Last Word

A More Meaningful Christmas

By Elder Ulisses Soares

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

From the 2019 First Presidency Christmas Devotional.

Illustrations by Mallory Clinger

As we celebrate the Savior’s birth at this joyous time of the year, God’s continuing and endless love seems to fill our souls more abundantly and helps us turn our hearts to our family, friends, and neighbors. It helps us to be more sensitive to those who may be feeling alone, lonely, or who are in need of comfort and peace.

The Savior’s life was the perfect example of love and goodwill toward men. He always forgot Himself in behalf of others. His selfless acts were expressed in all He did every day of His life and were not limited to a specific season or holiday.

As we turn our hearts outward like the Savior did, I promise that we can better experience the meaning of Christmas and find limitless opportunities to give of ourselves quietly and kindly to people who need us. This will help us to come to know the Savior better and find for ourselves the love, peace, and renewed strength that we can feel and share with others.

As we search for the Savior in all we do, Christmas won’t be just a day or a season but will be a condition of heart and mind, and the joy and love felt at Christmas will always be near.

1. Abundantly means “in a large amount.”

2. Goodwill is a kind, friendly, or helpful feeling toward someone else.

3. To be selfless means to be willing to help someone else even if it’s not easy.

4. A condition of heart and mind means “the way we feel and think.”