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First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional 2023: Read talk summaries, see photos

Messages given by President Russell M. Nelson, Elder Gerrit W. Gong, Elder Paul V. Johnson and Sister Tracy Y. Browning

Members of the First Presidency sit and smile at the beginning of the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional in the Conference Center.
Members of the First Presidency, President Russell M. Nelson, center, with President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor, left, and President Henry B. Eyring, second counselor, right, smile at the beginning of the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Mary Richards
Rachel Sterzer Gibson
By Mary Richards, Rachel Sterzer Gibson

With twinkling lights outside on Temple Square and brightly decorated Christmas trees inside the Conference Center, leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ushered in the Christmas season with joyful messages of the Savior’s birth during the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional on Sunday, Dec. 3.

President Russell M. Nelson — who attended in the Conference Center — testified in his prerecorded remarks of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. He invited everyone to begin a season of even greater personal worship, to “live in the spirit of ‘hallelujah’” and ever praise the Lord.

“At this glorious Christmas season, come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord,” President Nelson said.

Other speakers during the devotional were Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Elder Paul V. Johnson of the Presidency of the Seventy and Sister Tracy Y. Browning, second counselor in the Primary general presidency.

Summaries of their messages are listed below:

President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor in the First Presidency, conducted the devotional. He extended greetings and Christmas wishes from the First Presidency.

“We are grateful to be with you and to reflect upon the birth, life and mission of our Savior, Jesus Christ,” said President Oaks in the devotional that was broadcast live from the Conference Center.

“As we enter this sacred season, we pray that you will be blessed with peace in your hearts and love for those around you.”

President Dallin H. Oaks speaks during the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional in the Conference Center.
President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency speaks during the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. | Screenshot from YouTube

Elder James W. McConkie III, General Authority Seventy, offered the opening prayer. The closing prayer was given by Young Men General President Steven J. Lund. Music was provided by The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square.

View the devotional on demand and find previous devotionals

The video is on YouTube on the “Inspiration from the Church of Jesus Christ” channel. Video and audio recordings of the devotional will be archived for on-demand viewing in the Gospel Library and the Gospel Stream app under Christmas devotionals. Video and audio recordings in most languages, as well as text in English, Spanish and Portuguese are expected to be available in about a week.

Previous Christmas devotionals can also be found at those locations. Find Church News coverage of past devotionals at thechurchnews.com/christmas-devotional.

See more photos below.

President Russell M. Nelson waves to attendees prior to the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional in the Conference Center.
President Russell M. Nelson waves to attendees prior to the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
President Dallin H. Oaks conducts the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional in the Conference Center.
President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor in the First Presidency, conducts the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles uses a top hat and scarf during his message as he spoke during the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional.
Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles uses a top hat and scarf during his message during the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Elder Paul V. Johnson of the Presidency of the Seventy speaks during the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional.
Elder Paul V. Johnson of the Presidency of the Seventy speaks during the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Sister Tracy Y. Browning speaks during the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional.
Sister Tracy Y. Browning, second counselor in the Primary general presidency, speaks during the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor in the First Presidency, hugs President Russell M. Nelson, as they and President Henry B. Eyring, second counselor in the First Presidency, exit following the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.
President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor in the First Presidency, hugs President Russell M. Nelson, as they and President Henry B. Eyring, second counselor in the First Presidency, exit following the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
President Russell M. Nelson hugs Elder Gerrit W. Gong following the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional in the Conference Center.
President Russell M. Nelson hugs Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as they exit following the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
President Russell M. Nelson greets Elder Gerrit W. Gong following the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional in the Conference Center.
President Russell M. Nelson greets fellow speaker Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles at the end of the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
The crowd stands during the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional in the Conference Center.
The crowd stands during the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Crowd members hurry to take their seats for the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional.
Crowd members hurry to take their seats for the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Members of the First Presidency stand and smile at the beginning of the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional in the Conference Center.
Members of the First Presidency, President Russell M. Nelson, center, with President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor, left, and President Henry B. Eyring, second counselor, right, smile at the beginning of the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Members of the First Presidency sit and smile at the beginning of the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional in the Conference Center.
Members of the First Presidency, President Russell M. Nelson, center, with President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor, left, and President Henry B. Eyring, second counselor, right, smile at the beginning of the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square perform during the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional in the Conference Center.
The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square perform during the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square perform during the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional in the Conference Center.
The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square perform during the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
The First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City.
The First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
An attendee smiles during the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional in the Conference Center.
An attendee smiles during the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Crowd members enter the Conference Center in the rain prior to the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional.
Crowd members enter the Conference Center in the rain prior to the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Christmas lights shine around the Conference Center prior to the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional.
Christmas lights shine around the Conference Center prior to the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
People hurry toward the Conference Center in the rain prior to the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional.
People hurry toward the Conference Center in the rain prior to the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
People hurry toward the Conference Center in the rain prior to the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023.
People hurry toward the Conference Center in the rain prior to the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
People enter the Conference Center in the rain prior to the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional.
People enter the Conference Center in the rain prior to the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Christmas lights shine around the Conference Center prior to the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional.
Christmas lights shine around the Conference Center prior to the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
People hurry toward the Conference Center in the rain prior to the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional.
People hurry toward the Conference Center in the rain prior to the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
The Orchestra at Temple Square performs during the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional in the Conference Center.
The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square perform during the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. | Screenshot from YouTube
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