A Joy-filled Christmas to All the Children of the World from the First Presidency

Christmas is a glorious time of friendliness, unselfish giving, and love. It is a time when almost all the world rejoices, for more than any other holiday it inspires a feeling of universal brotherhood—crossing borders and touching many nations of the earth. Our caroling voices sing the sweet songs of Christmas, causing us to remember the host of heavenly voices long ago that announced the birth of our Savior, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (See Luke 2:14.)

We decorate Christmas trees with gleaming colored lights, hang wreaths and bells, and light candles, all to remind us of the birth of our Lord into the world of mortality.

We send Christmas cards to friends and family. We present our loved ones with things to eat, to wear, and to enjoy. But sometimes our gift-giving becomes only an exchange, gifts given for gifts expected.

Never did the Savior give in expectation of receiving. He did not give shoes or toys or perfume or games or clothes. His gifts were precious and rare ones. He gave eyes to the blind, ears to the deaf, legs to the lame. He gave light in place of darkness, forgiveness to the repentant, and hope to the despairing.

In order to make us more comfortable or to preserve life, doctors must perform surgery, prescribe medicines, and take X-rays. But Christ healed the Centurion’s servant without even going near him. (See Matt. 8:5–13.)

When your mother plans the family’s Christmas dinner, she goes to the store and buys extra food to prepare so all may have enough. Christ at one time blessed five loaves of bread and two fishes and with them was able to feed five thousand hungry people. And then there were twelve baskets of food left over! (See Luke 9:12–17.)

When we cross lakes or oceans, we must ride in a boat, but Christ walked on the surface of the water. If storms arise, no person, nor all the people together, can quiet the waves. One time, however, the Savior slept through a violent storm and then when awakened by His frightened companions spoke only three simple words, “Peace be still.” Then the wind ceased and there was a great calm. (See Mark 4:37–39.)

To rise high above the earth, we must go in a balloon or airplane, but the Lord ascended into heaven with no apparent support from any source. (See Luke 24:51.)

He whose birthday we celebrate at Christmastime is the Son of God the Eternal Father. In Him is all majesty and power to give gifts of life and limb, to restore life, to transform little into much, to walk upon the water, to quiet the storms, to ascend into heaven or whatever else is needful for Him to do.

Christmas can be gloriously happy, a time when we should be especially friendly to people everywhere and a time to bring joy and happiness to others. We can visit the sick, give to the poor, cheer the lonely and, like our Master, give more of ourselves and less of material gifts.

At this time of happiness, remembrance, and gratitude, may we express to children throughout the world our best wishes for a joyous Christmas season, and always our love and blessings.