December 7, 2024, 12:00 PM MST
Every year around Christmas time, my family acted out the Nativity story. I’m the second of 12 children, so every few years a new sibling joins the family and takes the place of Baby Jesus.
One year, when I was about 10 years old, it was my turn to become an angel. I proudly wore my mother’s long, white wedding dress and took my role very seriously. My father was almost too serious when he scolded one of my younger brothers for not paying attention when he was reading the scriptures.
The moment technically worked because the brother was playing the role of Joseph and my father was reading Matthew 1:20 (the part where the angel speaks to Joseph in the dream). Still, my parents took this opportunity to teach me more about how angels behave.
When the angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds, Luke 2 says, “The glory of the Lord shone around them.” More angels arrived praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and goodwill toward men.”
The angel told the shepherds where Jesus Christ was. And the shepherds went to meet Jesus.
President Jeffrey R. Holland, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said in his October 2008 general conference talk, “The Ministry of Angels,” that God has chosen to bless His children throughout the ages. He said that an angel had been sent to him.
But miracles did not cease (see Moroni 7:29). Angels are sent to help us today.
“When we talk about people who are instruments in God’s hands, we remember that not all angels come from beyond the veil,” President Holland said. “Some of them are here every day, walking with us and talking with us. Some of them live in our neighborhoods.”
In 2023, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Light the World Initiative occupied Times Square in New York City for one night. When the sign was lit up with the story of the Nativity, many were especially drawn to the picture of the angel. On social media, people commented how grateful they were to see angels of all ages and ethnicities – angels who look like them.
Now in 2024, the theme of Light the World is “Be someone’s angel.”
Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said that when the Light the World initiative began, its purpose was to help people feel the Savior’s love as the Christmas season approached. spoke.
“In Luke 2, the angel declared, ‘I bring you good news of great joy that will come to all peoples.’ This message is as true today as it was over 2,000 years ago.” said Elder Stevenson in November at the launch of the machine that gives light to the world.
At the same event, Relief Society general president Camille N. Johnson outlined how the Giving Machine and the Light of the World lead people to the Savior.
“How can we receive the Savior’s salvation? By giving God’s salvation to others. I can say this with confidence because it happened to me,” she said. “How can we feel the love of Jesus Christ? By doing something for someone.”
The new 2024 Light the World video is titled “Worldwide Celebration of the Birth of Jesus Christ,” and features the story of the Nativity projected onto buildings, billboards, and walls, just like in Times Square. Contains scenes from around the world. The words “The angel has announced to the world” will appear on the screen.
A series of short videos on LightTheWorld.org and the church’s social media accounts feature people from around the world talking about angels. These are real-life angels who are close to us every day, such as grandparents, siblings, neighbors, and friends. In December, others can also take time to recognize the angels around them.
I have seen how angels are all around me in my life ever since I acted as an angel at a family nativity event a long time ago. In Doctrine and Covenants 84:88 the Lord said: I will be on your right hand and on your left hand, and My Spirit will be in your heart, and My angels will be around you to support you. ”
In a social media post, President Johnson explained that angels are “ministering spirits sent forth to serve those who will be heirs of salvation” (Hebrews 1:14).
And anyone can be an everyday angel in someone’s life. A simple act of service or a kind word may be all you need to know where Jesus Christ is and feel closer to heaven.
President Johnson called on you to continue your angelic efforts to serve others, saying, “As you do so, you will feel a deeper connection to our Savior Jesus Christ and His eternal life.” You will inspire those around you to light up the world with love.”
— Mary Richards is a reporter for Church News.
