Sparkling Christmas trees and lights adorned the Conference Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for the annual First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional on Sunday evening—ushering in the sacred season with holiday music and messages.
“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, and who has offered the blessings of salvation and exaltation to all mankind on the same conditions,” said President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor in the First Presidency, at the conclusion of the devotional.
During his remarks, President Oaks revisited the announcement of the Savior’s birth to three different groups—“the very humble, the very holy and the very wise”—and testified of the His command to love and serve God and one another.
“Christmas is a time to eliminate arrogance and provocation, to subdue criticism, to practice patience, and to de-emphasize differences among people,” he declared.
Other speakers during the devotional were Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Elder José A. Teixeira of the Presidency of the Seventy, and Young Women General President Bonnie H. Cordon.
Summaries of their messages are listed below:
- President Dallin H. Oaks: “Christmas is a time to “de-emphasize differences’”
- Elder Neil L. Andersen: “For the Righteous, Christmas Means All Will Be Well”
- Elder José A. Teixeira: “Christmas’s Greatest Gift”
- President Bonnie H. Cordon: “Let Earth Receive Her King”
You can watch the entire 2022 First Presidency Christmas devotional in the player below and read more about the devotional on Church News.
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