A Message from the First Presidency to Children of the World:
“In Every Thought”

Christmas is a wonderful time of year! The world seems to be such a warm and wonderful place. Our hearts are full as we count our many blessings, and the carols and traditions of Christmas remind us of the birth, the perfect life, and the atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ.

How grateful we are that the baby Jesus was born! He showed us how to live wholesome and happy lives. He made it possible for us to return to live with our Heavenly Father if we obey His commandments.

At this time of year we should pour out our hearts in prayers of love and thanksgiving and resolve anew to live the gospel of Jesus Christ every day. We must learn to do as the Lord invited in Doctrine and Covenants 6:36 [D&C 6:36]: “Look unto me in every thought.”

Before the apostle Paul understood and loved the gospel, he fought against the Church. One day while he was traveling to Damascus to persecute the Saints, he saw a light from heaven and heard the voice of the Lord. Then Paul knew that he had been wrong, and he asked a simple, eight-word question: “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” (Acts 9:6). From that time on, he tried every day to do what the Lord wanted him to do. Paul looked “unto Him in every thought.”

Whenever we are faced with decisions, we should ask that same question in our hearts. If we are tempted to say a bad word, if we are tempted to take something that is not ours, if our friend or neighbor is sad or in need of help, we should think of the Savior and ask ourselves, “What would He want me to do?”

Dear young friends, we encourage you to remember the Lord “in every thought” during this special season and throughout the year.

If you will do this, the joy of Christmas will be yours forever.

The First Presidency: Gordon B. Hinckley, First Counselor; President Ezra Taft Benson; Thomas S. Monson, Second Counselor

Paul on the road to Damascus

Photo by Philip Shurtleff