LDS Church First Presidency speaks of charity, gratitude, Christmas spirit

Ashley Andrus AND01049@BYUI.EDU Religion Asst. Editor

Surrounded by snow-covered Christmas trees, poinsettias and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, President Gordon B. Hinckley and Presidents Thomas S. Monson and James E. Faust spoke to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Sunday night about how to come closer to Christ during this year’s holiday season.

President Faust spoke about the importance of showing charity during the Christmas season. “The pure love of Christ goes beyond caring for our own,” he said.

He encouraged Church members to make a greater effort this year to reach out to those who are not in our circle of friends and family, to smile more and to show more kindness.

President Monson spoke of the Christmas spirit and having gratitude, along with focusing on the importance of giving gifts rather than receiving.

“We must not let the commercial aspects of the glorious Christmas season dominate our lives. ... ‘What did you give for Christmas?’ prompts stimulating thought, causes tender feelings to well up and memories’ fires to glow ever brighter,” he said.

President Hinckley concluded the devotional by speaking about the prophecies of the Savior from the Book of Mormon. He also thanked Church members for reading the Book of Mormon this year.

“I’ve asked that each of us read again this year the Book of Mormon that our witness and testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ might be refreshed and strengthened,” President Hinckley said. “It is probable that more people are presently reading the book than at any other time in the history of the Church.  I thank you and I know you’ve been blessed. ... At this Christmas season, may God bless us all with love and respect and honor, gratitude, charity, reverence and worship of the Lord who came to earth and redeemed us from sin.”

A commotion at the opening of the devotional involving a woman and several security officers caught the attention of many viewers.

The woman was detained and cited by the Salt Lake City police.

Church Public Affairs made no comment about the incident.