'Tis the Season!

When I was young, my family visited Temple Square in Salt Lake City each year during the Christmas season. Though the weather was crisp and cold, there was a warmth that came from being with my family in that special setting. The twinkling lights serve as a subtle reminder of the Light of the World, Jesus Christ.

For many, the Christmas season is a time when hearts and thoughts are turned to the Savior, a poignant time to pause and reflect on the love our Heavenly Father has for us. These feelings create a desire to do good in the world: to extend kindness to those in need, to share of our abundance, to reflect the light of Christ to those around us. Our sacred Christmas hymns can amplify these feelings.

The singing of Christmas hymns represents a unique and special way for many to worship. As my wife recently said, "Even people that don't want to sing all year long, usually want to sing at Christmas time!" I encourage you to incorporate these special hymns in the congregational singing of each sacrament meeting in December.

Additionally, as the holiday season begins, many wards begin their preparation for a Christmas musical program in sacrament meeting. As a reminder, section 14.4.4 of Handbook 2 provides the following guidance.

"If a musical program is presented, it should be simple, reverent, and short enough to allow a spoken message. Sacrament meetings should not be turned over to outside musical groups. Recitals, concerts, and pageantry are not appropriate in sacrament meeting."