During the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional on Sunday, Dec. 4, leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spoke of receiving the gift of Christ, sharing His light, looking to Him in times of uncertainty and loving one another.
Messages were given by President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor in the First Presidency; Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; Elder José A. Teixeira of the Presidency of the Seventy; and Young Women General President Bonnie H. Cordon.
Following are four quotes from the devotional, one from each speaker.
‘De-emphasize differences’
“Christmas is a time to eliminate arrogance and provocation, to subdue criticism, to practice patience, and to de-emphasize differences among people. We have the incentive to extend sincere fellowship to all persons, those who are and those who are not of our faith.”
—President Dallin H. Oaks
For the righteous, ‘all will be well’
“With all the worry and uncertainty, the difficulties and the trouble that follow us here in our mortal life, for those who are righteous, who have faith and trust in the Lord, in the end, all will be well.”
—Elder Neil L. Andersen
Let your light shine
“When we keep the spirit of Christmas, we keep the Spirit of Christ. May we, this season, focus on Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, and may we let our own light shine this season by sharing with others our love, our compassion and our service.”
—Elder José A. Teixeira
First and forever gift of Christmas
“Jesus Christ was and is our first and forever gift of Christmas. I testify of this truth: He was born, He lived and He died for us, and He lives ― still. How blessed are we to be the receivers of this joyous gift. In the words of the beloved Christmas carol: ‘Joy to the world, the Lord is come; Let earth receive her King!’”
—President Bonnie H. Cordon
