When BYU made changes to the Honor Code in February 2020, some people took it to mean that the school—and the Church—were loosening their standards to better reflect the whatever-feels-good-to-me-should-be-OK mentality that is so prevalent today. But that is not the case. The principles and doctrines of the gospel are not changing. BYU’s Honor Code was updated in coordination with the updated Church Handbook. BYU stated,

With the recently released general handbook of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Church Educational System has updated the CES Honor Code to be in alignment with the doctrine and policies of the Church. …

 

The updated Honor Code continues to be a principle-based code that reflects the moral standards of the Church. It allows each campus to support and guide its students on an individual basis according to the principles outlined in the Honor Code.

So what, exactly, is the message that The Church of Jesus Christ is trying to send? It’s simple. It’s time for Latter-day Saints—especially the youth—to take personal revelation to the next level. The prophet is encouraging us to live a higher law focused more on the spirit rather than the letter. Let me explain.

Personal Revelation

The prophet and apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ have been emphasizing the importance of each member learning how to receive his or her own personal revelation. President Russell M. Nelson taught,

… In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.

Why would this be? President Nelson explained,

We live in a world that is complex and increasingly contentious. The constant availability of social media and a 24-hour news cycle bombard us with relentless messages. If we are to have any hope of sifting through the myriad of voices and the philosophies of men that attack truth, we must learn to receive revelation.

With the onslaught of opinions, information, and misinformation, personal revelation is the only way to truly be able to sift through the myriad of voices. So, what is personal revelation? It is the way that God speaks to each one of us individually. Elder Robert D. Hales said,

Personal revelation is the way we know for ourselves the most important truths of our existence: the living reality of God, our Eternal Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ; the truthfulness of the restored gospel; and God’s purpose and direction for us.

God will speak to each one of us through the power of the Holy Ghost, but the way in which the Holy Ghost speaks to each person will be different. So not only is it important to understand what revelation is, we must also learn how to receive it. And although the Holy Ghost will speak to us in different ways, there are commonalities in the way we must approach this process.

The Boundaries of the Gospel

It is important for us to put ourselves in a position to receive personal revelation. And this begins with keeping the commandments. In each law of the gospel there is the letter and the spirit. The spirit of the law is a higher way of following it. At the time of the Savior, many Jews were fixated on the cold scrutiny of the law that didn’t leave room for the spiritual aspect of it. They looked to their religious leaders to tell them exact steps for following the law. But that was never the intent. The Law of Moses was implemented to help them prepare spiritually for the higher law, which built upon the lesser law. Elder James E. Faust said,

Jesus introduced a higher and more difficult standard of human conduct. It is simpler as well as more difficult because it focuses on internal rather than external requirements: … Love your neighbor as yourself. When smitten, turn the other cheek. … Forgive, not just once but seventy times seven. This was the essence of the new gospel. There was more emphasis on do than do not. 

The Jews were so focused on the boundaries of the gospel that they couldn’t see the reason behind it, which was to bring them closer to God and becoming like the Savior. We make the same mistake when we seek for everything to be spelled out for us. Elder Boyd K. Packer explained,

… It is a mistake to assume that anything not specifically prohibited in the “letter of the law” is somehow approved of the Lord. All the Lord approves is not detailed in the scriptures, neither is all that is forbidden. The Word of Wisdom, for instance, makes no specific warning against taking arsenic. Surely we don’t need a revelation to tell us that!

The Whys of the Gospel

What is the purpose of the gospel of Jesus Christ? It is the same today as it was in the ancient church that Jesus Christ established when He was on the earth. Elder D. Todd Christofferson said,

The ancient purpose remains: that is, to preach the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ and administer the ordinances of salvation—in other words, to bring people to Christ. …

 

It is important to recognize that God’s ultimate purpose is our progress. His desire is that we continue “from grace to grace, until [we receive] a fulness” of all He can give. That requires more than simply being nice or feeling spiritual. It requires faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism of water and of the Spirit, and enduring in faith to the end.

But the requirement is more than just learning. It is becoming. President Dallin H. Oaks explained,

The Apostle Paul taught that the Lord’s teachings and teachers were given that we may all attain “the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13). This process requires far more than acquiring knowledge. It is not even enough for us to be convinced of the gospel; we must act and think so that we are converted by it. In contrast to the institutions of the world, which teach us to know something, the gospel of Jesus Christ challenges us to become something. …

 

It is not enough for anyone just to go through the motions. The commandments, ordinances, and covenants of the gospel are not a list of deposits required to be made in some heavenly account. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a plan that shows us how to become what our Heavenly Father desires us to become.

The Whys of the Honor Code

In a similar manner, the Honor Code challenges BYU students to become more than they were before by choosing to live by a higher standard. Cecil O. Samuelson, at the time president of BYU, said,

All of us are beset with ideas, temptations, and distractions that have the potential to lead us to places we do not wish to go and to consequences we would not choose. The Word of Wisdom was given “in consequence of evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men [and women] in the last days [our days]” (Doctrine & Covenants 89:4). It is my judgment that this is also a major reason for the development of the Honor Code at Brigham Young University. 

College life is often associated with drinking, parties, premarital sex and illicit drug use—which can lead to poor performance in studies, among other issues. But campus life is different at BYU. Samuelson continued,

Included in the many blessings that a BYU education and experience may provide is the opportunity to understand and reflect carefully on what things in life are most important to us. This occurs in an environment where sacred things are held sacred and where we are committed to helping each other understand and apply eternal truths as we strive and grow in the quest for academic and scholarly excellence.

 

In addition, like the Word of Wisdom, the Honor Code is not primarily a law of health or blind conformity. It is a principle of obedience. It is an outward manifestation of our inner appreciation for and understanding of the privilege of being at BYU.

The BYU experience is unique. And acceptance into it is a privilege that should not be taken lightly.

The BYU Experience

What makes the BYU experience so unique? A combination of factors. Students receive a top-notch education in a spiritually rich environment with others who not only share the same faith in God but also commit to live the standards of the Honor Code. And because BYU is subsidized by tithing funds from The Church of Jesus Christ, the students benefit from the faithful sacrifice of church members. That is a powerful combination that creates a different feeling for the campus and a unique environment for students. Speaking to an audience of BYU students, President Gordon B. Hinckley said,

Every one of you who is enrolled in this great institution and everyone who is a member of its faculty or its staff is part of a family unique and unusual. You are, in a very real sense, a chosen people. You have been selected through a rigorous process and found to be deserving of what this institution has to offer. That offering includes the opportunity for a first-class education for the students and a wonderful teaching environment and challenge for the faculty.

 

Much has been given; much is expected; and I am grateful to be able to say that the response on the part of most of the faculty and students is overwhelmingly in full and complete accord with the principles of the Honor Code, as well as the Dress and Grooming Standards. …

 

I am sorry that we cannot accommodate all who wish to come here. But I am grateful that the university is so successful in accomplishing its twin objectives—of imparting first-class secular education combined with the teaching and advocacy of the gospel of Jesus Christ—that many more than we can possibly accommodate wish to come and drink at these waters.

BYU and Tithing Funds

The use of tithing funds in the operations of Brigham Young University is a source of faith and spiritual power for the campus that can’t be overlooked. Members of the Church pay 10% of their annual increase as tithing. That money is used by the Church for specific purposes, including educational institutions. Why is this? President Hinckley taught,

… We do have tremendous assets when the value of all Church buildings and facilities is included. But these assets are not income producing. They are consumers. They consist of thousands of meetinghouses across the world, many temples, seminaries and institutes, and, of course, Brigham Young University. They have cost millions in investments, and they produce scarcely anything in the way of a direct dollar return on those investments. There is only one reason for their existence, and that is to serve the needs of people as sons and daughters of God who have a peculiar and important relationship with him.

Tithing is a sacrifice unto the Lord to fulfill His purposes. And BYU students are the beneficiaries of this sacrifice. President Hinckley explained,

Most of the wonderful, faithful Latter-day Saints who pay their tithing are men and women of modest means. They not only pay their tithing, but they also make many other contributions for the strengthening of this work. …

 

My dear young friends, we—you and I—are trustees of that which has been given to the Lord by [church members] … whose devotion is as great [as the widow and her mite] and whose sacrifice is as certain. This beautiful campus, with its many programs, is a consumer of a very substantial portion of the widow’s contribution. She gives her offering to the Lord, and she is then released from responsibility. The responsibility then becomes mine—and yours!

A Community of Saints—and BYU Cougars

Members of the BYU Wind Symphony went on tour in Australia and not only performed concerts but also went to work doing service, including clearing overgrown weeds and plants from footpaths.

The shared sacrifice and working together to accomplish the work of the Lord creates a community of Saints. Elder Christofferson said,

… A major reason the Lord has a church is to create a community of Saints that will sustain one another in the “strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life.” …

 

We are told that the ancient Church “did meet together oft, to fast and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare of their souls” “and to hear the word of the Lord.” So it is in the Church today. Joined in faith, we teach and edify one another and strive to approach the full measure of discipleship, “the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.” We strive to help one another come to “the knowledge of the Son of God.”

Although the community is one in purpose, we are still all people. And people make mistakes. Elder Christofferson taught,

In the Church we not only learn divine doctrine; we also experience its application. As the body of Christ, the members of the Church minister to one another in the reality of day-to-day life. All of us are imperfect; we may offend and be offended. We often test one another with our personal idiosyncrasies. In the body of Christ, we have to go beyond concepts and exalted words and have a real “hands-on” experience as we learn to “live together in love.”

Learning to “live together in love” creates a community of Saints—and a community of Cougars at BYU. This community is enhanced when all are striving for the same goals of honoring their commitments to follow the Honor Code.

The Honor Code and Personal Revelation

So how does this relate to personal revelation? President Hinckley said,

[The Honor Code] is not an inflexible law written in tablets of stone. It is a code of conduct. It is a statement of principles. It is a guide and a reminder concerning expected deportment. It is no more than might be expected of any good Christian, and no less than might be required of one who comes to this great institution sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The code is a guide, not a rigid set of rules. It does not address every specific issue. It is a table of standards, set forth clearly enough that there can be no question concerning what is expected and yet flexible enough to allow some freedom in application.

The Honor Code and the Church Handbook are tools to help those who have made commitments to keep their commitments. The Honor Code, especially, is a reminder of those commitments and how we can grow closer to Christ. President Hinckley explained,

Every one of us who is here has accepted a sacred and compelling trust. With that trust, there must be accountability. That trust involves standards of behavior as well as standards of academic excellence. For each of us it carries with it a larger interest than our own interest. It carries with it the interest of the university, and the interest of the Church, which must be the interest of each and all of us. 

Keeping the commitment to the Honor Code helps students open the path to personal revelation. And when we are open to personal revelation and the gifts of the spirit, we don’t need to have every detail spelled out for us. Because, as the Prophet Joseph Smith once said, 

I teach them correct principles, and they govern themselves.

But this year, our family’s Light the World effort will be a little different, as will our Christmas celebration. Because this year our oldest son is serving a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ. My child, one of the precious lights of my life, is out in the world sharing his light, serving the Lord and teaching others of Him. For me, this adds a deeper meaning to the Light the World One by One initiative and theme. It also helps me see the Christmas story and those who lived it in a different light. Let me explain.

Jesus the Christ

Christmas is about the Savior’s birth. But He wasn’t just any baby. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland testified,

Jesus Christ is the literal, living Son of our literal, living God … who, under the guidance of the Father, was the Creator of heaven and earth and all things that in them are. 

President Thomas S. Monson taught,

… His birth was foretold by the prophets of old; His entry upon the stage of life was announced by an angel. His life and His ministry have transformed the world.

 

With the birth of the babe in Bethlehem, there emerged a great endowment, a power stronger than weapons, a wealth more lasting than the coins of Caesar. This child was to be the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Promised Messiah, even Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Born in a stable, cradled in a manger, He came forth from heaven to live on earth as mortal man and to establish the kingdom of God. During His earthly ministry, He taught men the higher law. His glorious gospel reshaped the thinking of the world. He blessed the sick. He caused the lame to walk, the blind to see, the deaf to hear. He even raised the dead to life.

Elder Holland continued,

… He was born of a virgin mother. … He had power over death because He was divine but … He willingly subjected Himself to death for our sake because for a period of time He was also mortal. … In His willing submission to death He took upon Himself the sins of the world, paying an infinite price for every sorrow and sickness, every heartache and unhappiness from Adam to the end of the world. In doing so He conquered both the grave physically and hell spiritually and set the human family free.

Mary, the Mother of Jesus

Jesus was not just any child—He was the literal Son of God. Thus, He could not have just any mother. Before I had children, I didn’t fully understand the faith and courage Mary showed when she was told she would bear a son. Our first Christmas with our newborn son nearly two decades ago, I gained a greater appreciation for her answer, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38). Gaye Strathearn, associate professor of ancient scripture at Brigham Young University, wrote,

Mary’s … response … epitomizes, in my mind, the commitment and outlook of a disciple…. “Handmaid” indicates that Mary has chosen to accept the call that God has extended to her. This statement is Mary’s version of what her Son will say in Gethsemane, “not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42). While it seems clear that at this point in her journey, she cannot possibly understand all that will be required of her…nevertheless, Mary chooses to move forward with faith. 

The magnitude of the responsibilities of motherhood has weighed heavily on me through the years. I can only imagine how much greater the weight of those responsibilities would be for Mary. Latter-day Saint scholar Robert J. Matthews taught,

When we consider the strong influence that a mother has on the personality and attitude of a young child in the home, we sense the responsibility that our Heavenly Father gave Mary by entrusting her with the rearing of his chosen and Beloved Son. … Mary would not have been worthy to bear the Son of God and give him a body of flesh and blood unless she was clean and pure.…

 

We do not worship Mary, but we do regard her very highly. She … is an example to all mothers.

Joseph of Nazareth

Jesus Christ is the literal Son of God, and Mary is his mortal mother. But Joseph, to whom Mary was espoused at the time of the Savior’s birth, also plays an essential role in His life. I have gained a greater appreciation for Joseph as I have watched how important my husband is in the lives of our children. Matthews explained,

What kind of a person would the Father select as the husband of Mary and the guardian and earthly model for Jesus? The scriptures are not entirely silent, although direct references are few. Because the father is to teach correct principles by precept and example and be a counselor, we must conclude that our Heavenly Father made careful selection in his choice of Joseph. That Joseph was spiritually sensitive and of a kindly disposition is reflected in the scriptural record. He was susceptible to divine guidance through the ministrations of angels and by dreams (see Matthew 1:20; Matthew 2:13, 19, 23); he wished not to bring embarrassment upon Mary nor to “make her a publick example” (Matthew 1:19). In addition, we would expect to find in Joseph certain moral, intellectual, and social qualities befitting his important assignment.

 

Mary and Joseph were careful to observe all the commandments that had been given them.

Although the Christmas story is not about Mary and Joseph, they have a significant role. Mary was the chosen vessel through which Jesus was born into mortality. Joseph was entrusted with the sacred responsibility of watching over Mary and helping her raise the Son of God.  They provided righteous guidance and love to the boy Jesus so that He could fulfill His mission and ministry and Light the World.

The Light of the World

Jesus Christ is, truly, the light of the world. President Dallin H. Oaks explained,

Jesus Christ is the light and life of the world because all things were made by him. … Jesus Christ is the light of the world because he is the source of the light that quickens our understanding, because his teachings and his example illuminate our path, and because his power persuades us to do good.

This light is available to all who follow Him. Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf said,

… He who humbly follows Jesus Christ will experience and share in His light. And that light will grow until it eventually dispels even the most profound darkness.

 

… There is a power, a strong influence, that emanates from the Savior. It proceeds “forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space.” Because this power enlightens, uplifts, and illuminates our lives, the scriptures often call it light, but it is also referred to as spirit and truth.

The scriptures teach,

The word of the Lord is truth, and whatsoever is truth is light, and whatsoever is light is Spirit, even the Spirit of Jesus Christ (Doctrine & Covenants 84:45).

Each of us is born with the light of Christ. Elder Uchtdorf continued,

This profound insight—that light is spirit, which is truth, and that this light shines upon every soul who comes into the world—is as important as it is hopeful. The Light of Christ enlightens and saturates the souls of all who hearken to the voice of the Spirit.

 

The Light of Christ fills the universe.

 

It fills the earth.

 

And it can fill every heart.

It is no wonder that light is a symbol of the Christmas season.

An Example of the Believers

As we are saturated with the light of Christ, it not only shines in us but it also shines through us. President Thomas S. Monson said,

Recently, as I have been reading and pondering the scriptures, two passages in particular have stayed with me. Both are familiar to us. The first is from the Sermon on the Mount: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” The second scripture is one which came to my mind as I pondered the meaning of the first. It is from the Apostle Paul’s Epistle to Timothy: “Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”

 

I believe the second scripture explains, in great part, how we can accomplish the first. We become examples of the believers by living the gospel of Jesus Christ in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, and in purity. As we do so, our lights will shine for others to see.

 

Each of us came to earth having been given the Light of Christ. As we follow the example of the Savior and live as He lived and as He taught, that light will burn within us and will light the way for others.

This is the focus of the Light the World campaign. And it is the focus of missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ. Missionaries seek to not only radiate Christ’s light, but also to share it with others and show them the way to Him.

The Light of a Missionary

When my son decided to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ, he did so because he loves the Lord and wanted to serve Him. Before he made the decision, he made sure he was only going for the right reasons. He had studied and prepared and was ready to go. And he is not alone in that. Bishop Richard G. Edgely said,

… Behind each missionary is a private story of years of personal commitment, preparation, personal sacrifice, and examples of love for the Savior. …

 

A missionary’s life is not an easy one. After preparing through childhood and teen years by studying the scriptures, preparing financially, and maintaining personal worthiness (including sexual purity and abstinence from tobacco, alcohol, and drugs), missionaries enter one of several missionary training centers scattered throughout the world. This is the only formal training they will receive—three weeks if they are called to serve in a country of their native language, or two months if they must learn a foreign language. Their day in the mission field is demanding. It begins every morning at 6:30 A.M. with two hours of study, a dozen hours of hard and often discouraging work, continuing until bedtime—about 10:00 P.M. Their work consists mostly of proselyting and teaching but also includes a generous amount of time for voluntary community service. …

 

Our missionaries do not view it as a sacrifice. They view it as an opportunity to manifest their love to the Savior…. I see it as truly one of the distinguishing characteristics of true Christianity. I see these young missionaries as true Christian servants exemplifying the highest Christian principles by testifying of and serving our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

They truly reflect the light and love of the Savior in their service.

Reflecting the Light of the Savior at Christmas

So how can we reflect the light and love of the Savior—especially at Christmastime? Elder Gary E. Stevenson suggested,

I invite each of us to choose to do something that expresses, in an outward way, our inward feelings about the Savior Jesus Christ as the gift we give Him this year.

The Light the World campaign helps us to do that. To find ways to reach out to others, to serve one by one as the Savior would if He were here. President Monson said,

There is no better time than now, this very Christmas season, for all of us to rededicate ourselves to the principles taught by Jesus the Christ. It is the time to love the Lord, our God, with all our heart—and our neighbors as ourselves. It is well to remember that he who gives money gives much; he who gives time gives more; but he who gives of himself gives all.

 

Let us make Christmas real. It isn’t just tinsel and ribbon, unless we have made it so in our lives. Christmas is the spirit of giving without a thought of getting. It is happiness because we see joy in people. It is forgetting self and finding time for others. It is discarding the meaningless and stressing the true values. It is peace because we have found peace in the Savior’s teachings. It is the time we realize most deeply that the more love is expended, the more there is of it for others.

As we spread the joy and light of the Christmas season by serving others one person at a time, we can grow closer to Him who is the source of all light. And help others do the same. 

Click here to read more about the Light the World initiative.

Light the World presents marvelous opportunities to invite friends and neighbors to church and to your homes to learn with you about the Savior. In whatever ways seem natural and normal to you, share with people why Jesus Christ and His Church are important to you.

But this campaign is not limited to members of The Church of Jesus Christ. It’s for everybody. Elder Uchtdorf said,

Christmas and some of the cherished traditions of the season remind us that we, like the Wise Men of old, should seek the Christ and lay before Him the most precious of gifts: a broken heart and a contrite spirit. We should offer Him our love. We should give Him our willingness to take upon ourselves His name and walk in the path of discipleship. We should promise to remember Him always, to emulate His example, and to go about doing good.

The initiative will include daily service prompts, giving machines and a special Sunday service on Dec. 22. 

Daily Service Prompts

Participants can sign up to receive daily service prompts either via text or email that will begin on Sunday, Dec. 1. Tom Pratt of the Church’s Missionary Department said,

These prompts are to help you focus not on how can I help, but who can I help. Of course, people can always seek inspiration for the best way to reach out to an individual.

The service can be as simple as sending a text to someone to say hello, playing a game with a child or young person or making a donation to a charity. President Dallin H. Oaks taught,

Our Savior gave Himself in unselfish service. He taught that each of us should follow Him by denying ourselves of selfish interests in order to serve others. 

Connecting with others is very important, especially in today’s world. Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson said,

We live in a culture where more and more we are focused on the small, little screen in our hands than we are on the people around us. We have substituted texting and tweeting for actually looking someone in the eye and smiling or, even rarer, having a face-to-face conversation. We are often more concerned with how many followers and likes we have than with putting an arm around a friend and showing love, concern, and tangible interest. As amazing as modern technology can be for spreading the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ and helping us stay connected to family and friends, if we are not vigilant in how we use our personal devices, we too can begin to turn inward and forget that the essence of living the gospel is service.

But we can use the technology to help us reach out to others. To sign up for daily service prompts, click here.

Giving Machines

The Church of Jesus Christ is bringing back its popular giving machines this Christmas season through which people can donate to global charities—such as UNICEF, Church World Service, WaterAid, Water For People and International Medical Corps. The machines will be in 10 locations this year—double the number of locations from last year. For locations, click here. 

Although Giving Machines offer a convenient way to donate, they are not the only way. Many organizations also have ways to donate money online. During the Christmas season, many organizations collect donations of food and new toys for people in need. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ can also donate fast offerings or to the general humanitarian fund. Fast offerings are monetary donations made by Latter-day Saints. They fast for two meals on Fast Sunday (which is usually the first Sunday of the month) and then donate the money they would have spent on food. President Russell M. Nelson said,

The Church’s humanitarian outreach was launched in 1984. Then a Churchwide fast was held to raise funds to assist those afflicted by a devastating drought in eastern Africa. Church members donated $6.4 million on that single fast day.

 

Then-Elder M. Russell Ballard and Brother Glenn L. Pace were dispatched to Ethiopia to assess how those consecrated funds could best be used. This effort proved to be the beginning of what would later be known as Latter-day Saint Charities.

 

Since that time, Latter-day Saint Charities has provided more than two billion dollars in aid to assist those in need throughout the world. This assistance is offered to recipients regardless of their church affiliation, nationality, race, sexual orientation, gender, or political persuasion.

Special Sunday Christmas Service

Latter-day Saint congregations around the globe will hold special Christmas worship services on Sunday, Dec. 22. Each congregation will hold a one-hour, Christ-centered meeting in celebration of the birth of the Savior. Donations are never requested during worship services. Rather, the meetings focus on the Savior. Who is the reason for the Christmas celebrations. President Gordon B. Hinckley said,

What a glorious season is this time of Christmas. Hearts are softened. Voices are raised in worship. Kindness and mercy are reenthroned as elements in our lives. …

 

For each of you may this be a merry Christmas. But more importantly, I wish for each of you a time, perhaps only an hour, spent in silent meditation and quiet reflection on the wonder and the majesty of this, the Son of God. Our joy at this season is because He came into the world. The peace that comes from Him, His infinite love which each of us may feel, and an overwhelming sense of gratitude for that which He freely gave us at so great a cost to Himself—these are of the true essence of Christmas.

President Thomas S. Monson said,

The Christmas season will soon be upon us.

 

Inevitably, the spirit of Christmas inspires kind deeds, touches human hearts, and prompts one’s mind to reach back to that humble stable in faraway Bethlehem, to a time when the prophecies of the prophets, both in that area and here on the American continent, became a living reality. Christ the Lord was born.

To find locations and schedules for these meetings, click here.

Light the World

This initiative is a way for each one of us to share the spirit of Christmas and the joy of the season. As President Monson said,

… When we keep the spirit of Christmas, we keep the Spirit of Christ, for the Christmas spirit is the Christ Spirit. It will block out all the distractions around us which can diminish Christmas and swallow up its true meaning.

 

There is no better time than now, this very Christmas season, for all of us to rededicate ourselves to the principles taught by Jesus Christ.

As we rededicate ourselves to following the example that the Savior set, we can help extend the spirit of the season. President Monson said,

The spirit of Christmas is something I hope all of us would have within our hearts and within our lives, not only at this particular season but also throughout the years.

For more information on the Light the World campaign, visit www.LightTheWorld.org. There you can find shareable Christmas videos and images and other resources. 

Some might wonder what all the fuss is about. What’s so important about a name? And what’s the big deal with all of these changes? What do they mean, anyway? While we live in a time and a culture that mocks the sacred, celebrates the profane and wonders what ancient teachings would ask people to exercise self-control over their bodies, the Lord is asking more of His people. Elder Ronald A. Rasband said,

Throughout our life, Sister Rasband and I have traveled the world on various Church and professional assignments. … Everywhere we have gone, we have witnessed the hand of the Lord going before His servants, preparing the people and the way ahead so that all His children might be blessed according to their every need.

The goal of all of the changes is to allow Latter-day Saints to step up and serve each other and the Lord in a higher, holier way as well as strengthen their relationship with Him.

Programs and Principles

The programs of the gospel of Jesus Christ evolve and change according to the needs of His Church. The principles of the gospel, however, remain the same. Elder Glen L. Pace said,

As great as the various programs of the Church are, they carry with them a potential danger. If we are not careful, it is possible to get so wrapped up in the plan that we forget the principles. We can fall into the trap of mistaking traditions for principles and confusing programs with their objectives. …

 

Programs blindly followed bring us to a discipline of doing good, but principles properly understood and practiced bring us to a disposition to do good.

The purpose of the programs and teachings of the Church is to help us cultivate a disposition to do good. President Russell M. Nelson said,

A hallmark of the Lord’s true and living Church will always be an organized, directed effort to minister to individual children of God and their families. Because it is His Church, we as His servants will minister to the one, just as He did. We will minister in His name, with His power and authority, and with His loving-kindness.

The new programs will help to accomplish this goal by streamlining the process and unifying the efforts of Church members. Let me explain.

Local Church Organization

To more fully comprehend these changes, it’s important to understand the organization of a local congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ. Women who are 18 years of age and older are part of the women’s organization called the Relief Society. They meet together, except for those who are called to serve in the Primary (or children’s organization) and Young Women’s programs.

Men were organized according to the office of the priesthood that they hold. The priesthood is the power and authority to act in the name of God for the salvation of mankind. It is separated into the Aaronic (or lesser) priesthood and the Melchizedek (or higher) priesthood. There are different offices in both the Aaronic and Melchizedek priesthoods. Most men over the age of 18 have been ordained to the Melchizedek priesthood as either an elder or a high priest. Thus, the men were separated into either elders quorums or high priest quorums. Each quorum functioned separately and had different administrative duties. (See here for more information on priesthood quorums and organization.)

One of the changes announced in the April 2018 General Conference was a unification of the elders and high priests quorums in each ward into one elders quorum. President Nelson said,

This adjustment will greatly enhance the capacity and the ability of men who bear the priesthood to serve others. …

 

These modifications have been under study for many months. We have felt a pressing need to improve the way we care for our members and report our contacts with them. To do that better, we need to strengthen our priesthood quorums to give greater direction to the ministering of love and support that the Lord intends for His Saints.

This organizational change paved the way for a new effort called ministering.

A New Effort

Before April 2018, Latter-day Saints looked out for one another with home and visiting teaching. Men visited families in home teaching and women visited other women in visiting teaching. Men were either paired with their wives or another man (or a young man aged 14 or older), and women were paired with another woman. The companionships (mostly of two people) visited homes each month—or at least they tried to do so. Home and visiting teachers offered an uplifting, gospel-centered message from the First Presidency, or leaders of the Church. And each companionship reported their efforts to a coordinator on a monthly basis.

When members had problems or needed any kind of help, they could turn to their home and visiting teachers. If a family required more help than the companionship could give, they would relay the needs of the family to the Relief Society president and either the elders quorum or high priest quorum president.

All of this changed in at the April 2018 General Conference. President Nelson said,

For months we have been seeking a better way to minister to the spiritual and temporal needs of our people in the Savior’s way.

 

We have made the decision to retire home teaching and visiting teaching as we have known them. Instead, we will implement a newer, holier approach to caring for and ministering to others. We will refer to these efforts simply as “ministering.”

Ministering was not just a new name, it was a new program with a new focus. So what is the difference?

Ministering

With the unification of the priesthood holders into one elders quorum, the Relief Society and elders quorums presidents in each congregation, or ward, could more easily combine their efforts in making ministering assignments. Sister Jean B. Bingham taught,

Ministering looks like elders quorum and Relief Society presidencies prayerfully counseling about assignments. Rather than leaders just handing out slips of paper, it looks like counseling about the individuals and families in person as assignments are given to ministering brothers and sisters. … It looks like becoming part of someone’s life and caring about him or her. …

 

Combining such Relief Society efforts with the now-restructured elders quorum will bring a unity that can yield astonishing results. Ministering becomes one coordinated effort to fulfill the priesthood duty to “visit the house of each member” and to “watch over the church always, and be with and strengthen them,” as well as to achieve the Relief Society purpose to help one another prepare for the blessings of eternal life.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said,

… We have a heaven-sent opportunity as an entire Church to demonstrate “pure religion … undefiled before God”—“to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light” and to “comfort those that stand in need of comfort,” to minister to the widows and the fatherless, the married and the single, the strong and the distraught, the downtrodden and the robust, the happy and the sad—in short, … every one of us, because we all need to feel the warm hand of friendship and hear the firm declaration of faith. However, I warn you, a new name, new flexibility, and fewer reports won’t make an ounce of difference in our service unless we see this as an invitation to care for one another in a bold, new, holier way….

Mothers and Daughters

Another change brought by the ministering program was that young women ages 14 and older could be assigned to routes with their mothers. Sister Bingham said,

Youth can share their unique gifts and grow spiritually as they serve alongside adults in the work of salvation. Involving youth in ministering assignments can also increase the reach of Relief Society and elders quorums’ caring for others by increasing the number of members who participate.

 

As I think about the stellar young women I have known, I get excited for those Relief Society sisters who will have the privilege of being blessed by a young woman’s enthusiasm, talents, and spiritual sensitivity as they serve side-by-side or are ministered to by them. And I am equally delighted by the chance young women will have to be mentored and taught and strengthened by their sisters in Relief Society. This opportunity to participate in building the kingdom of God will be a tremendous benefit to young women, helping them better prepare to fulfill their roles as leaders in the Church and the community and as contributing partners in their families. As Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson shared yesterday, young women “want to be of service. They need to know they are valued and essential in the work of salvation.”

Ministering to and helping others has now become more of a family effort. It is a concerted effort to follow the counsel of the Savior to love one another.

A Higher, Holier Way

Ministering, then, is a higher, holier way because it requires more of us. Rather than just checking off monthly requirements, ministering companionships are asked to get to know the families they are serving—the names of each family member, their likes and dislikes, needs and wants. In short, to love each person and see each person as the Savior does. This does not demean or devalue to efforts of home and visiting teachers throughout the years. Elder Holland said,

… I join with you in saluting every block teacher and ward teacher and home teacher and visiting teacher who has loved and served so faithfully throughout our history. Our prayer today is that every man and woman—and our older young men and young women—will leave this general conference more deeply committed to heartfelt care for one another, motivated only by the pure love of Christ to do so. In spite of what we all feel are our limitations and inadequacies—and we all have challenges—nevertheless, may we labor side by side with the Lord of the vineyard, giving the God and Father of us all a helping hand with His staggering task of answering prayers, providing comfort, drying tears, and strengthening feeble knees. If we will do that, we will be more like the true disciples of Christ we are meant to be.

Rather, ministering begins with the end in mind—to love each other. As Sister Bingham said,

After all is said and done, true ministering is accomplished one by one with love as the motivation. The value and merit and wonder of sincere ministering is that it truly changes lives!

The Name of the Church

So why in the midst of all these changes did President Nelson ask members to use the full name of The Church of Jesus Christ instead of its nicknames? It is to bring focus back to the author and finisher of our faith—the Savior. President Nelson said,

[This] is a correction. It is the command of the Lord. Joseph Smith did not name the Church restored through him; neither did Mormon. It was the Savior Himself who said, “For thus shall my church be called in the last days, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” …

 

Thus, the name of the Church is not negotiable. When the Savior clearly states what the name of His Church should be and even precedes His declaration with, “Thus shall my church be called,” He is serious. And if we allow nicknames to be used or adopt or even sponsor those nicknames ourselves, He is offended.

 

What’s in a name or, in this case, a nickname? When it comes to nicknames of the Church, such as the “LDS Church,” the “Mormon Church,” or the “Church of the Latter-day Saints,” the most important thing in those names is the absence of the Savior’s name. To remove the Lord’s name from the Lord’s Church is a major victory for Satan. When we discard the Savior’s name, we are subtly disregarding all that Jesus Christ did for us—even His Atonement. …

 

After all He had endured—and after all He had done for humankind—I realize with profound regret that we have unwittingly acquiesced in the Lord’s restored Church being called by other names, each of which expunges the sacred name of Jesus Christ!

As Latter-day Saints, we take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ, even—and especially—in the name of His Church.

A Higher Commitment

Following the prophet’s counsel always requires faith and commitment, but especially when the prophet announces major changes. It also requires us to become more fully committed to the gospel and to Jesus Christ. But we need not take the prophet’s word alone, we can find out for ourselves through personal revelation. President Nelson said,

One of the things the Spirit has repeatedly impressed upon my mind since my new calling as President of the Church is how willing the Lord is to reveal His mind and will. The privilege of receiving revelation is one of the greatest gifts of God to His children.

 

Through the manifestations of the Holy Ghost, the Lord will assist us in all our righteous pursuits. …

 

Imagine the miracle of it! Whatever our Church calling, we can pray to our Heavenly Father and receive guidance and direction, be warned about dangers and distractions, and be enabled to accomplish things we simply could not do on our own. If we will truly receive the Holy Ghost and learn to discern and understand His promptings, we will be guided in matters large and small.

And Heavenly Father has set the pattern for us to follow. President Nelson continued,

Pray in the name of Jesus Christ about your concerns, your fears, your weaknesses—yes, the very longings of your heart. And then listen! Write the thoughts that come to your mind. Record your feelings and follow through with actions that you are prompted to take. As you repeat this process day after day, month after month, year after year, you will “grow into the principle of revelation.”

Our higher commitment to the Savior and His teachings, along with more fully seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, prepares us for the next big changes—reorganizing the Sunday meeting schedule and the new progression schedule for Latter-day Saint youth.

Christmas has a divine ability to bring us together as families, friends, and communities. …

 

In A Christmas Carol, written by English author Charles Dickens, Ebenezer Scrooge’s nephew captures the magic of this sacred time of year. He reflects, “I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round … as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their … hearts freely, and to think of [other] people. … And therefore … , though it has never put a scrap of gold or silver in my pocket, I believe that it has done me good, and will do me good; and I say, God bless it!”

I echo the sentiments of Scrooge’s nephew. One of my family’s holiday traditions is watching “A Muppet Christmas Carol.” It’s a witty retelling of the classic tale that brings home the message that happiness is not found in the pursuit of money but rather in losing yourself in loving and serving others.

That is also the message of the Savior, whose birth we celebrate at Christmas. In that vein, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes inadvertently called the Mormon Church) has again launched its #Light the World campaign. This year’s theme is “Give as He Gave.” Four weeks, four themes, all focused on sharing the light of Christ through service. And all designed to help us feel the magic of Christmas.

‘Give as He Gave’

The Savior set the example of love and service for others. He taught through His words and deeds that we are to seek after those who are in need of our help, even “the least of these, my brethren” (see Matthew 25:40).  Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf taught,

Think of the simple yet dignified way our Heavenly Father chose to honor the birth of His Son. On that holy night, angels appeared not to the rich but to shepherds. The Christ child was born not in a mansion but in a manger. He was wrapped not in silk but in swaddling clothes.

 

The simplicity of that first Christmas foreshadowed the life of the Savior. Though He had created the earth, walked in realms of majesty and glory, and stood at the right hand of the Father, He came to earth as a helpless child. His life was a model of modest nobility, and He walked among the poor, the sick, the downcast, and the heavy laden. …

 

Jesus the Christ, who knew perfectly how to give, set for us the pattern for giving. To those whose hearts are heavy with loneliness and sorrow, He brings compassion and comfort. To those whose bodies and minds are afflicted with illness and suffering, He brings love and healing. To those whose souls are burdened with sin, He offers hope, forgiveness, and redemption.

 

If the Savior were among us today, we would find Him where He always was—ministering to the meek, the downcast, the humble, the distressed, and the poor in spirit.

The pattern of this year’s campaign will help us to give as He gave and love as He loved.  

‘Light the World’

The first week, participants focus on serving others around the world. What that looks like depends on where you are and what you can do. Sister Cristina B. Franco said,

Our Lord and Savior ministered personally to the people, lifting the oppressed, giving hope to the discouraged, and seeking out the lost. He gave sight to the blind, healed the sick and the lame so they could walk, and raised the dead.

At Christmastime, I think of the missionaries—elders, sisters, senior missionaries, and mission presidents throughout the world—who, as representatives of Jesus Christ, give freely of their time and service to all mankind. I think of all the brothers and sisters who spend many hours serving faithfully in their callings. Also at this time, I think of all the men and women serving in the military to ensure our safety. Thank you for your service!

But even if we are not serving the Lord or our country in full-time service, our opportunities to serve are limitless. Kind words and deeds can lift burdens and cheer up hearts! Our Father in Heaven invites us all to give service.

That service could include donating your change to the Salvation Army’s bell ringers, writing Christmas letters to soldiers who are deployed or donating to a large national or international charitable organization. There are countless opportunities for serving others around the world.

‘Light Your Community’

The second week is dedicated to serving in our communities. Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson said,

I believe that most members consider service to be at the heart of their covenants and discipleship. But I also think that sometimes it’s easy to miss some of the greatest opportunities to serve others because we are distracted or because we are looking for ambitious ways to change the world and we don’t see that some of the most significant needs we can meet are within our own families, among our friends, in our wards, and in our communities. We are touched when we see the suffering and great needs of those halfway around the world, but we may fail to see there is a person who needs our friendship sitting right next to us in class. …

 

Heavenly Father may have placed those who need us closest to us, knowing that we are best suited to meet their needs.

And those opportunities can come in a variety of ways. This year my husband and I were invited to attend the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle luncheon, which kicks off the season for the volunteer bell ringers. We got just a glimpse of the time and effort this group puts into organizing its army of volunteers. But I also felt the love and compassion the organizers and volunteers have for those whom they are serving. It gave me a greater appreciation for those who donate their time to man the red kettles and ring the bells, asking people to give of their change.

‘Light Your Family’

The third week is about igniting the light and love of Christ within our families. It’s sad but true that too often we take for granted those who are nearest to us. It seems to be relatively easy to look beyond ourselves to our neighbors, but what about those who live in the same house? Or even our parents, siblings,  grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins who live far away? Elder Uchtdorf said,

Since “no other success can compensate for failure” here, we must place high priority on our families. We build deep and loving family relationships by doing simple things together, like family dinner and family home evening and by just having fun together. In family relationships love is really spelled t-i-m-e, time. Taking time for each other is the key for harmony at home. We talk with, rather than about, each other. We learn from each other, and we appreciate our differences as well as our commonalities. We establish a divine bond with each other as we approach God together through family prayer, gospel study, and Sunday worship.

This is especially true at Christmastime, when we create and share beloved family traditions. Last year, we spent the holidays in Utah with our extended family. It was so much fun sharing the traditions of service my husband, children and I have created the past few years! While we have loved serving those in our community, it was a special experience to serve—and serve with—our extended family members.

‘Light Your Faith’

The week of Christmas is dedicated to lighting our own faith and evaluating how our month of service to others has strengthened our relationship to the Savior. President Thomas S. Monson said,

Among our resolutions for this year, did we resolve to make time in our lives and room in our hearts for the Savior? No matter how successful we may have been thus far with such a resolution, I am confident we all wish to do better. This Christmas season is the perfect time to examine and renew our efforts.

 

In our busy lives, with ever so many other things competing for our attention, it is essential that we make a conscious, committed effort to bring Christ into our lives and into our homes. And it is vital that we, like the Wise Men from the East, remain fixed upon His star and “come to worship him.”

We grow closer to Christ as we come and worship Him through service, prayer and scripture study. Elder Uchtdorf said,

We improve our relationship with our Heavenly Father by learning of Him, by communing with Him, by repenting of our sins, and by actively following Jesus Christ, for “no man cometh unto the Father, but by [Christ].” To strengthen our relationship with God, we need some meaningful time alone with Him. Quietly focusing on daily personal prayer and scripture study, always aiming to be worthy of a current temple recommend—these will be some wise investments of our time and efforts to draw closer to our Heavenly Father. Let us heed the invitation in Psalms: “Be still, and know that I am God.”

We can reflect on our lives as well as the life of the Savior during this week, as well as consider what will be our goals for next year.

Celebrating the Savior

The magic of the Christmas season is found in the Savior. Elder Clayton taught,

The transformative spirit of the Christmas season is rooted in the redeeming power of Jesus Christ to change our lives for the better.

That is the purpose of the Light the World campaign, to bring the transformative power of Christ more fully into our lives and for us to share it with the world. President Monson said,

There is yet time this year to extend the helping hand, the loving heart, and the willing spirit—in other words, to follow the example set by our Savior and to serve as He would have us serve. As we serve Him, we will not forfeit our opportunity, as did the innkeeper of old, to make time for Him in our lives and room for Him in our hearts.

We just have to do it. So the question for each of us is: How will you #Light the World this Christmas?

Deciding on Priorities

I thought that as my kids grew into teenagers and became more independent I would have more time on my hands. But somehow, the opposite is true. Our family is busier than ever. So it’s time for me to nail down what my priorities are for this year. Elder M. Russell Ballard said,

Sometimes we need a personal crisis to reinforce in our minds what we really value and cherish. The scriptures are filled with examples of people facing crises before learning how to better serve God and others. Perhaps if you, too, search your hearts and courageously assess the priorities in your life, you may discover, as I did, that you need a better balance among your priorities.

 

All of us must come to an honest, open self-examination, an awareness within as to who and what we want to be.

 

As most of you know, coping with the complex and diverse challenges of everyday life, which is not an easy task, can upset the balance and harmony we seek. Many good people who care a great deal are trying very hard to maintain balance, but they sometimes feel overwhelmed and defeated.

I don’t know if crises is the right word, but certainly chaos and changes would fit. My husband switched not only jobs but careers, I have four kids going as many different directions and we began renovations on our home. But life is all about making choices, and choosing our priorities is one of the biggest. So my first resolution will be to prioritize—often. To make sure that I spend my time on what matters most—my faith in Jesus Christ, my husband and kids and serving others.

My Faith

Faith and family are my top priorities. And I don’t know that I could rank one above or below the other, because they are both such an integral part of who I am. But I am starting with faith because strengthening it helps me to be a better wife and mother. Elder Richard G. Scott said,

When faith is properly understood and used, it has dramatically far-reaching effects. Such faith can transform an individual’s life from maudlin, common everyday activities to a symphony of joy and happiness. The exercise of faith is vital to Father in Heaven’s plan of happiness. But true faith, faith unto salvation, is centered on the Lord Jesus Christ, faith in His doctrines and teachings, faith in the prophetic guidance of the Lord’s anointed, faith in the capacity to discover hidden characteristics and traits that can transform life. Truly, faith in the Savior is a principle of action and power.

Faith is a principle of action. I can’t just say that I have faith, I have to show it. And that is how I strengthen my faith– and my character. Elder Scott continued,

We become what we want to be by consistently being what we want to become each day. Righteous character is a precious manifestation of what you are becoming. Righteous character is more valuable than any material object you own, any knowledge you have gained through study, or any goals you have attained no matter how well lauded by mankind. In the next life your righteous character will be evaluated to assess how well you used the privilege of mortality.

Faith is more than lip service, it is acting upon what I believe.

My Testimony

My faith is inextricably intertwined with my testimony. Both are important. Scott explained,

A strong testimony is the unshakable foundation of a secure, meaningful life where peace, confidence, happiness, and love can flourish. It is anchored in a conviction that an all-knowing God is in command of His work. He will not fail. He will keep His promises.

 

A strong testimony is the sustaining power of a successful life. It is centered in an understanding of the divine attributes of God our Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. It is secured by a willing reliance upon Them. A powerful testimony is grounded in the personal assurance that the Holy Ghost can guide and inspire our daily acts for good.

I gain a testimony of obedience to the commandments of God as I exercise faith and obey them. But gaining a testimony and exercising faith take work. So my next resolution is to strengthen my faith and testimony by improving my daily scripture study and personal prayers. These, in turn, will increase my ability to be patient with my kids and find peace in the chaos of our lives.

My Family

Being a wife and a mother is one of the most important things in my life, and sometimes I worry that I don’t give my family the attention that they deserve. I know that childhood and the teen years go by so fast. My mother always told me to be a kid for as long as I could, because I only get to be a kid once. I tell my kids the same thing. But lately I’ve been realizing that my kids only have a few years left at home. My oldest is a junior this school year and will be a senior—and legally an adult— the next. I can count his time at home in months rather than years, and I’m not ready for that. So my resolution is to make the most of the rest of the growing up time I have with my kids. Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf said,

When we are young, it seems that we will live forever. We think there is a limitless supply of sunrises waiting just beyond the horizon, and the future looks to us like an unbroken road stretching endlessly before us.

 

However, the older we get, the more we tend to look back and marvel at how short that road really is. We wonder how the years could have passed so quickly. And we begin to think about the choices we made and the things we have done. In the process, we remember many sweet moments that give warmth to our souls and joy to our hearts. But we also remember the regrets—the things we wish we could go back and change.

My goal is to try to minimize the things that I regret doing—and not doing—with my kids.

Teaching Moments

One way to make the most of the time I have left with my kids is to take advantage of teaching moments. Not just the times where I can teach my kids, but the times that they teach me, as well. Sister Cheryl A. Esplin said,

Our “children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). He knows and loves each one with perfect love (see Moroni 8:17). What a sacred responsibility Heavenly Father places upon us as parents to partner with Him in helping His choice spirits become what He knows they can become.

 

This divine privilege of raising our children is a much greater responsibility than we can do alone, without the Lord’s help. He knows exactly what our children need to know, what they need to do, and what they need to be to come back into His presence. He gives mothers and fathers specific instruction and guidance through the scriptures, His prophets, and the Holy Ghost.

This is the reason that it’s so important for me to stay close to the Holy Ghost, so that I can divine help in raising my kids. Sister Esplin continued,

Teaching our children to understand is more than just imparting information. It’s helping our children get the doctrine into their hearts in a way that it becomes part of their very being and is reflected in their attitudes and behavior throughout their lives.

Learning Moments

I learn a lot from my kids—especially about myself. President Russell M. Nelson explained,

Parents and teachers, learn to listen, then listen to learn from children. A wise father once said, “I do a greater amount of good when I listen to my children than when I talk to them.” …

 

The time to listen is when someone needs to be heard. Children are naturally eager to share their experiences, which range from triumphs of delight to trials of distress. Are we as eager to listen? If they try to express their anguish, is it possible for us to listen openly to a shocking experience without going into a state of shock ourselves? Can we listen without interrupting and without making snap judgments that slam shut the door of dialogue? It can remain open with the soothing reassurance that we believe in them and understand their feelings. Adults should not pretend an experience did not happen just because they might wish otherwise. …

 

Parents with teenage youth may find that time for listening is often less convenient but more important when young people feel lonely or troubled. And when they seem to deserve favor least, they may need it most.

 

Wise parents and teachers, listen to learn from children.

Another part of making the most of the time I have left with my kids is to learn to listen to them, and listen to learn from them. It’s not always convenient to stop and talk when I just want to go to bed, but I am trying to be better about making time for my kids whenever they need it.

Learning from Mistakes

I have really good kids, and sometimes I take that for granted. Other times I forget that they really are good kids when they are having a bad day, and so am I. My kids are human and make mistakes, which kind of puts us on equal ground because I am far from perfect. My goal for my kids is to do things better than I did and to make fewer mistakes. But that, I am learning, is not only a pipe dream but is a damaging one. Because how can they learn without messing up sometimes? Elder Uchtdorf said,

No one likes to fail. And we particularly don’t like it when others—especially those we love—see us fail. We all want to be respected and esteemed. We want to be champions. But we mortals do not become champions without effort and discipline or without making mistakes.

 

… Our destiny is not determined by the number of times we stumble but by the number of times we rise up, dust ourselves off, and move forward.

My oldest son ended 2017 by driving the car into a ditch and hitting a sign. In his quest for independence and to prove that he could take care of things on his own, he did not call us. Instead, he texted a friend and relied on other people who stopped to help. My husband and I went looking for him and found him in the ditch. The car was barely drivable when they finally got it out. Needless to say, my husband and I were not happy. We worked to teach our son about responsibility and communication—and to learn from his mistakes.

Looking Past the Mistakes

Our story, however, doesn’t end there. Over the next few weeks, I watched my son work to rectify his mistakes with the car and not communicating with us. One night in January, my son came home from work and he and I had a nice talk about how he was doing. I could tell that he was really trying—and feeling good about his progress. He even offered to pick up his sister from school. I told him to be careful because the roads were slick.

When they came home, my daughter came upstairs and told me that my son backed into our second-story deck and knocked one of the support poles out of place. I went to talk to him and he was so upset. He had been trying to do the right thing and made a mistake. I learned a valuable lesson that night. Sometimes, we are harder on ourselves than anyone else, and it’s these times that parents need to show love. I needed to look past the mistake to the boy who made it. And I did. Elder D. Todd Christofferson said,

Good men sometimes make mistakes. A man of integrity will honestly face and correct his mistakes, and that is an example we can respect. Sometimes men try but fail. Not all worthy objectives are realized despite one’s honest and best efforts. True manhood is not always measured by the fruits of one’s labors but by the labors themselves—by one’s striving.

The same goes for women. We all make mistakes, and we all must learn from them. Sometimes discipline is in order, and sometimes love and compassion are. My goal this year is to be more aware of which response is required in each situation.

Finding Joy

My last resolution is to find joy and be happy. President Thomas S. Monson said,

Stresses in our lives come regardless of our circumstances. We must deal with them the best we can. But we should not let them get in the way of what is most important—and what is most important almost always involves the people around us. Often we assume that they must know how much we love them. But we should never assume; we should let them know. …

 

Send that note to the friend you’ve been neglecting; give your child a hug; give your parents a hug; say “I love you” more; always express your thanks. Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved. Friends move away, children grow up, loved ones pass on. It’s so easy to take others for granted, until that day when they’re gone from our lives and we are left with feelings of “what if” and “if only.” Said author Harriet Beecher Stowe, “The bitterest tears shed over graves are for words left unsaid and deeds left undone.”

And so this year, I will do things better. I won’t let the stresses in my life overshadow what is really important. As President Monson said,

This is our one and only chance at mortal life—here and now. The longer we live, the greater is our realization that it is brief. Opportunities come, and then they are gone. I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that elusive and nonexistent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey—now.

What is a Temple?

Temples are sacred houses of worship in The Church of Jesus Christ. Sister Silvia H. Allred said,

The most holy places on earth are the temples. In the temple, worthy members of the Church receive the greatest blessings anyone can aspire to as we make sacred covenants with God. We also help make those same blessings available to our ancestors who died without receiving the necessary ordinances of salvation.

Receiving temple ordinances is the end goal of everything that we do. President Boyd K. Packer taught,

… The end of all activity in the Church is to see that a man and a woman with their children are happy at home, sealed together for time and for all eternity.

The reason that temples are so important is that they point us to our Savior, Jesus Christ. President Russell M. Nelson said,

The temple is the house of the Lord. The basis for every temple ordinance and covenant—the heart of the plan of salvation—is the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Every activity, every lesson, all we do in the Church, point to the Lord and His holy house. Our efforts to proclaim the gospel, perfect the Saints, and redeem the dead all lead to the temple. Each holy temple stands as a symbol of our membership in the Church, as a sign of our faith in life after death, and as a sacred step toward eternal glory for us and our families.

As President Thomas S. Monson explained,

Until you have entered the house of the Lord and have received all the blessings which await you there, you have not obtained everything the Church has to offer. The all-important and crowning blessings of membership in the Church are those blessings which we receive in the temples of God.

Who Can Go Into a Temple?

Due to the sacred and holy nature of the temple, only members of The Church of Jesus Christ who are older than 12 years of age and in good standing can go inside and perform ordinances. (For more information on what goes on in temples, see the James the Mormon video above.) Why are these restrictions in place? It’s because of the importance of the sacred covenants that we make inside. Sister Allred explained,

The covenants we make with the associated ordinances we receive in the temple become our credentials for admission into God’s presence. These covenants elevate us beyond the limits of our own power and perspective. We make covenants to show our devotion to build up the kingdom. We become covenant people as we are placed under covenant to God. All the promised blessings are ours through our faithfulness to these covenants.

Youth who are 12 or older can participate in what is called baptisms for the dead, which is baptism by proxy for those who are deceased. Adults can participate in additional ordinances, which include initiatory ordinances, endowments, marriages, sealings, baptisms for the dead, and ordinations.

I love the temple. For me, Mormon temples are places of peace and refuge from the chaos of the world. I love going with my husband and also with my older three kids. Because my youngest just turned 10, he isn’t eligible to go into the temple yet, except during an open house and a dedication. So it was a special experience for us to be able to be in the Meridian Temple together, as a family.

The Celebration of a New Temple

The entry of the Meridian Idaho Temple.

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ celebrate when new temples are announced, built and dedicated—especially when they live nearby the new temple. We were excited when the new Meridian Temple was announced during General Conference on April 2, 2011. It was fun to see the groundbreaking on Aug 23, 2014. And we watched the progress as it was being built. But the real celebration began after it was completed.

The first part of the celebration for a new Mormon temple is the open house. After a new temple is built but before it is dedicated, The Church of Jesus Christ opens it up for public tours. The tour includes a video explaining what temples are and how they are used as well as a walkthrough tour of the rooms. Thousands of people walked through the Meridian Idaho Temple during the three weeks of the Open House.

We have taken our kids to as many temple open houses as we could—including a four-hour-plus trip to the Twin Falls Temple. My husband and I even had the opportunity to serve as tour guides during the Open House for the rededication of the Boise Temple in the fall of 2012. During those tours, I was always struck by how strong the Spirit was every time we walked through the doors of the temple with a new group. At the end of the open house, the temple is closed for a week for cleaning. Then the final two parts of the celebration.

The Youth Cultural Celebration

The day before a new temple is dedicated, the youth in the temple district perform in what is called a Youth Cultural Celebration, which honors the local and Church history of the area. Plans for the Youth Cultural Celebration began months beforehand. It is an epic effort. The Meridian Temple has 16 stakes within its boundaries. A stake is similar to a Catholic diocese. The Church of Jesus Christ defines a stake as,

A group of congregations or wards, generally about three thousand to five thousand members in five to ten congregations.

For this event, there were about 6,000 youth ages 12 to 18 years old participating. That’s a lot of kids, and doesn’t include chaperones and leaders. My kids started practicing their dance in September, and I’m guessing the other youth groups did, too. At least once a week for two months these kids worked to learn and perfect this dance routine. They even traveled an hour-plus to practice with all of the youth from our stake. And parents (mainly moms) helped to make costumes for the kids. Why did we all go through so much for work for a performance that would last an hour? Because it was a celebration of our heritage, our Church and our temple—and we knew that some of the Lord’s representatives on earth would be in attendance.

Performing for the Prophets

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ believe that the Lord speaks to prophets on the earth today, and these prophets lead our Church. Why is this so important? Elder Jeffrey R. Holland explained,

… The apostolic and prophetic foundation of the Church [is] to bless in all times, but especially in times of adversity or danger…. Against such times as come in our modern day, the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve are commissioned by God and sustained by you as prophets, seers, and revelators, with the President of the Church sustained as the prophet, seer, and revelator, the senior Apostle, and as such the only man authorized to exercise all of the revelatory and administrative keys for the Church.

I don’t want my kids to believe this because my husband and I believe it. I want them to understand and know for themselves the truthfulness of the gospel and the reality of living prophets. I had to find out for myself. I remember being at the Tabernacle in Salt Lake City years ago when then-President Gordon B. Hinckley walked in. He passed about 30 feet in front of me, and as he walked by I felt the Spirit and knew that he was called of God. I was so excited for my children to have a similar experience. And they did.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf and Elder D. Todd Christofferson, both Apostles and prophets of The Church of Jesus Christ, attended the Youth Cultural Celebration, as did their wives and other Church leaders. And as they walked in, the crowd of youth roared with excitement. As one young man said later, it was like these men were Mormon rock icons. My oldest son said that he could feel the Spirit when they walked in. He felt the same power and confirmation as I had years ago. These experiences, along with study and prayer, are necessary building blocks for our testimonies.

The Symbolism in the Theme

The theme for the event— ”Be Strong, Steadfast and Immovable” —could be found within the title of it and, specifically, the name of the temple. As an LDS Church News article said,

The title and theme for the production stemmed from the name and location of the new temple. Early Idaho surveyors used an initial point—a steadfast and immovable line—from which to take all other measurements. The city of Meridian was named for its location on the Boise Principal Meridian. The Meridian Temple, located close to that line, will serve a similar purpose in the spiritual lives of members through southwest Idaho.

 

“In the temple, we get our bearings. In a way, it represents the line of the Lord which guides our daily decisions,” Marian Workman, the youth cultural celebration event chairwoman, explained.

 

Each performance within the cultural celebration has historical meaning, which the youth then connect to the temple, Workman said.

As each of the kids in the different groups practiced their routines, they had no idea what the others were doing or how everything would fit together until the day of the event. But when we saw the entire production, it all made sense. And it gave me a greater appreciation for our temple as well as the city for which it was named.

A Prophet Speaks

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf and his wife, Sister Harriet Uchtdorf, greet the youth at the Meridian Idaho Youth Cultural Celebration.

President Uchtdorf addressed the audience before the youth performed. Actually, he spoke to the kids. And he gave them several nuggets of advice for their lives. The first was to remember that they are a treasure, which is fitting as Meridian is located in what is called the Treasure Valley. President Uchtdorf said,

Here in the wonderful Treasure Valley is a great treasure of young people of faith. … The story goes that at the end of every rainbow is a pot of gold. You are a much greater treasure than any treasure at any rainbow. You are the future of this community, of this area. You are the treasure of all those who live here: your own families, your own generations who passed before and who will follow, and for those who live in this beautiful area.

He also referenced the importance of a meridian in navigating our course in life. He said,

When we look at the terrestrial navigation, which we find with the help of the meridians around this globe, we are also guided towards the celestial navigation. Make sure that you’re following the right path in life.

As the years go by, my kids may not remember fully the day, but I hope that they will remember how they felt—and how keeping their eyes on and themselves in the Meridian Temple can help them stay the course.

What is a Temple Dedication?

The Youth Cultural Celebration was a fun and spiritual experience for all of us, and it set the stage perfectly for the dedication that would follow. So, what is a temple dedication and why is it important? Before a temple is dedicated, it is just a building of brick and mortar. But after it is dedicated, it is so much more than that. According to The Church of Jesus Christ,

Whenever The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints constructs a new building, there is a dedication ceremony held when the building is finished. The purpose of this ceremony is to set aside the building for the work of God. A Latter-day Saint dedication ceremony includes a special prayer designating the building for Church use and asking God to bless the structure and grounds. A dedication ceremony generally also includes music and talks from Church leaders. Attendance at the event is usually by invitation only and the length varies depending on the type of building being dedicated.

Often, there are multiple sessions of the dedication ceremony so that more people can attend. There were three for the Meridian Temple, and we were in the final one. The dedication ceremonies are broadcast to meetinghouses in the temple district. During the broadcasts, the meetinghouses become extensions of the temple, so attendees have a special card signed by the bishop, or leader of the congregation, to enter the building. Members who are at least 8 years old and in good standing, which means that they obey the laws and commandments of God, are eligible to attend the dedication of a temple.

The Cornerstone Ceremony

The day of a temple dedication begins with a cornerstone ceremony, which signifies that the construction of the temple is complete and the temple is ready to be dedicated and ready for sacred use. President Hinckley said,

In each new temple we have had a cornerstone ceremony in harmony with a tradition that goes back to ancient times. Before the general use of concrete, the foundation walls of the building were laid with large stones. A trench would be dug, and stones would be placed as footings. Starting at a point of beginning, the foundation wall would be run in one direction to a cornerstone; then the corner would be turned and the wall run to the next corner, where another stone was placed, from which the wall would be run to the next corner, and from there to the point of beginning. In many instances, including the construction of early temples in the Church, cornerstones were used at each junction point of the walls and put in place with ceremony. The final stone was spoken of as the chief cornerstone, and its placement became the reason for much celebration. With this cornerstone in position, the foundation was ready for the superstructure. Hence the analogy that Paul used in describing the true church:

 

“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

 

“And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone;

 

“In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord” (Ephesians 2:19–21).

Of this ceremony, President Henry B. Eyring taught,

This is a ceremonial moment when we mark this great occasion by sealing the cornerstone which represents, really, the Savior. The Lord is the cornerstone of the work. This is the house of the Lord.

The Celestial Room

The Celestial Room in the Meridian Temple.

When we got to the temple for the dedication, we were seated across from the Celestial room, which is a very special place. It is perhaps the most beautiful room in any temple. President Hinckley explains,

Every temple, large or small, has its beautiful celestial room. This room was created to represent the celestial kingdom. When the Mesa Arizona Temple was extensively renovated some years ago and was opened for public tours, one visitor described the celestial room as God’s living room. So it well might be. It is our privilege, unique and exclusive, while dressed in white, to sit at the conclusion of our ordinance work in the beautiful celestial room and ponder, meditate, and silently pray.

 

Here we can reflect on the great goodness of the Lord to us. Here we can reflect on the great plan of happiness which our Father has outlined for His children.

The Celestial room in the Meridian Temple is where the dedication ceremony took place. It was broadcast from there to other rooms in the temple and in meetinghouses throughout the temple district. As we were waiting for the ceremony to begin, three of my kids–along with other young people in various rooms in the temple– were invited to sit in the Celestial room. Again, they were in the presence of the Lord’s chosen prophets and Apostles.

We watched on the screen as President Uchtdorf and Elder Christofferson shook hands with attendees as they entered, including my youngest son. He said, “President Uchtdorf knows my name.” While it may seem like a small thing, it reinforced to me the love that the leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ have for people. Just as Jesus took time for the one, so did they.

In The Temple Together

My family standing outside the newly dedicated Meridian Idaho Mormon Temple.

As President Packer said, the end of all that we do in The Church of Jesus Christ is to see a husband, wife and their children happy at home and sealed together for time and all eternity. That is what our Heavenly Father wants for us. And that is what my husband and I want for our children. I was so grateful that we were able to sit in one of the upper floors of the Meridian Temple during the dedication, even if we weren’t in the same room. It was a glimpse into what we hope the future holds for our children. And it is a reminder to my children of what they can have in their lives if they follow the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life (John 8:12).

Elder Dallin H. Oaks explained,

Jesus Christ is the light of the world because he is the source of the light that quickens our understanding, because his teachings and his example illuminate our path, and because his power persuades us to do good.

As we follow the example and teachings of Jesus Christ, our lamps shine brighter and brighter. It is in this spirit that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is again launching the #LightTheWorld campaign for Christmas.

What is #LightTheWorld?

#LightTheWorld is a series of 25 Days, 25 Ways to serve others. Jesus Christ spent His life in the in the service of others, and encourages His followers to do the same. Elder Adrian Ochoa said,

We know that the Savior identified Himself as the Light of the World (see John 9:5; 12:46). But in the Sermon on the Mount, He declared the same thing of His followers:

 

“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.

 

“Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

 

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14–16).

 

Sharing our light—that is, reflecting the Savior’s light (see 3 Nephi 18:24)—is something we can do all of our lives….

As we serve others, we are spreading the light of the Savior. Elder David A. Bednar said,

As our Great Exemplar, the Lord lived a perfect life, ministering one by one in love and service. Like Him, we can exemplify and share His light and love with those around us.

And what better time to let our light shine than at Christmastime, when we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ?

How Can I Participate?

The #LightTheWorld campaign begins on Dec. 1, with 25 days of videos, suggestions and sharing our light with others. The videos share teachings of our Savior, Jesus Christ. There is also a downloadable calendar as well as a link to see what others are doing. And we can share our own stories of faith, service and celebrating the birth of the Savior. That is the purpose of this campaign. Elder Bednar explained,

May we increasingly learn and more fully understand that Jesus Christ is the “light which shineth in darkness.” In every season of our lives, in all of the circumstances we may encounter, and in each challenge we may face, the Savior is the light that dispels fear, provides assurance and direction, and engenders enduring peace and joy. May the beautiful lights of every Christmas season remind us of Him who is the source of all light. …

 

This Christmas season I invite you to seek opportunities to “Light the World.” Beginning December 1 and continuing through Christmas Day, you can learn how to “light the way for others” by visiting mormon.org. Feel free to share appropriately your experiences on social media using the hashtag #LIGHTtheWORLD so that others can learn about the “good news” of the Savior’s birth, His life, and His perfect Atonement for all mankind.

Jesus Christ Himself said that He was the light and life of the world, and those who follow Him will have the light of life (John 8:12). President Thomas S. Monson said,

Each of us came to earth having been given the Light of Christ. As we follow the example of the Savior and live as He lived and as He taught, that light will burn within us and will light the way for others.

Lights are symbolic of Christmas, but light is meant to be shared. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is focusing on sharing the light of service with others this Christmas season with their #LIGHTtheWORLD initiative. Of this, Elder David A Bednar said,

These are very simple things that the Savior has provided the example. And we, in a very appropriate, simple way during this Christmas season, can do the same things that He did. He healed the blind. We can help the blind to see. We might, for example, read a story to someone in a nursing home who cannot see. Doesn’t take a lot of time, but a small, simple act of service that exemplifies the Light of Christ.

So how can we share our lights with others this holiday season? Here are just a few ways.

Share the Light of Kindness

Kindness is perhaps one of the simplest gestures but it can make a lasting impression no matter what the season— but especially during the hustle and bustle of Christmas. Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin said,

Kindness is the essence of greatness and the fundamental characteristic of the noblest men and women I have known. Kindness is a passport that opens doors and fashions friends. It softens hearts and molds relationships that can last lifetimes.

 

Kind words not only lift our spirits in the moment they are given, but they can linger with us over the years.

Kindness and love are attributes that they Savior taught in word and in deed. Elder Wirthlin said,

Jesus, our Savior, was the epitome of kindness and compassion. He healed the sick. He spent much of His time ministering to the one or many. He spoke compassionately to the Samaritan woman who was looked down upon by many. He instructed His disciples to allow the little children to come unto Him. He was kind to all who had sinned, condemning only the sin, not the sinner. He kindly allowed thousands of Nephites to come forward and feel the nail prints in His hands and feet. Yet His greatest act of kindness was found in His atoning sacrifice, thus freeing all from the effects of death, and all from the effects of sin, on conditions of repentance.

Kindness shines a light that can spread throughout  our Christmas season. As Elder Wirthlin said,

Who can tell what far-reaching impact we can have if we are only kind?

The Christmas season brings more people and longer lines at the post office, grocery stores and malls. And we seem to have more to do to get ready for Christmas and buy gifts for one another. It doesn’t take much to offer a kind work or wait patiently for our turn, but who knows what far-reaching impact we can have if we are only kind?

Give the Gift of Gratitude

Gratitude is another simple yet powerful gift that we can give to others— especially to our Savior. It is too easy to get caught up in the glitz and the glitter of Christmas gifts.. But that is not where we find a spirit of gratitude. President Monson said,

Do material possessions make us happy and grateful? Perhaps momentarily. However, those things which provide deep and lasting happiness and gratitude are the things which money cannot buy: our families, the gospel, good friends, our health, our abilities, the love we receive from those around us. Unfortunately, these are some of the things we allow ourselves to take for granted.

President Henry B. Eyring said,

Sometimes it is hard for us to be sufficiently grateful for the greatest gifts we receive: the birth of Jesus Christ, His Atonement, the promise of resurrection, the opportunity to enjoy eternal life with our families, the Restoration of the gospel with the priesthood and its keys. Only with the help of the Holy Ghost can we begin to feel what those blessings mean for us and for those we love. And only then can we hope to be thankful in all things and avoid the offense to God of ingratitude. …

 

We all can make the choice to give thanks in prayer and to ask God for direction to serve others for Him—especially during this time of year when we celebrate the Savior’s birth.

In addition, we can show our gratitude to those around us— including the postal carriers, bus drivers and grocery store cashiers. Pure gratitude comes not from what we are given but from the goodness that we see around us and in others.

Spread Some Christmas Cheer

The spirit of Christmas is the tingle of excitement in the air at this time of year. But what is it, really? President Monson taught,

To catch the real meaning of the Spirit of Christmas, we need only drop the last syllable, and it becomes the Spirit of Christ.

The Spirit of Christ is pure love. Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson said,

The spirit of Christmas makes us all more charitable, thoughtful, and kind. We are taught in the scriptures that “every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God.”8 That feeling which compels even the most cantankerous soul to show brotherly kindness at Christmastime comes from God. How much more are those who are already seeking to become like the Savior filled with love and compassion at this season? The spirit of Christmas is Christlike love. The way to increase the Christmas spirit is to reach out generously to those around us and give of ourselves. The best gifts are not material things but gifts of listening, of showing kindness, of remembering, of visiting, of forgiving, of giving time. I have learned from my great-grandfather Stringham sometimes it is the small and simple acts which have the biggest impact.

 

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ this season, let us also celebrate all that His birth symbolizes, especially the love.

One of the greatest definitions of showing Christlike love is found in the scriptures.

For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?

Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me (Matthew 25:35-40).

Pure, Christlike love is being kind and generous just for the sake of being kind and generous. We can visit nursing homes, hospitals and extended care facilities. And there is no better way to spread Christmas cheer.

Rediscover the Joy of Service

Christmas is an excellent time to remember those who are often forgotten, or lonely, or just live far away from us. We can write letters to parents, grandparents, siblings or other relatives who live far away. We can also participate in humanitarian efforts such as Sub for Santa programs and donating to charities. President Monson said,

As we lift our eyes heavenward and then remember to look outward into the lives of others, as we remember that it is more blessed to give than to receive, we, during this Christmas season, will come to see a bright, particular star that will guide us to our precious opportunity.

These opportunities are endless, and limited only to our own imaginations. President Monson taught,

I am confident there are within our sphere of influence those who are lonely, those who are ill, and those who feel discouraged. Ours is the opportunity to help them and to lift their spirits. The Savior brought hope to the hopeless and strength to the weak. He healed the sick; He caused the lame to walk, the blind to see, the deaf to hear. He even raised the dead to life. Throughout His ministry He reached out in charity to any in need. As we emulate His example, we will bless lives, including our own.

Remember the True Meaning of Christmas

The goal of service is to help us remember the true meaning of Christmas. The true meaning of Christmas comes as we again recognize the gift that God gave to us, His Son, Jesus Christ. President Monson said,

With the birth of the babe in Bethlehem, there emerged a great endowment—a power stronger than weapons, a wealth more lasting than the coins of Caesar. This child was to become the King of kings and Lord of lords, the promised Messiah—Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

 

Born in a stable, cradled in a manger, He came forth from heaven to live on earth as mortal man and to establish the kingdom of God. During His earthly ministry, He taught men the higher law. His glorious gospel reshaped the thinking of the world. He blessed the sick. He caused the lame to walk, the blind to see, the deaf to hear. He even raised the dead to life. To us He has said, “Come, follow me.”

As President Howard W. Hunter said,

This Christmas, mend a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a letter. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in word and deed. Keep a promise. Forgo a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Apologize. Try to understand. Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else. Be kind. Be gentle. Laugh a little more. Express your gratitude. Welcome a stranger. Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. Speak your love and then speak it again.

 

Christmas is a celebration, and there is no celebration that compares with the realization of its true meaning—with the sudden stirring of the heart that has extended itself unselfishly in the things that matter most.

I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life (John 8:12).

The lights point us to Jesus Christ. He is our light in the darkness, He is the One who shows us the pathway back to our Heavenly Father. And His is the birth that we celebrate at Christmas. Thus, lights are an important part of the season. Elder David A. Bednar said,

Many of our memorable and enduring Christmas traditions include different kinds of lights—lights on trees, lights in and on our homes, candles on our tables. Indeed, light has significant meaning as we commemorate the humble birth of the Lord Jesus Christ.

It is in this spirit that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is launching an initiative called #LIGHTtheWORLD. Beginning December 1 and continuing through Christmas Day, Latter-day Saints are encouraged to seek opportunities to serve others in small but significant ways— and to encourage others to do the same. Elder Bednar said,

As our Great Exemplar, the Lord lived a perfect life, ministering one by one in love and service. Like Him, we can exemplify and share His light and love with those around us.

The Light the World initiative will kick off December 1 with a Worldwide Day of Service. Elder Bednar explained,

The whole purpose of this initiative is to celebrate and share the Light of Christ. What we hope people will do is not simply think about the Savior during this Christmas season, or even just learn more about Him. What we hope is that they will come to know Him by doing what He did.

The Church of Jesus Christ has posted ideas for service, an Advent calendar that you can download and print as well as 25 videos about the Savior at Mormon.org/Christmas. You can also share your experiences on social media and read about others by using #LIGHTtheWORLD.