25 Days of Kindness
From December 1 to Christmas Day, pay attention to the ways the people around you have shared their light with you and others. Each day, highlight their small acts of kindness on social media. Hopefully the examples you share can inspire many more to reach out with love like Jesus did. Make sure to use the following hashtag in your posts:
#LightTheWorld
Light the World All Month Long
Each day of December, come back to this page for stories, quotes, and videos that will inspire you to share your light with others.
Who needs your light today? We’ve got a list of 50 ideas to share your light this Christmas.
How can you spread your light this Christmas? Take 30 seconds to reflect, then go and do!
Reflect on Christ’s Light
Who needs your light today?
Michelle learned the true power of Christlike service after the birth of her twin daughters. See her story below.
Michelle’s Story of Service
Excerpt from “Bearers of Heavenly Light”
Jesus Christ said, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in [the] darkness, but shall have the light of life” [John 8:12].
What does this mean?
Simply this: He who humbly follows Jesus Christ will experience and share in His light. And that light will grow until it eventually dispels even the most profound darkness.
It means that there is a power, a strong influence, that emanates from the Savior. It proceeds “forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space” [Doctrine and Covenants 88:12]. Because this power enlightens, uplifts, and illuminates our lives, the scriptures often call it light, but it is also referred to as spirit and truth. …
… Every time you notice someone in need and sacrifice your own comfort to reach out in love, [God’s] light expands and swells. …
Think about your own personal experiences, moments of service to God and fellowmen when divine light has shined in your life. … Share those moments with family, friends, and especially with our youth, who are seeking light. They need to hear from you that with this light come hope and healing, even in a world full of darkness.
Christ’s light brings hope, happiness, and healing of any spiritual wound or ailment [see 1 John 1:7; Alma 7:11–13]. Those who experience this refining influence become instruments in the hands of the Light of the World to give light to others. (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Bearers of Heavenly Light,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017)
Who needs your light today? Use our Kindness Randomizer to get an idea of where to start.
Who needs your light today? When you are kind, your brain’s reward center lights up as if you were the recipient rather than the giver!
Read these facts from a study on kindness to learn more.
Kindness Increases …
Energy
“About half of participants in one study reported that they feel stronger and more energetic after helping others; many also reported feeling calmer and less depressed, with increased feelings of self-worth” (Christine Carter, UC Berkeley, Greater Good Science Center).
Happiness
A 2010 Harvard Business School survey of happiness in 136 countries found that people who are altruistic—in this case, people who were generous financially, such as with charitable donations—were happiest overall.
Serotonin
Like most medical antidepressants, kindness stimulates the production of serotonin. This feel-good chemical heals your wounds, calms you down, and makes you happy!
Kindness Decreases …
Pain
Engaging in acts of kindness produces endorphins, the brain’s natural painkiller!
Stress
Perpetually kind people have 23% less cortisol (the stress hormone) and age slower than the average population!
Anxiety
A group of highly anxious individuals performed at least six acts of kindness a week. After one month, there was a significant increase in positive moods and relationship satisfaction and a decrease in social avoidance in socially anxious individuals (University of British Columbia study).
("Kindness Health Facts," https://www.dartmouth.edu/wellness/emotional/rakhealthfacts.pdf).
Note: Some grammatical edits have been made to the original quote.
Who needs your light today?
Take a screenshot of the GIF below for a suggestion on how to serve someone today.
Make sure to follow us on social media for all things Light the World, and share your experience using #LightTheWorld.
Share your light by donating.
Who needs your light today? Kindness is contagious! Studies show that those who see good are more likely to do good.
Read the following facts from a study by Dartmouth College to learn more:
Kindness Is Contagious
The positive effects of kindness are experienced in the brain of everyone who witnessed the act, improving their mood and making them significantly more likely to “pay it forward.” This means one good deed in a crowded area can create a domino effect and improve the day of dozens of people!
Kindness Is Teachable
“It’s kind of like weight training, we found that people can actually build up their compassion ‘muscle’ and respond to others’ suffering with care and a desire to help” (Dr. Ritchie Davidson, University of Wisconsin).
("Kindness Health Facts," https://www.dartmouth.edu/wellness/emotional/rakhealthfacts.pdf).
Note: Some grammatical edits have been made to the original quote.
Jesus went about doing good. Learn how He shared His light in the New Testament.
Excerpt from “Be an Example and a Light”
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” [Matthew 5:16]. …
Each of us came to earth having been given the Light of Christ. As we follow the example of the Savior and live as He lived and as He taught, that light will burn within us and will light the way for others. …
… There are within our sphere of influence those who are lonely, those who are ill, and those who feel discouraged. Ours is the opportunity to help them and to lift their spirits. The Savior brought hope to the hopeless and strength to the weak. He healed the sick; He caused the lame to walk, the blind to see, the deaf to hear. He even raised the dead to life. Throughout His ministry He reached out in charity to any in need. As we emulate His example, we will bless lives, including our own. …
… Opportunities to shine surround us each day, in whatever circumstance we find ourselves. As we follow the example of the Savior, ours will be the opportunity to be a light in the lives of others, whether they be our own family members and friends, our co-workers, mere acquaintances, or total strangers. …
How reassuring are the Savior’s words: “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” [John 8:12]. (Thomas S. Monson, “Be an Example and a Light,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015)
This Christmas, you’re invited to share your light with one person daily. Need an idea? Take a quiz.
Jesus is the best example of light and love. Watch how we can exemplify His light here:
Who’s on your mind today? Find a way to serve someone in your life this Christmas.
— John 12:46 (New Testament)
— Matthew 5:14-16 (New Testament)
— 3 Nephi 18:16 (Book of Mormon)
— Psalm 27:1 (Old Testament)
Who needs your light today? Your small action can make a big difference.
This Sunday, join us for a Christ-centered Christmas service. All are welcome to worship with us. You can even invite a friend to come with you!
Watch this video to learn what to expect when you join us:
What to Expect at Church
Who needs your light today?
Sometimes Christlike service is as simple as being there for someone in need. Watch Enrique's story below.
Enrique’s Story of Service
Excerpt from “That They May See”
The Savior testified, “Behold I am the light; I have set an example for you” [3 Nephi 18:16]. Let’s look at one of His examples.
The woman at the well was a Samaritan who did not know Jesus Christ and was viewed by many as an outcast in her own society. Jesus met her and initiated a conversation. He spoke to her of water. He then led her to increased light as He declared Himself to be the “living water” [see John 4:9–30].
Christ was compassionately aware of her and her needs. He met the woman where she was and started by talking about something familiar and common. If He had stopped there, it would have been a positive encounter. But it would not have resulted in her going to the city to proclaim, “Come, see … : is not this the Christ?” [John 4:29]. Gradually, through the conversation, she discovered Jesus Christ, and despite her past, she became an instrument of light, shining the way for others to see. …
You and I have enough light to share right now. …
Ask yourself, “Who needs the light you have to find the path they need but cannot see?” …
… We can help. We can intentionally shine our light so others may see. We can extend an invitation. We can walk the journey with those who are taking a step toward the Savior, no matter how halting. …
… Such attempts may require us to step out of our comfort zone, but we can be assured that the Lord will help our light shine. (Bonnie H. Cordon, “That They May See,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2020)
More than 2,000 years ago, God sent us the true Light of the World. Watch and share the story.
Who needs your light today? Before opening presents tomorrow, find a way to spread light to those around you.
Merry Christmas! As you celebrate Jesus’s birth, remember His words: “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me … shall have the light of life” (John 8:12).