Thousands of guests filled the Conference Center on Dec. 8 to hear the words of the prophet and other Church leaders during the annual Christmas Devotional, formerly known as the First Presidency Christmas Devotional. Although the name and program for the annual event has changed slightly, the messages of Christmas from Church leaders and music performed by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square remained the same. The speakers this year included President Thomas S. Monson, Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Presidency of the Seventy and Sister Rosemary M. Wixom, Primary general president.
President Monson greeted guests and spoke of the joy it was for him to be gathered with others to celebrate, through word and song, the birth of the Savior and Redeemer — even Jesus Christ, the Lord.