In searching for material that would be appropriate for Christmas, I found President Dallin H. Oak’s remarks given at the First Presidency Devotional held on December 8, 2024. His message is particularly appropriate and fitting for this Christmas message.
Christmas reminds us to
think of one another…. The spirit of Christmas brings out the best in us.
The
warmth and light of Christmas is the Light of Christ. As we read in modern
scriptures, the Savior is “the true light that lighteth every man that cometh
into the world.” All who celebrate the birth of Christ—all who have what
we call the “Spirit of Christmas”—have a portion of that light.
Over
a billion people will celebrate the birth of Jesus
Christ during this Christmas season. The whole world should do so. Even in
worldly terms, Jesus of Nazareth is the most important person who ever lived.
He is the principal subject of prophets and poets for over 6,000 years. He is
the subject of the world’s greatest music and art. He is the greatest teacher
who ever lived. Most important, He is the Only Begotten Son of God the Eternal
Father. He is the God to whom every knee shall bow and every tongue confess
that He is our Creator and Redeemer, the Savior and God of this world.
“Peace,
goodwill toward men” is the message of Christmas. It is the dominant theme of
the poets and musicians who have given us the glorious music of Christmas….
From the time of our childhood, each of us has known that
Christmas is a time of gift-giving among families and friends. It is a time of
special kindness to those we love. But the spirit of Christmas giving should
extend beyond our circle of family and friends….
So, Christmas is a time to extend
ourselves beyond our normal ties of love and friendship. “Peace, goodwill
toward men” is not just a message for those for whom we already have feelings
of love and affection, such as fellow citizens of our Church or nation,
residents of our hometown or neighborhood, or people of common culture. The
heavenly hosts proclaimed goodwill to all men—to casual friends, to strangers, even to
enemies. Christmas is a time to remember that we are all children of a Father
in Heaven, who gave His Only Begotten Son that all would be redeemed from
death. Our Father in Heaven has also offered the blessings of salvation and
exaltation to all mankind on the same conditions: faith in the Lord, Jesus
Christ; repentance; baptism; and compliance with the laws and ordinances of the
gospel.
The Spirit of
Christmas encourages us to use this season to step across barriers and promote
understanding and love with people of all races, creeds, and national origins….
We should teach
our children to be kind and considerate of everyone….
The spirit with
which we should receive the message of “peace, goodwill toward men” is the
spirit of giving ourselves in service to others. Just as Christmas celebrates
the birth of Him who gave His life for all of us, so each of us should use
Christmas as a time for improving the ways we give to our fellow men.
As we do so—as the
giving spirit of Christmas permeates our thoughts and our actions—we will each
be making our own contribution to the eternal goal of “peace on earth, goodwill
toward men.” …
You can watch the entire First Presidency Devotional here.
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