First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional 2024: Read talk summaries, see photos

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints welcomed the Christmas season with the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional on Sunday, Dec. 8.

President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor in the First Presidency, declared that “peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14) — the angelic herald of Jesus Christ’s birth — is the message of Christmas.

Speaking from the pulpit in the Conference Center resplendent with poinsettias, holly berries, twinkling lights and other Christmas decor for the annual broadcast, President Oaks noted that theme is echoed in many beloved carols, such as “Far, Far Away on Judea’s Plains.”

“Such words, sung countless times in our holiday activities, remind us that there is nothing new in the celebration and songs of Christmas. The message is old and familiar,” President Oaks said.

The most important things in life are repetitious, he continued. “So it is that the repetitious message of Christmas is not a message to be revised but a message to be renewed in our lives.”

Other speakers were Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; Elder S. Mark Palmer of the Presidency of the Seventy; and Sister Tamara W. Runia, first counselor in the Young Women general presidency.

Summaries of their messages are listed below:

• President Dallin H. Oaks
• Elder Quentin L. Cook
• Elder S. Mark Palmer
• Sister Tamara W. Runia

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles conducted the devotional.

Elder Alexander Dushku, General Authority Seventy, offered the opening prayer. The closing prayer was given by Brother Gabriel W. Reid, second counselor in the Sunday School general presidency. Music was provided by The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square.

View on demand

Recordings of the devotional may be used as part of local or family Christmas celebrations and gatherings.

Video and audio recordings of the devotional will be archived for on-demand viewing on Gospel Library and Gospel Media. Video and audio recordings in most languages, as well as text in English, Spanish and Portuguese, will be available in about a week.

Last year’s Christmas devotional

The First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional in 2023 included messages given by President Russell M. Nelson, President of the Church; Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; Elder Paul V. Johnson of the Presidency of the Seventy (now the Sunday School general president); and Sister Tracy Y. Browning, second counselor in the Primary general presidency.

View past Christmas devotionals in the Church’s Media Library