This week on social: President Nelson says how all can ‘make this a better world,’ Elder Gong promises joy by following Christ
Sister Browning explains why songs of the Savior at Christmastime unite those of all faiths

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ President Russell M. Nelson posted an Instagram video on Dec. 19 explaining that this would be his 99th Christmas. “As we commemorate the birth of Him who is the Light of the World, new light is kindled in each of us,” he said. “Today we need the light of Jesus Christ more than ever. As we follow Him, we can each help to make this a better world.”
Screenshot from Instagram | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
This week on social: President Nelson says how all can ‘make this a better world,’ Elder Gong promises joy by following Christ
Sister Browning explains why songs of the Savior at Christmastime unite those of all faiths

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ President Russell M. Nelson posted an Instagram video on Dec. 19 explaining that this would be his 99th Christmas. “As we commemorate the birth of Him who is the Light of the World, new light is kindled in each of us,” he said. “Today we need the light of Jesus Christ more than ever. As we follow Him, we can each help to make this a better world.”
Screenshot from Instagram | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
President Russell M. Nelson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, posted an Instagram video on Dec. 19 explaining that this would be his 99th Christmas.
“As we commemorate the birth of Him who is the Light of the World, new light is kindled in each of us,” he said. “Today we need the light of Jesus Christ more than ever. As we follow Him, we can each help to make this a better world.”
On Dec. 19, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles bore his testimony of the Savior. He quoted Isaiah 9:6 on Twitter which reads, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace”
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). pic.twitter.com/xDERvN3aSx
— Jeffrey R. Holland (@HollandJeffreyR) December 19, 2022
On Facebook, Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson wished all a merry Christmas on Dec. 20. She wrote: “For me, Christmas is a time to celebrate eternal family connections made possible through Jesus Christ. We hope you feel our love and especially His love this season.”
Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles tweeted: “Jesus Christ devoted His life to the poor, the needy, the sick, and the afflicted, and the successful completion of the eternal plan for which He alone was qualified. He is the light and has set the example for us.” He encouraged all to have the spirit of Christmas.
Jesus Christ devoted His life to the poor, the needy, the sick, and the afflicted, and the successful completion of the eternal plan for which He alone was qualified. He is the light and has set the example for us. May we each have the Christmas spirit as we #LightTheWorld. pic.twitter.com/RgaXTE6gVX
— Quentin L. Cook (@CookQuentinL) December 19, 2022
On Dec. 17, Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles posted an Instagram video with his wife, Sister Melanie Rasband. He wrote, “Merry Christmas from us! We love you and pray you can feel the Savior’s love this Christmas season.”
Sister Tracy Y. Browning of the Primary general presidency shared her love for the unification that takes place around Christmastime with songs centered on the Savior. She said: “‘Away In a Manger’ is one of those beautiful songs that reminds us that Christ was born to be the Savior of the world — of all of us. I hope we can all think of Him more this Christmas.”
On Dec. 14, Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles tweeted, “As we celebrate the Prince of Peace during this sacred Christmas season, may we do all that is necessary to prepare ourselves in reverence for His birth.”
In April 2022, President @NelsonRussellM said, “None of us can control nations or the actions of others or even members of our own families. But we can control ourselves. … We are followers of the Prince of Peace. Now more than ever, we need the peace only He can bring.”
— Dale G. Renlund (@DaleGRenlund) December 14, 2022
On Instagram on Dec. 19, Sister Michelle D. Craig of the Young Women general presidency shared a video of Scarlett, her granddaughter, seeing an article in the Friend magazine about her performing at the First Presidency’s Christmas devotional. Sister Craig wrote, “Each of us has spiritual gifts that can help strengthen, comfort, and bless others — if we are willing to share them.”
Primary General President Susan H. Porter posted on Facebook on Dec. 19. “I love seeing children learn about the eternal blessings that are available in the house of the Lord,” she said. “We can prepare them by teaching them about the covenants they will make there.”
On Dec. 21, Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles testified of Jesus Christ on social media. He tweeted, “May we all find the peace, purpose, healing, and joy that comes from following Him during this holiday season.”
Our Savior seeks, gathers, and comes to all in the four corners of the earth. This Christmas, I testify of Him, who has gathered followers since the night of His birth. May we all find the peace, purpose, healing, and joy that comes from following Him during this holiday season. pic.twitter.com/ZhqRw0YVBO
— Gerrit W. Gong (@GerritWGong) December 21, 2022
Sister J. Anette Dennis of the Relief Society general presidency posted a video on Facebook on Dec. 21 about the Giving Machines for #LightTheWorld. She wrote, “In our family, we always try to think of gifts we can give to the Savior — because we know when we serve others, we’re serving Him.”
On Instagram on Dec. 22, Sister Kristin M. Yee of the Relief Society general presidency shared a Christmas tradition from her family making a special dish. “Knowing that those who receive what we make may feel a little more known and a little more loved brings great joy,” she said. “Christmas is such a beautiful time to love and see others as the Savior would.”
On Dec. 22, Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles tweeted, “For us to receive Him in our hearts, surely they must be humble like His.” Elder Stevenson promised this season to be more joyful and that a greater sense of the Savior’s life and light will be felt as room for Him is made within one’s heart.
At Christmastime we often sing the song “Joy to the World.” A wonderful verse in this song always stands out to me:
— Gary E. Stevenson (@StevensonGaryE) December 22, 2022
“Let every heart prepare him room.”
Christmas seems like an ideal time for us to thoughtfully evaluate the status of our hearts. pic.twitter.com/fFXwrd6wW9
Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles posted on Dec. 23 about the light and truth Jesus Christ brought into this world. “Throughout this wonderful time and the rest of the year as well, we should consider how light and truth help us walk with the Savior. Walking with Him is always the road best traveled,” he said on Facebook.
Sister Amy A. Wright, first counselor in the Primary general presidency, shared on Instagram on Dec. 23 how a verse from “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” jumped out to her one Christmas. “I was reminded, from a beautiful Christmas hymn, because of Jesus Christ, we have the capacity to do and be more than we could ever possibly do and be on our own.”