At the height of the Christmas season, and exactly one week before Christmas Day, President Russell M. Nelson released a video expressing his Christmas wishes for the world.
“The world needs the light of Jesus Christ. And the world needs your light,” he said.
In his message, published on Sunday, Dec. 18, President Nelson thanked Heavenly Father for sending His Only Begotten Son to the earth more than 2,000 years ago. President Nelson said the world needs the light of the Savior today more than ever and encouraged individuals to reflect that light to others around them.
Specifically, President Nelson shared three invitations.
- “This Christmas season, will you let your light shine?”
- “Amid all the hustle and bustle of gifts and gatherings, will you let your life reflect the light and love of Jesus Christ?”
- “With the dawning of each day, could you identify someone who needs your light?”
President Nelson said that the world becomes a better place as the people in it follow Jesus Christ.
President Nelson concluded his message sharing his love for the Savior and expressing hope that others would be filled with that love.
“May you and your loved ones be filled with His light and joy, now and always.”
What President Nelson said in his 2022 Christmas message
Following is President Nelson’s Christmas message:
“Every year, regardless of our current circumstances, we can find renewed hope and joy as we remember the blessing that came into the world that first Christmas night.
“More than 2,000 years ago, the Savior of all humankind humbly came to earth as a precious baby.
“I marvel at the increased goodwill and human kindness that always emerge during this sacred season. As we commemorate the birth of Him who is the light of the world, new light is kindled in each of us. Today, we need His light — the light of Jesus Christ — more than ever. We need men and women who reflect His light by being peacemakers — willing to reason with others rather than to contend with them.
“I rejoice when I see young men and women willing to befriend those who feel excluded. Friends reflect His light when they mourn with those who mourn, and bring relief to those who are suffering. We need more wise men and women who seek the Lord, who serve the Lord, who reflect His light.
“As we follow Jesus Christ, we can make this a better world.
“So, this Christmas season, will you let your light shine? Amid all the hustle and bustle of gifts and gatherings, will you let your life reflect the light and love of Jesus Christ? With the dawning of each day, could you identify someone who needs your light? Reach out to that person by phone, video chat, or send a text or a note. Perform a quiet act of service to help someone nearby. Bring a new friend into your circle. Help someone turn to the Savior and find enduring peace and divine rest.
“There is no better way to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ than by lifting, loving and serving others. The world needs the light of Jesus Christ. And the world needs your light.
“God be thanked for loving us enough to send His Only Begotten Son. Jesus Christ changed the world for each of us with His atoning sacrifice. He is the light of the world. He is the light we need to hold up. He is the light that fills us with good will toward all people.
“I love the Lord Jesus Christ and testify that He lives. As we celebrate His birth in Bethlehem, let us emulate His life of loving kindness. May you and your loved ones be filled with His light and joy, now and always.
“I express my gratitude for you and offer my best wishes for you to have a very merry Christmas.”
