Celebrating Christmas
I love this time of year! Today we celebrate Christmas, and I thought I’d share a quick post on what this holiday means to the millions of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints around the world.
At the core of Christmas for Latter-day Saints is the celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth. We believe that Jesus is the Son of God, the Savior of the world, and His coming to earth is a pivotal moment in human history. During this season, we focus on His life, teachings, and His divine mission. Nativity scenes, often simple and humble, adorn homes and church buildings, reminding us of the Savior’s modest beginning in Bethlehem. I’m especially fond of the nativity set that my wife and I purchased in Israel a few years back, hand-carved out of olivewood.
Christmas is a time for family. It’s an opportunity to strengthen bonds, share love, and create memories that will last generations. Gatherings are filled with laughter, carols, playing board games, watching the occasional holiday-themed movie (Elf, anyone?), and just being together. But it’s not just about family; it’s about the broader community too. We celebrate with neighbors, friends, and those who might be alone during the holidays, extending an invitation to share in our joy.
The scriptures come alive during this season with the New Testament narratives of Jesus’s birth, but also with the extended perspectives, prophecies, and testimonies from the Book of Mormon. These sacred texts paint a picture of the anticipated Messiah, His humble entry into the world, and the profound impact of His life, death, and resurrection.
On the last Sunday before Christmas Day, we tend to gather for special church services. These meetings are less about formalities and more about reflection, singing, and sharing testimonies of Christ. Additionally, the First Presidency of the Church always holds a Christmas devotional, inviting all to ponder on the life of Jesus and how we can emulate His love and service.
Perhaps one of the most beautiful aspects of Christmas in the LDS Church is the emphasis on service. Inspired by Christ’s life, members participate in initiatives like “Light the World,” where small acts of kindness are encouraged daily. From donating to food banks, volunteering at shelters, to simply visiting the lonely, the season becomes one of giving rather than receiving. Some of my strongest Christmas memories were of delivering cookies and sweet breads to local nursing homes and struggling families.
But we also embrace the cultural aspects of Christmas. Decorating Christmas trees, exchanging gifts, watching or participating in nativity plays, and enjoying holiday music are all part of the festivities. These traditions vary by family and region but are always imbued with the spirit of the season.
Christmas for Latter-day Saints is not just a day or a season; it’s a profound reminder of the love of God manifest in the Savior’s life. It’s a time to reflect, to serve, and to cherish the gift of family and community. As we gather around our tables, sing our carols, and enjoy time together with our extended families, we are reminded that, in the words of President Russell M. Nelson,
“Truly, that blessed night more than two millennia ago was a night made holy by the birth of One who was foreordained to bring peace to this earth and to inspire good will among men (Luke 2:14). Jesus Christ was born to bless all humankind, past, present, and future.”
May we all find joy in the true meaning of Christmas, in the humble birth of Jesus Christ, and in the hope and love He brings into our lives.
