Mormon.org Christmas Initiative Launches Online and in NYC
Contributed By By Heather Whittle Wrigley, Church News and Events
At mormon.org/christmas, individuals can participate in a variety of Christ-centered activities, including downloading sacred Christmas music, chatting with a member, or sending a Christmas e-card.
Article Highlights
- The Church’s Christmas media initiative has two components—one at mormon.org/christmas, and one that includes extensive advertising in New York City.
- The initiative seeks to help people understand that Mormons participate in Christmas and worship Christ.
- Members are asked to help spread the initiative message by joining in conversations about the Church and using social media to share the resources offered on the site.
“The Christmas season can have greater meaning for anyone as they seek to follow the example and teachings of Christ.” —Ron Wilson, senior manager for Internet and advertising for the Missionary Department
With the holiday season approaching, the Church launched an impressive Christmas initiative online and in Manhattan this week that centers on the reason for the season—Jesus Christ. And members are being invited to help spread the message.
“All of our messaging is focused on helping people understand that Mormons are Christian,” explained Ron Wilson, senior manager for Internet and advertising for the Missionary Department. “Mormons do participate in Christmas and worship Christ.”
In New York, the media initiative includes interactive and static billboards, advertising on buses and on the Internet, and even taxicab toppers. The ads emphasize a Christmas season centered on the Savior, family, love, service, and worship, and refer people to mormon.org, where they can learn more about the Church and the gospel.
At mormon.org/christmas, individuals can download free Christmas music from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, request a free Bible, download the Bible Videos app for Android and iOS, chat with a member, or request a missionary visit.
On November 23, the site will begin offering free Christmas e-cards that depict key events surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ. Members can share the Christmas story with family and friends through these cards, which can be posted on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+.
The initiative is similar to one launched in 2011 called “I’m a Mormon,” which sought to break through stereotypes about the LDS faith by better informing people. The same principle applies to the Christmas initiative, stated Greg Droubay, director of media at the Church Missionary Department.
“Members can and should help build awareness,” he said. “They can get involved in conversations about the Church in person and online. They can mention in their social media, share the Christmas music, send a greeting card to friends and family.”
Members can use the site to invite the Christmas spirit into their own homes, as well as those of their loved ones, Brother Wilson pointed out.
“The Christmas season,” he said, “can have greater meaning for anyone as they seek to follow the example and teachings of Christ.”
