Celebrating Our Saviour at Christmastime

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year! But sometimes, amidst the rush of gift buying, party planning, and home decorating, it’s easy to forget the true reason for the season. In the following stories, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Pacific share family traditions and special memories that help to keep our Saviour at the centre of their Christmas celebrations.

Lasting Traditions

From Sister Phyllis Marshall, Massey Park Ward, Auckland Papatoetoe Stake

As a young mother, I became more aware of how commercialised Christmases were becoming each year. I loved the decorations and the music that played in the malls and on the radio, but they pushed subtle ideas of what we should be buying, what our homes should look like and what our meals should be. They were not about our Saviour’s birth, which is the true reason for the season. So, one year, my husband, Jim, and I decided to try something. On Christmas morning, the children woke up to only three gifts under the tree and a reminder of how our Saviour only received three gifts from the Wise Men. In the coming years, we tried other ways keep the focus of Christmas on Jesus Christ. This included secret gift-giving, where we would drop off a box of presents and food to a family in need, knock and then run and hide. We also introduced Christmas morning devotionals full of singing and prayer and a reverent reading of the biblical account of our Saviour’s birth. Some of these activities have become lasting traditions, and they have made all the difference in how we, as a family, enjoy and celebrate Christmas.

A Precious Gift

From Bree-Ell Rangi, Alfriston Ward, Auckland Manurewa Stake

A tradition my family and I have when we celebrate Christmas is, when the morning of Christmas arrives, we wake up and read the account of the Saviour’s birth. We discuss how significant He is to us, the sacrifices He has made and the blessings He has given us.

Throughout my life, in Primary and in my youth, I have always cherished the Christmas memories of quality time with my family and extended family. One memory I cherish most is when my grandmother gave each of my siblings and me a present. She had wrapped the present so perfectly, and when I opened it, I was surprised to see a book. It was not just any ordinary book, but The Book of Mormon. At the time I didn’t fully understand the significance of this gift. It was only later, as I grew older, that I came to know the sweetness this gift holds. This memory of my grandmother has never faded. Even at a young age, she implemented the gospel into my life. Her example and the love she had for the Saviour has strengthened my faith and my testimony.

I know my Father lives, Jesus is the Christ, and the tomb is empty. I testify that if you find His love in times of weakness, He will give you strength . . . come what may.

Greater than Us All

From Sister Rose Hopper, Jandakot Ward, Western Australia Southern River Stake

The first thing my family does when we set up for Christmas is put together the Nativity scene. Our Nativity set consists of three separate scenes—the inn and innkeepers, the Wise Men with camels and tents, and the stable with Mary, Joseph, shepherds, and an angel. We place it in a central location in our house, where we can always see it. We’ve kept this tradition for around 15 years now, and because it’s the first thing we do, my mind is always turned to Christ for the rest of the Christmas season. Our Christmas tree has changed four times in my lifetime, but the Nativity scene is a constant. Christ should be the first thing we think of at Christmas—He’s in the name of the season, after all. The Nativity scene is my favourite tradition because it emphasizes the importance of Christ amidst other, more worldly traditions. It draws my focus back to the humble birth of my Saviour and the faith of His earthly parents.

In 2022, the Australia Southern River Stake held a Christmas musical devotional. The music was from Kenneth Cope’s Greater than Us All album, which details the Saviour’s life from birth to death. I participated as a narrator, using scriptural references to contextualise each song. I have always felt the Holy Spirit through music, so it was an incredibly uplifting experience to be a part of a beautiful devotional, enhanced by the talented members of my stake. There, the Spirit confirmed to me the truth of the Saviour’s life and the significance of His birth and Atonement; the tomb really was empty on the third day.

I especially liked the song “His Hands,” which testifies of the significance of Christ’s ministry and of His love for me. The devotional was the perfect way to start the Christmas season. As we focused on the life of our Saviour, I gained a greater appreciation for His sacrifice. I also invited a friend—who belongs to another Christian denomination—along, and she told me afterwards that the lyrics helped her reflect on her own relationship with Jesus Christ. I’m so grateful for the testimony I have developed and cultivated through the music of the Church.