Christmas Message to Children of the Church in All the World

The Christmas season is one of the happiest times of all the year, filled with warm memories of past holidays and full of the excitement of planning to share another Christmas with family and friends. Our hearts are softened toward each other and it seems easier to forgive a hurt or an unkindness when we remember that tender and timeless story of the birth of the Baby Jesus in a Bethlehem stable nearly 2,000 years ago.

That same Jesus, whose birthday we celebrate at Christmastime, is your Friend now and always, and He is the same Jesus whose love for you is never changing. He loves all children, and has need for their hope, their faith, their cheerfulness, and their clean and bright spirits to help light the way for those whose lives have been clouded by sadness.

Sometimes it is easier to think more about receiving gifts than giving them. Of course, the most gladsome and glorious of all gifts was Jesus’ own life that He willingly gave so that all people everywhere—past, present, and future—would have the opportunity to live with our Heavenly Father again someday.

When Christmas and the suspense of that happy day are over, and when the toys and games have lost their excitement, remember the gifts that will keep on giving happiness to those you love—gifts that only you can give. Our Heavenly Father set the example for such gifts for He “so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son. …”

One of the best presents that you can give to your parents is the gift of obedience. The happiness that your parents feel when you do right and when you obey their loving counsel is a gift from you beyond comparison.

Honoring your parents by living a good life and by showing them that you love and appreciate them are gifts that last forever. To your earthly mother and father and to your Heavenly Parents, you are their most valuable treasure. Their love and concern for you never ends.

We give to you boys and girls everywhere our sincere blessing and a Christmas wish that you will be happy in giving of yourself to others. Then you will come to know that “it is more blessed to give than to receive.”

We pray that your goodness will shine throughout the year. This would truly be a gift of love to our Heavenly Father and to His Son, Jesus Christ.

And now, a joyous Christmas to you all!