The melodies of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the voice of President Thomas S. Monson rang through the clear night sky as children and adults watched enchanted as the Nativity story unfolded on Temple Square in Salt Lake City. Small, gloved hands reached to the sky and pointed to the spotlight that reached heavenward. When the star appeared over the manger an audible gasp was heard and a silent reverence followed.
In August, when much of the state is sweltering in the heat of summer, thoughts turn to Christmas at Temple Square. Volunteers and full-time employees help add to the holiday spirit as lights are strung, nativities set and decorations placed. All this is done to recognize the birth of the Savior and share that love with others.
"We believe that Jesus is the Christ," said Eldon Cannon, Group Manager of Ground Services at Church headquarters. "The Christmas light display is an opportunity to celebrate His birth and share with the world our belief in Him."
The tradition of lights leading up to what we know today began in the 1960s under the leadership of President David O. McKay. What started as 40,000 lights and 15,000 people has grown immensely over the years. Hundreds of thousands of LED lights now don Temple Square and millions of people visit during this time of year. Other nearby attractions include the Church Office Building, Main Street Plaza, Gallivan Plaza along with various downtown businesses. The last day to view the lights on Temple Square this season will be Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012.
Erica Bayless of the Sunset 5th Ward, Provo Utah Sunset Stake, was there with her three children and her mom, Dianne Stone of the Aspen 2nd Ward, Orem Utah Aspen Stake.
When asked what he liked the most, young Brendan, who sat in a stroller, pointed to the red lights on a tree near the Church Office Building. His older sister Marissa said that she liked the statues. Big brother, Brendan, 11, was quick to voice his opinion.
"I have a favorite statue," he said. "The one on top of the temple." He pointed to the angel Moroni statue on top of the Salt Lake Temple.
Sister Bayless said that when her family visits the temple grounds she always makes a point to talk about testimonies and why they believe the Church is true. She enjoyed the sweet voices of the Choir and the words of the Prophet that played out at the nativity scene. She commented that the Christus statue in the North Visitors Center overlooking the manger scene is particularly amazing this time of year.
"I hope the lights will make it even more spiritual for them and they remember why it is that we really do celebrate Christmas," she said.
Sister Stone loves the reflecting pool with the nativity situated in the middle of the water. She said it brought a nice peaceful feeling and she smiled as she watched her grandchildren enjoy the sights.
"I hope they take away the true meaning of Christmas," she said. Sister Stone thinks that it is important to counterbalance the secular emphasis that is prevalent in much of the world.
Janet Lott of the Hawks Landing Ward, Saratoga Springs Utah South Stake, and her father, Jim Roberts of the Midvale 7th Ward, Midvale Utah Stake, are service missionaries on Temple Square. The lights at Temple Square were switched on Friday, Nov. 25, and this was their first time to view the lights this season.
Sister Lott enjoys the faces of the children as they look at the lights. And Elder Roberts noted the importance of the season when he said: "It represents the birth of Christ which is really important to the LDS people," he said. "The reason is it brings us to remember eternity, where we came from, why we are here and where we are going and how we get there."
The words of President Monson came to an end as he testified of the Savior and urged, "May we receive in our lives, His gift to us." The gifts we have received from the Savior are eternal with the Atonement as the ultimate gift that provides an opportunity to live with our family forever.
"Oh, come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord," sang the choir as the words closed the Nativity story.
