is to dwell upon the scenes connected with
the first advent of Christ! How grand and sublime is
the contemplation of the momentous events that are at
our doors, presaging the glorious second coming of our
Savior. - Messages
of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints, 6 vols. (Salt Lake
City: Bookcraft, 1965-75), 4:31
12/25/14
If you desire to find the true
spirit of Christmas and partake of the sweetness of it, let me make
this suggestion to you. During the hurry of the festive occasion of
this Christmas season, find time to turn your heart to God. Perhaps
in the quiet hours, and in a quiet place, and on your knees--alone
or with loved ones--give thanks for the good things that have come
to you, and ask that his Spirit might dwell in you as you earnestly
strive to serve him and keep his commandments. He will take you by
the hand and his promises will be kept. - "The
Teachings of Howard W. Hunter," edited by Clyde J. Williams, p.271
12/18/15
Christmas
means the Christ child, the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes lying
in a manger while angels sang and wise men traveled far to bring
gifts. It is a beautiful and timeless story, and I hope that you
will read it again this season. - Gordon
B. Hinckley, December 14, 1960, "BYU Speeches of the Year," 1960,
p.3
12/20/15
Poor misguided
creatures are we if on Christmas day our voices do not mingle in
that heavenly chorus which, at his birth, shouted "Glory to God in
the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." Impoverished
are the souls of men who on Christmas day and all days do not
rejoice and give thanks for the birth, the life, and the atoning
sacrifices of the Son of God. Blind are the eyes which see but which
do not perceive the many evidences of his love for all mankind. Deaf
are the ears that hear but which do not admit to the consciousness
of man the words of life and salvation which have lived through the
centuries since Mary bent over her baby boy "wrapped in swaddling
clothes.” - “Glory to God in the
Highest,” Improvement Era, November 1944
12/24/15
Christmas
season with gifts of self, love, time, service, means, and the gift
of all. I pray with all my heart that every member of this kingdom
will feel the warmth of the Lord's loving arms, that every soul will
feel the protection of his love. I pray that we will be endowed with
his Spirit. Please God, bless all those who are heavy hearted and
despairing, those who have been abused or hurt, to feel the safety
of the gospel net. - Vaughn J.
Featherstone, "More Purity Give Me," p.170
12/25/15
We find the real joy of Christmas when we make the Savior the focus
of the season. We can keep Him in our thoughts and in our lives as
we go about the work He would have us perform here on earth. At this
time, particularly, let us follow His example as we love and serve
our fellowmen.
Christmas is the spirit of giving without a thought of getting. It
is happiness because we see joy in people. It is forgetting self and
finding time for others. It is peace because we have found peace in
the Savior’s teachings. It is the time we realize most deeply that
the more love is expended, the more there is of it for others.
As the Christmas season envelops us with all its glory, may we, as
did the Wise Men, seek a bright, particular star to guide us to our
Christmas opportunity in service to our fellowman. May we all make
the journey to Bethlehem in spirit, taking with us a tender, caring
heart as our gift to the Savior. And may one and all have a
joy-filled Christmas.
Thomas S. Monson
Henry B. Eyring
Dieter F. Ucthdorf
12/24/16
It was Christ who in the premortal state presented Himself to become the
Savior of men, saying, “Here am I, send me. And another answered and
said: Here am I, send me. And the Lord said: I will send the first” (Abr.
3:27). From that time forth it was proclaimed that the Son of Man
would come to earth to sacrifice Himself as an atonement for the sins of
all men (see Mosiah
3).
As
the day of His mortal birth approached, Nephi heard the voice saying,
“Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, … on the morrow
come I into the world” (3
Ne. 1:13).
Thus, on the next day in Bethlehem of Judea, a tiny babe lay in a manger while an attentive mother gloried in the presence of her newborn son, the Only Begotten of the Father in the flesh, a God come to earth. – F. Melvin Hammond, “Trying to Be Like Jesus,” Ensign (CR) May 1994
12/25/16
As we
celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ this Christmas, we think of that
sacred time when “The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of
Peace” (Isaiah
9:6)
came to earth as a newborn babe. Like the Wise Men, who sought the
Christ child and offered Him gifts, we too should seek Jesus and lay
before Him our most
precious gifts — a broken heart and a contrite spirit, our love, and our
willingness to take upon ourselves His name and walk the path of
discipleship.
“I
am the
light of the world,” the Savior declared during His mortal ministry, and
“he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the
light of life”
(John
8:12).
We follow Him as we remember Him always, emulate His example, and go
about doing good.
At
this
Christmas season, may our faith be strengthened as we follow Jesus
Christ.Truly, He is our Savior and Redeemer, who was “wounded for our
transgressions,
... and with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah
53:5).
We solemnly testify that He lives and that because of His love and
atoning sacrifice, He offers the gift of salvation to all of God’s
children.
Thomas
S.
Monson
Henry
B.
Eyring
Dieter F. Uchtdorf
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