During the week of Dec. 3 to Dec. 9, President Russell M. Nelson shared his prayer for everyone at Christmastime during his remarks in the First Presidency’s Christmas devotional. Elder Patrick Kearon was called as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. He then spoke at BYU–Hawaii’s December commencement exercises. Speaking in London, Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles expressed appreciation for Great Britain’s historical lead on religious freedom and human rights.
Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared the miracle of President Jeffrey R. Holland’s recovery. Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles told BYU–Pathway Worldwide students, “Our best efforts and God’s help go together.” The First Presidency announced a name change and site for the McKinney Texas Temple.
The weekly Church News podcast featured Aaron Sherinian talking about inviting connection during the holiday season. A new BYU study looked at how repentance strengthens family relationships. Humanitarian efforts from the Church included winter support for refugees in northeast Syria and kits for people affected by flooding in Uruguay. And returned missionary and Denver Broncos lineman Garett Bolles was nominated for NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year award.
1. President Nelson shares his prayer for everyone at Christmastime
Speaking of the joy it is to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, President Nelson issued this invitation to all: “Come, let us adore Him.”
He then shared his prayer for all at Christmastime, including that they will come to know the Savior and feel of His love for them.
Read the full article here.
See full coverage and photos of the First Presidency’s Christmas devotional.
2. Elder Patrick Kearon called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Elder Kearon, 62, was ordained on Thursday, Dec. 7, by President Nelson and the other members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
“This sacred call is so very daunting and humbling to me,” said Elder Kearon, who had been serving in the Presidency of the Seventy.
Read the full article here.
Read Elder Kearon’s remarks at BYU–Hawaii the day after his call.
3. Elder Quentin L. Cook speaks at Parliament
Commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Elder Cook used messages delivered in London, England, on Wednesday, Dec. 6, at Parliament and a historic city church to extol the benefits of human rights and freedom of religion as well as call for continued efforts worldwide.
Read the full article here.
Read Elder Jaggi’s religious freedom remarks in New Zealand.
Read Elder Gerard’s remarks during a religious freedom webinar.
4. Elder Renlund writes about President Holland’s health and recovery
Elder Renlund wrote on social media of visiting President Holland in the hospital and witnessing his critical condition and subsequent miraculous recovery.
“God is in the details,” Elder Renlund wrote. “President Holland has been preserved for such a time as this.”
Read the full article here.
5. Elder Gong speaks at BYU–Pathway, Elder Carpenter at BYU devotional
“Our best efforts and God’s help go together,” Elder Gong taught during a BYU–Pathway Worldwide devotional, and centered his remarks on Doctrine and Covenants 123:17, where the Saints are instructed: “Cheerfully do all things that [are] in our power.”
Meanwhile, during BYU’s weekly devotional, Elder Matthew L. Carpenter, General Authority Seventy, invited students to be completely honest, including in ecclesiastical endorsements, in relationships and in academics.
Read Elder Gong’s remarks to BYU–Pathway Worldwide.
Read Elder Carpenter’s remarks at BYU.
6. McKinney Texas Temple location announced
Originally announced in October 2022 for Prosper, Texas, the house of the Lord will be known as the McKinney Texas Temple. It will be the third temple in Texas’ Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro area, and located at 651 E. Stacy Road.
Read the full article here.
7. Podcast episode 165: Aaron Sherinian on inviting connection
In a world increasingly defined by division, this episode of the Church News podcast is dedicated to connection, with guest Aaron Sherinian, the senior vice president of global reach at Deseret Management Corp. This Christmas season, Sherinian invites listeners to connect with those around them as they work together to #LightTheWorld.
Listen to the podcast here.
8. BYU study on how repentance strengthens families
While repentance is seen as a “vertical process” between God and an individual, repentance can also be a “horizontal process,” such as when people apologize to others and mend their behavior within relationships.
Read the full article here.
9. Humanitarian efforts in Syria and Uruguay
Displaced people living in camps in northeast Syria received winter clothing and essential items from CARE and the Church.
Meanwhile, members of the Paysandú Uruguay Stake collected, organized and donated 1,000 kits to help those affected by flooding in their area after intense rainfall.
Read more about the aid in northeast Syria.
Read more about the Uruguay efforts here.
10. Garett Bolles nominated for award
Denver Broncos lineman Garett Bolles was nominated for NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year award.
Once a troubled youth himself, the Latter-day Saint returned missionary has mentored more than 100 youth in probation courts and detention facilities.
