On December 3, 2023, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hosted its annual First Presidency Christmas Devotional, drawing an audience that packed the Conference Center and a global online viewership. The Tabernacle Choir, reminiscent of heavenly hosts, enchanted attendees with beloved Christmas classics such as “Oh Come All Ye Faithful” and “There are Angels Hovering Round.” Notable addresses were delivered by Tracy Y. Browning, Paul V. Johnson, and Gerrit W. Gong. The meeting concluded with an address from President Russell M. Nelson, who also delighted the audience with a holiday tune and the Choir’s powerful rendition of the Hallelujah Chorus.
Summary of Messages:
“Remember, Remember” by Sister Tracy Y. Browning
Sister Tracy Y. Browning, second counselor in the Primary General Presidency, emphasized the gift of remembrance during the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional. She highlighted how Christmas prompts people worldwide to incorporate symbols of remembrance into their lives to honor Jesus Christ. Sister Browning stressed that remembrance is a divine gift to ensure individuals don’t forget the Giver and helps them feel God’s boundless love, learning to reciprocate that love.
She illustrated the theme of remembrance using the sights, sounds, and symbols of the Christmas season, encouraging people to see themselves as modern-day wise men guided by symbolic stars on Christmas trees. Sister Browning urged caregivers to act as present-day shepherds, sharing “good tidings of great joy” with children and connecting Christmas colors to the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Sister Browning reflected on enduring gifts from Jesus Christ, emphasizing that reflecting on these gifts reveals the Lord’s influence. Reminding individuals of God’s constancy, she underscored the Lord’s faithfulness in keeping promises, remembering covenants, and responding to prayers. Sister Browning encouraged actions reflecting remembrance, such as conveying Christmas greetings, expressing love through gift-giving, being generous to those in need, and emphasizing meaningful traditions. She urged everyone worldwide to pay attention to symbols inviting them to seek Christ, the bringer of joy and Son of the living God, and to not forget the true Giver, who empowers them to remember Him through His Spirit throughout the year.
‘Christ Was Born to Save’ by Elder Paul V. Johnson
Elder Paul V. Johnson, a member of the Presidency of the Seventy, emphasized the universal significance of Christmas. Drawing on his experiences across various countries, he declared that Christmas is for everyone, regardless of age, wealth, health, or circumstances. He underscored the profound gift of resurrection made possible by the birth, Atonement, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, emphasizing that this gift extends to every soul that has lived on Earth.
Elder Johnson shared a poignant personal story about his daughter Alisa, who battled cancer and passed away. Despite a grim prognosis, Alisa received news of a medication that could temporarily shrink tumors, providing her with extra time. Grateful for this unexpected blessing, she cherished moments with her son, expressing the profound value of simple joys like hugs and kisses. Alisa conveyed a message of hope, believing in miracles, change, and eventual goodness for all. Quoting a favorite Christmas song, Elder Johnson reiterated the Savior’s role as a source of salvation and expressed a wish for everyone to fully sense His gifts during the Christmas season, regardless of their current circumstances.
“Christ, Our Savior is Born” by Elder Gerrit W. Gong
Elder Gerrit W. Gong, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, also shared insights on the significance of Christmas traditions. He conveyed a heartfelt wish for listeners to find joy in their Christmas traditions and to celebrate the Savior, emphasizing the profound impact of traditions in deepening one’s love for Jesus Christ.
Elder Gong illustrated this point by sharing three cherished traditions from his own family. Firstly, he described the sentimental value of Christmas ornaments that tell the story of their family’s journey, including handmade British soldier ornaments that evoke memories of a humble Christmas in England during their graduate studies. The annual rotation of Christmas seasons, for Elder Gong, symbolizes the simultaneous linearity and circularity of time, echoing the covenant reality centered around the Christ-child.
Another cherished tradition involves displaying creches or nativities, which Elder Gong highlighted for their universal focus on Jesus Christ. These representations, crafted in various sizes and materials, symbolize God’s love for all His children. Lastly, Elder Gong shared the family tradition of reading Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol aloud, underscoring the enduring relevance of its themes about friendship, love, and Christian values.
Concluding his message, Elder Gong emphasized the transformative power of Christmas, encouraging individuals to embrace the Savior’s gifts of change, repentance, forgiveness, and renewal. Drawing parallels between Dickens’ character Scrooge and the potential for personal transformation, he urged everyone to offer and receive Christ’s precious gifts during the festive season.
“Come, Let Us Adore Him” by President Russell M. Nelson
President Nelson addressed the congregation through a pre-recorded message. He reminded us of the wonder of the Savior’s birth, sharing stories of childhood and Christmas traditions and inviting all of us to “come let us adore him.” President Nelson also spoke of his increased understanding of pain over the past few months. Ever the optimist, he reflected upon “its refining influence” and contemplated the suffering of the Savior, “My mortal mind simply cannot comprehend how he took upon him all the pains, all the sins, all the anguish, and all the afflictions of everyone who has ever lived.” Despite aches and pains, in dulcet tones, he warbled the tune, “Weeee wish you a merry Christmas.” He continued, “It is not my wish for you, it is my prayer for you that you will feel the deep eternal love the Savior has for you… He has the power to heal you.”
President Nelson then imparted three guiding principles for spiritual growth:
- Repent Daily
- Experience the joy of thinking Celestially
- Study the teachings and Atonement of Jesus Christ
With this exhortation to strengthen our personal testimonies of Christ, he reminded us of the constant access we have to Christ’s power and healing and concluded, “Brothers and Sisters, let us live in the spirit of “Hallelujah” ever praising the Lord God Jehovah. At this glorious Christmas season, come let us adore him, Christ the Lord.”
Written by: Ella Mikulecky
Contributor at the Cougar Chronicle
The Cougar Chronicle is an independent student-run newspaper and is not affiliated with Brigham Young University or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
