SALT LAKE CITY — President Dallin H. Oaks, of the First Presidency, encouraged members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to love others and promote understanding and love between people of all beliefs, races and origins.
That was the message at the First Presidency’s annual Christmas Devotional on Sunday, Dec. 8 at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City.
“The spirit of Christmas encourages us to use this season to step across barriers and promote understanding and love with people of all races, creeds, and national origins,” said Oaks. “We should teach our children to be kind and considerate of everyone.”
President Oaks noted that over a billion people will celebrate Christ’s birth this Christmas. He invited everyone to join in the celebration.
The other devotional speakers were Tamara W. Runia of the Young Women General Presidency, Elder S. Mark Palmer of the Presidency of the Seventy and Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
From the scriptures and other stories, Sister Runia highlighted the Savior’s role as the Good Shepherd who knows and loves each of His sheep by name. She encouraged listeners to remember that Christ was born to lift and heal us, especially when feeling broken or inadequate.
Elder Palmer spoke of three gifts that “will not bring temporary happiness but instead will bring true and lasting joy.” These are testimony, forgiveness, and Christlike love.
Elder Cook invited people to contemplate Christ’s miraculous birth, His perfect life and example, His death, Resurrection and Atonement, and His Second Coming.
“At this beautiful time, when we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I testify to you that he lives,” stated Cook. “He is our exemplar — our advocate with the Father — and He accomplished everything necessary for us to return to the Father’s and the Son’s presence. We would be wise to follow Jesus Christ and receive the gifts that He has provided.”
The Apostle urged the audience to follow the scriptural injunction to love and serve God and their neighbor.