Christ Is Christmas: Celebrating the Birth of Jesus

As followers of Jesus Christ, we cherish the Christmas season and encourage thoughtful observance of the holiday to feel closer to God. We happily acknowledge that Christmas celebrations can be different for everyone, based on different cultures, personal feelings, and family traditions, with no one “right” way to celebrate.

But for many members of our Church, those traditions often include family gatherings, singing Christmas songs, reading the Christmas story, attending Church meetings and activities, and offering charitable service in our communities.

Along with most religious scholars, we acknowledge that the birth of the Savior didn't happen on December 25. We believe it happened during the early spring in Bethlehem, but we join with other Christian denominations in using this time of year to come together in the joyous celebration of Christmas.

Yes. The Church generally celebrates Christmas in many ways throughout the month, from Christmas parties where the whole neighborhood is invited, to special youth activities, charity drives, and more. While every Sunday service throughout the year focuses on the joy we can find through Jesus Christ, the Sunday before Christmas (or on Christmas Day) is a special service that celebrates His birth through words and music.

A variety of online resources are available for parents and teachers of children and youth, including:

• The December issues of the Friend and For the Strength of Youth magazines, include activities and crafts for children and youth.
• New Testament Stories for Young Readers:
  
  • Jesus Was Born
  • Jesus Was Born in Bethlehem
  • Gifts for Jesus
• Gospel for Kids YouTube holiday playlist
• Youth Christmas music on Strive to Be YouTube
• New Testament coloring pages

In the Old Testament, you can read prophecies of Jesus Christ’s birth:

• Isaiah 7:14
• Isaiah 9:6
• Isaiah 53: 3–5, 7–9

• Luke 1–2
• Matthew 1–2

• 1 Nephi 11:18–20
• Alma 7:10
• Helaman 14:4

• Helaman 16
• 3 Nephi 1:5–21

The Christmas season is a great time to Light the World and love others the way Jesus did through acts of kindness, big and small.

Consider some of the following ideas to help others in your community during Christmastime:

• Call someone you miss.
• Send a Christmas card to a friend.
• Forgive someone.
• Ask to be forgiven and settle a grudge or past issue.
• Visit someone who is lonely.
• Provide a meal for someone in need.
• Invite others to a Christmas celebration.
• Clean up trash in your neighborhood.
• Find a local organization that needs volunteer help.
• Help a coworker with their load.
• Donate to a local organization in need.
• Send a note of gratitude.
• Support a single parent.
• Spend time in prayer to seek for peace in your heart and the world.

If you are feeling inspired to serve, the following steps can help you make the greatest impact for good. First, look around you and identify needs that exist in your community. Look for and learn about local organizations and projects. In many areas, you can research organizations and projects on JustServe.org.

Next, take some time to listen to individuals who are most affected by an issue you may care about. Listening and seeking to understand the barriers faced by those around us teaches us how to provide meaningful help. Then determine the amount of time and energy you can devote to the issue you care about. Plan how you can serve on a short-term or long-term basis.