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Christmas Devotional Can Be a Family Tradition
Focusing on the Savior this Christmas
Norma King, Media Director (Rush Creek Ward)
It’s almost time for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ First Presidency Christmas Devotional, an event that began in 1964 and has become an important Christmas event for families during the Christmas season.
For many church members, like the Ames family in Rush Creek, it ushers in the Christmas season.
“We just make it a goal to have all the Christmas decorations in place, have a nice dinner and officially kick off Christmas with the devotional!” said Kim Ames, “It’s our official kickoff (well for Ames headquarters anyway) the girls (other moms) may start before, but not at headquarters! Christmas doesn’t begin until the Devotional. Such a beautiful way to begin the season with the right meaning, thoughts, feelings and attitudes.”
It’s also a family tradition for the Norris family in Doniphan Ward who like to pop popcorn and enjoy the evening together.
“By the time the devotional is broadcast, Christmas party preparations at our home are in full swing, so I always look forward to and appreciate hearing the testimonies of Jesus Christ, which set the tone in our home to the true spirit of Christmas,” said Lucia Norris.
The Schow family of the North Brook Park Ward has made it a point to watch the devotional as a family since their boys were little.
“When our kids were young, we started pairing the tradition of making a gingerbread house with watching the First Presidency Christmas Devotional. Little hands were busy, and voices were a little quieter than normal,” said Meghan Schow. “It gave me and my husband a chance to hear a little more of the broadcast. Now that those young kids are older and there are younger siblings that have joined us throughout the years, I am grateful we made an intentional decision to set ourselves up for a peaceful evening together as a family to listen to messages about the birth of Christ from our prophet and other beloved church leaders.”
Tina and Issac Freestone have a simple tradition each year: “We watch the First Presidency Christmas devotional together as a way to center our hearts and minds on the Savior. In the quiet of our home, we find it easier to feel the Spirit and to reflect on the inspired messages and counsel shared during the devotional,” said Sister Freestone of the North Brook Park Ward.
The annual devotional on December 7 will feature Christ-centered messages by church leaders, and Christmas music by the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra on Temple Square.
During the 2024 broadcast, President Dallin H. Oaks, then first counselor to President Russell M. Nelson, told listeners that: “The spirit of Christmas encourages us to use this season to step across barriers and promote understanding and love with people of all races, creeds and national origins…Just as Christmas celebrates the birth of him (Jesus Christ) who gave his life for all of us, so each of us should use Christmas as a time for improving the ways we give to our fellow men.”
The First Presidency’s 2025 Christmas Devotional has been pre-recorded and will be streamed Sunday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m. Central Standard Time.
It will be available to be viewed in 60 languages about a week later on churchofjesuschrist.org or through the Gospel Library app at any convenient time for family or church gatherings.
History of the First Presidency Christmas Devotional
1964: The first Devotional was held as an event to honor Church employees.
1982: The Devotional was first broadcast to the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.
1990s: Worldwide broadcasts began.
1984–2000: The Devotional was held in the Tabernacle at Temple Square.
2001: The location was moved to the new Conference Center which seats 21,000.
2014: The name was changed to the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional.
2020: Due to Covid, the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional was held in the small Conference Center Theatre and closed to the public.
2021: Devotional attendance was limited to 4,000 family members and guests.
2023: President Russell M. Nelson, who was recovering from a fall three months earlier, attended in person while his message, recorded in advance, was shared during the broadcast.
2025: The First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional was prerecorded on the set of the church’s “Savior of the World” production in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City.
This year’s First Presidency’s 2025 Christmas Devotional has been pre-recorded and will be streamed Sunday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m. Central Standard Time.
Memorable Quotes
From The First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional Broadcasts Past
“Because He came, there is meaning to our mortal existence
“Because He came, there is meaning to our mortal existence.
“Because He came, we know how to reach out to those in trouble or distress, wherever they may be.
“Because He came, death has lost its sting, the grave its victory. We will live again because He came.
“Because He came and paid for our sins, we have the opportunity to gain eternal life. .
— President Thomas S. Monson (2011)
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“Peace can come to all who earnestly seek the Prince of Peace. Focusing on the Lord and everlasting life can help us not only at Christmas, but through all the challenges of mortality.”
— Elder Russell M. Nelson (2013)
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“Brothers and sisters, let us live in the spirit of ‘hallelujah,’ ever praising the Lord God Jehovah. At this glorious Christmas season, come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.”
— President Russell M. Nelson (2023)
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“Many times, our still, small impressions from the Lord may not be received because they did not fit cleanly into our calendars, our plans or our timing. The Christmas story reminds us to be like these devoted shepherds who did not delay doing what was needed to come to Him and receive their King.”
– President Bonnie H. Cordon, 2022
A library of the First Presidency’s previous Christmas devotionals is available online and includes messages from 2010 to the present.