News Release

‘Light the World’ Christmas Initiative Encourages Christlike Service

Latter-day Saints participate in global effort

Latter-day Saints and their friends around the world are encouraging the public to participate in service opportunities during the Christmas season to celebrate the life of Jesus Christ. The “Light the World” Christmas initiative will reach worldwide audiences beginning Friday, November 24, 2017, and will run through Christmas Day, December 25.

The “Light the World” Christmas initiative, now in its second year, focuses on celebrating and sharing the light of Jesus Christ, the “light of the world” (John 8:12). The Savior declared, “Ye are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14).

"Building on last year’s #LIGHTtheWORLD Christmas initiative, this year’s effort continues the invitation to serve others as the Savior did," said Elder Brent H. Nielson of the Seventy, executive director of the Church's Missionary Department.

"As we follow the example of the Savior and live as He lived and taught as He taught, that light will burn within us and will light the way for others," said President Thomas S. Monson  in a general conference address in October 2015.

 

Media Assets

Sharable online content is available at mormon.org, including a new inspirational video in 33 languages and a service advent calendar, “In 25 Ways, Over 25 Days,” to encourage the public to follow Christ’s teachings during the Christmas season. Each day, mormon.org will feature teachings of the Savior with a brief video and service ideas. The website is available in English, Spanish and Portuguese. A web landing page also provides links to resources in 29 languages.

"By visiting mormon.org daily, those who wish to get involved with the initiative can learn new ways to participate," explained Elder Nielson.

The shareable content is being posted on the social media pages of mormon.org, such as Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest and Instagram. Those on social media are encouraged to share their experiences by using the hashtag #LIGHTtheWORLD.

Initiative History

The Church’s Missionary Department has sponsored online campaigns during the Christmas and Easter seasons for the past several years. Last year’s “Light the World” effort featured videos and a 25-day advent calendar with service ideas for the Christmas season.

"Last year, tens of thousands participated in #LIGHTtheWORLD service activities around the world. It was an inspiring thing to witness," said Elder Nielson. "We hope this year, thousands more will celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ by following His teachings and sharing His light and love with those around them."

For more information, visit mormon.org.

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