SALT LAKE CITY — President Dallin H. Oaks, of the First Presidency, encouraged members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to love others and promote understanding and love between people of all beliefs, races and origins.
He shared this message at the annual First Presidency Christmas Devotional on Sunday evening. President Oaks said the Christmas season makes people more aware and grateful. He said the season leads people to think of others, appreciate their families and exchange greetings with strangers.
“The Spirit of Christmas brings out the best in us,” he said, attributing it to the light of Christ.
President Oaks said the “whole world” should celebrate Christmas, as Christ is the most important person who has ever lived — “even in worldly terms” — as the subject of the world’s greatest poetry, music and art.
He said the message of Christmas is “peace, goodwill towards men,” and encouraged members to share this not just with people they already love but with casual friends, strangers or enemies.
President Oaks said he is sad when he hears parents who are not members of the church believe their children are excluded, and hopes these instances are rare.
“We should teach our children to be kind and considerate of everyone. … We ought to be the friendliest and most considerate of all peoples anywhere,” he said.
President Oaks told members the second coming of Christ gets closer every day. He quoted a recent talk from President Russell M. Nelson, who said, “The best is yet to come.”
Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles talked about people away from home during the season, specifically missionaries, and reminded members all are away from home — their heavenly home.
“The way to feel the comfort of that home is through service to our Savior,” he said.
He talked about the church’s Light the World initiative and said it is an effort to “turn everyone’s thoughts to the Savior,” and give to people in need. He encouraged members to follow Christ and “receive the gifts (Christ) provided.”
Elder Cook said light displays associated with this initiative were shown in New York City last year and were shown in cities around the world this year.
He invited members to ponder Christ’s miraculous birth, his mission, his perfect life, his example, his death, his resurrection and his atonement.
“The principal way we can show our gratitude to the Savior in this Christmas season is to be his servants, to, in effect, be his hands here on earth,” Elder Cook said.
Sister Tamara W. Runia, the first counselor in the Young Women General Presidency, encouraged people to remember that they belong to Jesus Christ and he was born to lift them.
“We are all injured lambs in need of the good shepherd. His help, his grace is available to you right now — not at the end of the road, when you feel like you have things perfectly together,” she said.
Sister Runia said if members understood what Christ sacrificed for them and what he is willing to do to help them return to their Heavenly Father, they would “rush to greet him at the manger.”
Elder S. Mark Palmer, of the Presidency of the Seventy, said the birth of Jesus has had a greater impact on the world than any other event. He encouraged members to give three gifts that provide lasting joy — their testimony, forgiveness and Christlike love.
He said feeling God’s love through others can lead people’s hearts to soften.
Elder Palmer said even gold, frankincense and myrrh can be bought on Amazon, but the precious gifts he suggested are not available at any store.
“They are gifts without a price, yet they will bring lasting and true joy to both the giver and the receiver,” he said.
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