“Most Wondrous Gift of All,” Friend, Dec. 1999, 3
A Christmas Message from the First Presidency to the Children of the World:
Most Wondrous Gift of All
The Christmas season is truly one of the most joyous times of the year. The spirit of love that prompts us to give gifts to family and friends is a reminder of that most wondrous gift of all from a loving Heavenly Father, who gave His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Because of what the Savior did for us, we are blessed with the opportunity to be forgiven of our sins and receive the ordinances of the gospel. Heavenly Father’s gift of His Son allows all of us to return to live with Him.
The birth of the Savior was so important that an angel announced His coming to the shepherds in Bethlehem:
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:10–11.)
We bear witness that the Child born two thousand years ago in a stable in Bethlehem is our Savior, Jesus Christ, that He was crucified for us, and that He was resurrected. We testify that He is our Redeemer and our Friend, and that as we follow Him, our hearts will be filled with a spirit of peace and love.
May this Christmas season be one of “good tidings of great joy” for each of us.
With love,
The First Presidency
Nativity photo by Eldon Linschoten