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

“Good Tidings of Great Joy”

At this wonderful time of year, our thoughts turn to that night of long ago when the angelic message announcing the birth of the Savior of mankind was given to the humble shepherds: “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:10–14).

The message of the birth of Jesus Christ is a message for all. It is a message of peace, a message of hope. It is a message that provides us with the knowledge of what we must do to return to live with our Father in Heaven.

As we keep the commandments and become more like Him, we will find peace in our hearts and joy in our lives. He is our Savior and Redeemer, and when we follow Jesus’ example of serving others, our own lives will be blessed with happiness and satisfaction.

Our hope is that children everywhere will enjoy the blessings that are available because of the life and mission of Jesus Christ. May the message of “good tidings of great joy” announced to the shepherds so long ago bring peace and hope to each of us at this special season.

The Holy Night, by Antonio Allegri Correggio; Gemäldegalerie, Dresden, Germany/A.K.G. Berlin/Superstock

Shepherds Seeing the Star, by Minerva Teichert