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Five Ways to Light the World This Christmas
We can honor the Light of the World as we give Him glory and help others experience peace that comes from Him.
In many parts of the world, Christmas occurs during the darkest and coldest time of year. The festive lights that are hung from trees, homes, and buildings remind us that in our darkest moments, we can rely on the Savior, the Light of the World. And in good times, we can also celebrate the light He brings. His birth brought hope, joy, and light to all of God’s children. And in turn, we can help to share His light with others.
How can we celebrate and help share the light we receive through Jesus Christ? Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shares:
“As an angel announced the birth of Jesus Christ to shepherds in the field, suddenly a multitude of angels appeared, saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men’ [Luke 2:14]. While we celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ this Christmas, this angelic invitation continues. Christmas is the ideal time for us to praise and proclaim Him—to show our gratitude, to express our joy, and to celebrate Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, by following His example and spreading His light to others.”1
How can we give “glory to God” and provide “good will toward men”? The following member stories and magazine articles share different ways we can connect to God’s light and share that light with others by following Elder Cook’s suggestions on how to celebrate our Savior’s birth.
Praise and Proclaim Him
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We can access His Light and increase our desire to praise Him by coming to know Him better. Here is how one woman found 10 ways to strengthen her relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
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Music is a special form of praise (see Doctrine and Covenants 25:12; 136:28). Learn how one missionary helped spread joy through singing at Christmastime.
Show Gratitude
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Discover the story behind President Russell M. Nelson’s global prayer of gratitude and how gratitude, even in trials, can invite light into our lives.
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See how a moment of gratitude changed one man’s view of service.
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Read how one woman was inspired to be more grateful because of the thanks a sister in her ward had given her.
Express Joy
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Read teachings from Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles about joy and stories of individuals who expressed joy during hard times.
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See what Elder Kazuhiko Yamashita of the Seventy shared about several gifts from Christ we can rejoice in this Christmas.
Follow His Example
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See how finding an opportunity to care for others as Christ did helped one woman feel the joy of the Savior.
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We can follow the example of our Savior by being kind. Read four tips on how to extend kindness to all people.
Spread His Light to Others
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See seven ideas from President Nelson and five ideas from Elder Uchtdorf about simple ways to share Christ’s light through sharing His gospel.
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Read about how a “phone brigade” helped bring light and protection into one man’s life.
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See how something as simple as giving another person a hug helped one woman share the love of God.