Celebrate Jesus Christ’s Birth with Us This Christmas
At Christmas, we celebrate Jesus Christ’s birth and all that He means to us as our Savior. He is our source of true joy here on earth and the Redeemer who makes it possible for us to live with God and our loved ones for eternity. Join us in creating a more meaningful Christmas season as we honor the birth of Jesus Christ by following His example of love and kindness together.
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
—Luke 2:14
What Christmas Means to Us
More than just a tradition or a holiday, Christmas is an outpouring of joy that comes from celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a sacred time for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to remember that our Heavenly Father loves His children so much He sent His Son to show us the way to lasting happiness.
A Long-Prophesied Moment
We believe Jesus Christ was chosen by God before the world began to be the Savior who would overcome sin and death for us all. God’s prophets—including Isaiah and Micah in the Old Testament and Alma and Samuel in the Book of Mormon—helped people look forward with joy to the Savior’s coming, including His visit to the Americas after His Resurrection.
A Humble Beginning
In a lowly stable, Mary “brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn” (Luke 2:7). Few people knew this was the literal Son of God, who would set the perfect example of love and humility throughout His mortal life. We celebrate His birth today by emulating that example.
A Universal Message of Hope
The night Jesus Christ was born, angels proclaimed His birth to humble shepherds, who came to visit the infant. Wealthier “wise men” brought precious gifts after a long journey. Later, women such as Mary Magdalene and the Samaritan woman at the well testified of His Resurrection and role as our Savior. From the beginning, following Jesus Christ has been for everyone, no matter their social class, age, gender, or race.
A Living Savior
After His birth, Jesus Christ led a sinless life. He taught us how to follow God’s plan, performed miracles, and healed and comforted others. When the time came for Him to finish His earthly ministry, the Savior suffered and died for our sins and was resurrected from the dead so that we can live with God and our families again. He lives and loves us and will return to the earth again someday.
Common Questions
How do Latter-day Saints Celebrate Christmas?
How do Latter-day Saints Celebrate Christmas?
As followers of Jesus Christ, we cherish the Christmas season and encourage thoughtful observance of the holiday to feel closer to God. We happily acknowledge that Christmas celebrations can be different for everyone, based on different cultures, personal feelings, and family traditions, with no one “right” way to celebrate.
But for many members of our Church, those traditions often include family gatherings, singing Christmas songs, reading the Christmas story, attending Church meetings and activities, and offering charitable service in our communities.
Find more ideas here.
But for many members of our Church, those traditions often include family gatherings, singing Christmas songs, reading the Christmas story, attending Church meetings and activities, and offering charitable service in our communities.
Was Jesus Christ Born on December 25?
Was Jesus Christ Born on December 25?
Along with most religious scholars, we acknowledge that the birth of the Savior didn’t happen on December 25. We believe it happened during the early spring in Bethlehem, but we join with other Christian denominations in using this time of year to come together in the joyous celebration of Christmas.
Does the Church hold a special Christmas worship service?
Does the Church hold a special Christmas worship service?
Yes. The Church generally celebrates Christmas in many ways throughout the month, from Christmas parties where the whole neighborhood is invited, to special youth activities, charity drives, and more. While every Sunday service throughout the year focuses on the joy we can find through Jesus Christ, the Sunday before Christmas (or on Christmas Day) is a special service that celebrates His birth through words and music.
Join us for a special Christmas devotional or find a worship service nearby.
Where can I find Christmas activities for my children and youth?
Where can I find Christmas activities for my children and youth?
A variety of online resources are available for parents and teachers of children and youth, including:
The December issues of the Friend andFor the Strength of Youth magazines, include activities and crafts for children and youth.- New Testament Stories for Young Readers:
Gospel for Kids YouTube holiday playlist Youth Christmas music on Strive to Be YouTube New Testament coloring pages
What scriptures tell the Christmas story?
What scriptures tell the Christmas story?
In the Old Testament, you can read prophecies of Jesus Christ’s birth:
In the New Testament, you can read accounts of Jesus Christ’s birth:
In the Book of Mormon, you can read prophecies of Jesus Christ’s birth:
In the Book of Mormon, you can read the account of believers on the American continent when Jesus Christ was born:
In the New Testament, you can read accounts of Jesus Christ’s birth:
In the Book of Mormon, you can read prophecies of Jesus Christ’s birth:
In the Book of Mormon, you can read the account of believers on the American continent when Jesus Christ was born:
How can I help others during the Christmas season?
How can I help others during the Christmas season?
The Christmas season is a great time to light the world
and love others the way Jesus did through acts of kindness, big and small.
Consider some of the following ideas to help others in your community during Christmastime:
Learn More
Consider some of the following ideas to help others in your community during Christmastime:
- Call someone you miss.
- Send a Christmas card to a friend.
- Forgive someone.
- Ask to be forgiven and settle a grudge or past issue.
- Visit someone who is lonely.
- Provide a meal for someone in need.
- Invite others to a Christmas celebration.
- Clean up trash in your neighborhood.
- Find a local organization that needs volunteer help.
- Help a coworker with their load.
- Donate to a local organization in need.
- Send a note of gratitude.
- Support a single parent.
- Spend time in prayer to seek for peace in your heart and the world.
Where can I find local service opportunities?
Where can I find local service opportunities?
If you are feeling inspired to serve, the following steps can help you make the greatest impact for good. First, look around you and identify needs that exist in your community. Look for and learn about local organizations and projects. In many areas, you can research organizations and projects on JustServe.org .
Next, take some time to listen to individuals who are most affected by an issue you may care about. Listening and seeking to understand the barriers faced by those around us teaches us how to provide meaningful help. Then determine the amount of time and energy you can devote to the issue you care about. Plan how you can serve on a short-term or long-term basis.
You could also help others through the Giving Machine effort.See where the closest location is here.
Next, take some time to listen to individuals who are most affected by an issue you may care about. Listening and seeking to understand the barriers faced by those around us teaches us how to provide meaningful help. Then determine the amount of time and energy you can devote to the issue you care about. Plan how you can serve on a short-term or long-term basis.
You could also help others through the Giving Machine effort.