On social media the past week, Church leaders bore testimony of Jesus Christ and the power He can have in individual lives.
President Jeffrey R. Holland, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, posted about how people can focus on the true meaning of Christmas.
“The true meaning — the unique, joyous meaning — of the birth of Jesus Christ was not confined to those first hours in Bethlehem but would be realized in the life He would lead and in His death, in His triumphant atoning sacrifice, and in His prison-bursting Resurrection. These are the realities that make Christmas joyful.”
President Camille N. Johnson, Relief Society general president, talked about the joy that Christ can bring. “What a glorious time of year, when we sing the songs heralding the birth of our Savior. “Joy to the world, the Lord is come; Let earth receive her King!” (Hymns, No. 201). ... We can find joy in our tribulation when we center our lives on Jesus Christ.”
In the midst of a family member experiencing health challenges, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared his faith in Christ. “We all may take solace in knowing that God’s gift to all mankind, even His Son, Jesus Christ, is an active healing power throughout the year, not just at Christmas and Easter.”
Sister J. Anette Dennis, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency, posted about the symbolism one can find in the Christmas season.
“I love symbolism! During the celebrations at this time of year, there are so many wonderful symbols of Christ. As we see all the beautiful lights, we remember that Christ is the light of the world. As we see the beautiful red and white poinsettias, we remember His blood that was shed for us that will make our sins as white as snow as we turn to Him.”
Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles posted on Christmas morning, “‘Remember that there is no other way nor means whereby man can be saved, only through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, who shall come; yea, remember that he cometh to redeem the world’ (Helaman 5:9).”
Sister Kristin M. Yee, second counselor in the Relief Society general presidency, posted how she was put in a situation that helped her have Christ even more in her Christmas season.
“I hope you can find a moment or two this season to go slow and let Him in. His goodness and many blessings await you as you sit in the stillness and ‘know that [He is] God’ (Psalm 46:10). I love the Lord, and I know He loves you and desires to give you His peace, joy and healing now and always.”
Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles encouraged all to take a step back from the busy time and refocus on Christ.
“I hope you will lay aside these misconceptions, dial down the ‘noise’ and take some time this Christmas season — at least an hour, if not more — to reflect on the wonder and the majesty of the Son of God. Let it be an hour of reassurance and renewal for you.”
On the Young Women Worldwide Instagram account, President Emily Belle Freeman, Young Women general president, accepted the invitation to do something on the Light the World calendar.
“Today, I am choosing No. 20 on the Light the World calendar: Pray for someone by name.
“I believe our Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers.
“And I have learned that an ‘effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man [or woman] availeth much’ (James 5:16).”
Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared Matthew 19:14 and a Friday-night moment of a young girl and a statue of Christ.
Sister Tracy Y. Browning, second counselor in the Primary general presidency, shared how people can be modern-day shepherds this Christmas. “Let us all emulate the hope and excitement of the shepherds that first Christmas night. May we hear the heavenly messages of our Savior and lovingly guide the children we care for to where He may be found. Merry Christmas!”
Elder Dale G. Renlund shared a recent experience from a trip to Washington, D.C.
“At the end of November, I participated in the ‘Festival of Lights’ Lighting Ceremony at the Washington D.C. Temple Visitors Center. Ambassadors, diplomats and government officials from many countries and territories and other invited guests attended. A wonderful choir sang, bringing the Christmas spirit to the ceremonies.”
“We feel very happy at this time because the Savior came to the world. The peace that emanates from Him, His infinite love that we can all feel and the immense sense of gratitude for all that He has voluntarily granted us, personally paying a high price for it, constitute the true essence of Christmas that all humanity deserves to know and enjoy,” Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles posted.
