For more summaries and quotes from the First Presidency's Christmas Devotional, click here.
In offering the concluding address at the annual First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional held in the Conference Center on Sunday, December 4, President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency, shared the wish of President Thomas S. Monson and of the First Presidency: “that you will have in this season and always the feelings of joy, love, and peace that the Savior promised to His faithful and submissive disciples.”
(Watch the President Eyring's full address.)
The Gifts of Peace
President Eyring focused his remarks on “The Gifts of Peace” and explained that the true spirit of Christmas is characterized by peace—“not political peace, for the Savior was born at a time of fear and unrest,” nor economic peace for He was born in a humble stable. Not even the peace that comes when all the wrapped packages are placed under the decorated tree, “for that peace is momentary,” he said.
“The peace of Christmas is ‘the peace of God, which passeth all understanding’ (Philippians 4:7). … That peace we seek is only through and because of Jesus Christ,” President Eyring declared.
He shared the words of the Savior, who said, “In the world ye shall have tribulation,” (John 16:33). Yet He also promised, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you” (John 14:27).
That promise of personal peace, President Eyring noted, was given on the night of the Savior’s birth as heavenly messengers declared, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace” (Luke 2:14).
Three Ways to Increase Peace
In this “blessed” season of the year—more than ever—individuals “seek peace through the Giver of all gifts,” President Eyring said. He then shared three ways individuals can increase the peace they experience this season, throughout the year, and throughout their lives.