Christmas is just around the corner, and amid all the hustle and bustle, it's easy to lose sight of the stable, the star and that sacred, silent night.
Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have shared messages over the years that can help put the reason for holiday celebrations in perspective. We have compiled 26 quotes from LDS leaders about the most important aspects of this season.
"Because of Jesus the Christ, we need never feel like strangers again. We will rise with the just when he returns! And because of His perfect life and eternal sacrifice, one day we can stand with the angels of heaven and receive with them an eternal gift.
"May we, this Christmas season, remember our generous Heavenly Father and give profound and heartfelt thanks to our Almighty God, who has given all of his children wings to fly."
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Generous One"
"The account of the first Christmas in the Book of Mormon helps us to learn and more fully understand that Jesus Christ is the “light which shineth in darkness” (see D&C 10:57–61). In every season of our lives, in all of the circumstances we may encounter, and in each challenge we may face, Jesus Christ is the light that dispels fear, provides assurance and direction, and engenders enduring peace and joy.
"Many of our memorable and enduring Christmas traditions include different kinds of lights — lights on trees, lights in and on our homes, candles on our tables. May the beautiful lights of every holiday season remind us of him who is the source of all light."
Elder David A. Bednar, "The Light and the Life of the World"
"There is no better time than now, this very Christmas season, for all of us to rededicate ourselves to the principles taught by Jesus the Christ. It is the time to love the Lord, our God, with all our heart — and our neighbors as ourselves. It is well to remember that he who gives money gives much; he who gives time gives more; but he who gives of himself gives all.
"Let us make Christmas real. It isn’t just tinsel and ribbon, unless we have made it so in our lives. Christmas is the spirit of giving without a thought of getting. It is happiness because we see joy in people. It is forgetting self and finding time for others. It is discarding the meaningless and stressing the true values. It is peace because we have found peace in the Savior’s teachings. It is the time we realize most deeply that the more love is expended, the more there is of it for others."
President Thomas S. Monson, "Christmas is Love"
"Each of us is an innkeeper who decides if there is room for Jesus!"
Elder Neal A. Maxwell, "Settle This in Your Hearts"
