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The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has released a 2018 Christmas message:

"I hope it lightens their spirits and gives them some joy this Christmas season, because they've got a lot of pain going on right now," said Craig Mitton, president of Ben Lomond Landscape Maintenance, a local franchise of Christmas Decor, that put up the decorations in frigid temperatures on Wednesday.

A number of years ago I had a wonderful dream. In most of my dreams I am frantically trying to find a class at school and I can’t remember where it is, my books are in my locker, and I can’t remember my combination. Or I am moving in terribly slow motion, running from something or toward something and making no progress whatsoever. Do you have those sorts of dreams? I call them school nightmares. But this was a lovely dream. The kind sent to us by God, not drawn from our own subconscious fears and aspirations.

In Matthew we read of wise men of the East (see Matthew 2:1-12) who followed a star to bring gifts to the child Jesus. The Bible Dictionary explains that these were not scholars or astrologers but spiritually sensitive and knowledgeable "prophets on a divine errand." God led the prophet Lehi and his family to the Americas. Is it not possible that He led other faithful Israelites to other parts of the world? We have the sticks of Judah and Joseph, but we will one day have the sticks of other tribes as well. Wherever the wise men were and whatever tribe they were from, they, like Lehi and Nephi, knew of Christ and were looking forward to His coming.

Emma Sargeant and her husband, Heath, were asked the same question over and over again: “You’re in the prime of your life. Why are you adopting two adult children for a year?” The question is no doubt valid but, in their minds, there was no other option.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is growing across the earth. As this occurs, local Church leaders and members are encouraged to focus on gospel learning in their homes and to participate in Sabbath worship and the Church’s supporting programs for children, youth, individuals and families. The goal of every activity in the Church should be to increase faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and to share His gospel message throughout the world. Local celebrations of culture and history may be appropriate. Larger productions, such as pageants, are discouraged.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced Wednesday it will end four of its seven large, faith-promoting pageants and continue three of them.

Little Paxton, our grandson, was born with a very rare chromosomal deletion, a genetic disorder that distinguishes him, literally, as one in hundreds of millions. For our daughter and her husband, an uncharted, life-changing journey began when Paxton was born. This experience has become a crucible for learning special lessons tied to the eternities.

Throughout his service in the Church, President Nelson has taught through word and example how to build a strong marriage and appreciate your spouse. Here are a few of his teachings on the topic, excerpted from the new book Teachings of Russell M. Nelson.