SALT LAKE CITY-Sunday, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints conducted its annual First Presidency Christmas Devotional which featured addresses from various Church leaders and officers.
Speakers included Church President Russell M. Nelson, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of The Quorum of Twelve Apostles, Elder Brent H. Nielson of the Presidency of the Seventy and Sister Rebecca L. Craven, the second counselor in the Young Women’s General Presidency.
The addresses occurred at the Church’s Conference Center Theater at Temple Square.
Musical selections from the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square were previously recorded from past Christmas devotionals.
President Nelson thanked the Saints for their response to his Novemeber 20 video message exhorting them to give thanks and use the hashtag #givethanks on social media.
He also shared a 2019 video rendition of “Silent Night,” from 7-year-old Claire Crosby who sang while he played this classic hymn on the piano.
President Nelson then exhorted everyone to focus on Christ during this trying Christmas season.
Elder Holland spoke of the significance of Christ’s birth occurring at night and spoke of how dreams can be an impetus of receiving revelation.
Elder Nielson spoke of Christ as the Prince of Peace, the distinction given to Him by the prophet Isaiah who spoke of him Messianically in his record.
Sister Craven spoke of a swaddle and a heavenly hug, saying that babies are wrapped in swaddling clothes and that earthly angels are sent to administer to us in our times of need.
