A Christmas Message from the First Presidency to the Children of the World:

Joy to the World

At Christmastime, young people in all the world celebrate the birth and life of our Savior, Jesus Christ. They do this in many different ways. Some hang glowing lights on beautiful green Christmas trees; some display manger scenes; some send cards or gifts to family and friends; some draw colorful pictures of how they think it might have been in the stable in Bethlehem so long ago.

Something nearly all children seem to enjoy at this season of the year is the singing of wonderful Christmas songs. The carols of Christmas are sweet echoes of the angel’s “tidings of great joy” which were sung to the shepherds who tended their flocks by night in the fields near Bethlehem (Luke 2:10).

One of the most beautiful Christmas hymns proclaims, “Joy to the World, the Lord is come; Let earth receive her King!” (Hymns, number 201). Even at this very busy holiday time, this hymn reminds us that the reason Jesus Christ came to earth was to bring us joy and happiness. By following His teachings, we find joy. The Book of Mormon prophet Lehi said, “Men are, that they might have joy” (2 Ne. 2:25).

Everything that Heavenly Father does for us is to help us find peace and joy in our lives. The most special gift He has given us is His son, Jesus Christ. This was the greatest of all gifts ever given. It includes the gift of the Atonement and the gift of His commandments, as taught by the prophets.

With the gift of the Atonement, Jesus paid the price for our sins. If we will repent of our sins, and do them no more, and are baptized in His name, and keep His commandments, we can return to Heavenly Father. This wonderful gift and promise can make every morning seem like Christmas morning!

Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). As we learn of Him at church and in our families, we learn to love Him and want to be like Him.

May the joy of this Christmas season be with us all.

Photograph by D. Kelly Ogden; computer enhanced by Pat Gerber