Lighting the World With Christlike Service

This December, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will take part in a “Light the World” Christmas initiative, which aims to share the light of Jesus Christ through service.

Participants will engage in a month-long call to action to follow Christ’s example. The initiative includes an advent calendar with scriptures and ideas for sharing the “light of the world” (John 8:12).

During December, 25 highlighted principles from Christ’s ministry and suggested ways to follow His example will be featured daily on mormon.org and the Church’s various social media pages. Those who share online content are encouraged to use the hashtag #LightTheWorld on their social media channels.

The Reeve family, members of the Church living in Raymond, Alberta, participated with their six children in the 2016 “Light the World” initiative. “Christmas is always a special time of worship, traditions and celebrating in our home,” says Tasha Reeve. “Each year we plan advent activities that help us stay devoted to the Saviour and focused on His heavenly gifts to us. We are excited to participate in the ‘Light the World’ initiative, which encourages us all to emulate the Saviour and share His light by resolving to do the things that He did. Our family has a lot of fun planning each day’s service activities and really looks forward to participating in this year’s ‘Light the World.’”

Some of the activities the Reeve family is planning are reading Christmas stories to German Mennonite children, organizing a public Christmas concert, sharing their testimonies on social media and inviting people who are alone to have Christmas dinner with their family.

Elder Brigham Ballard and Elder Jackson Theime, serving as full-time missionaries for the Church, say the initiative isn’t just for Mormons. “We want as many people to get involved as possible,” comments Elder Ballard, “Regardless of who you are or what you have, there’s always somebody you can help.”

Members of the Bridgwater Nova Scotia Ward (congregation) invited friends and neighbours to join in the “In 25 Ways, Over 25 Days” service ideas during their town’s annual Christmas parade. “Our missionary sisters walked the route carrying a large banner advertising the ‘Light the World’ initiative, with elders following behind handing out pass-along cards,” says Anna Davison, director of public affairs for the Dartmouth Nova Scotia Stake.

In Winnipeg, Manitoba, the “Light the World” service initiative was introduced during the annual “Prelude to Christmas” interfaith event. “Our friend and choir director from the Catholic Church expressed his sincere appreciation for the inclusion of the ‘Light the World’ video and the focus on Christ,” says Christine Baronins, director of public affairs for the Church in Manitoba.

Ben and Sandra Juarez, living in Toronto, Ontario, have very busy schedules as youth leaders and young parents. “Just do what you can,” recommends Ben. “We can all make a difference even though our individual efforts might be small.”

“As our Great Exemplar, the Lord [Jesus Christ] lived a perfect life, ministering one by one in love and service. Like Him, we can exemplify and share His light and love with those around us,” says Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (“Light the World,” Ensign, Dec. 2016).

All are invited to participate in “Light the World” to spread the light of Jesus Christ to their neighbours, family and friends this Christmas season.

Contributed by Mary Chapman