This December, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is launching its eighth annual Light the World campaign. Light the World turns our attention to Jesus Christ at Christmastime. The 2023 campaign invites people to let their light shine as they love the people around them, share joy and follow the example of Jesus Christ.
Church President Russell M. Nelson said, “There is no better way to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ than by lifting, loving and serving others” (“The Light of Jesus Christ: A Christmas Message”). This year, as part of Light the World, the Church has published a list of “50 Ways to Let Your Light Shine.”
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Light the World Campaign
“50 Ways to Let Your Light Shine” is a list of ideas ranging from giving your neighbour a compliment to asking a co-worker how you can lighten their load. You can choose to donate to a food bank, go carolling or invite a friend to a Christmas celebration. Scan the list and choose the ideas that resonate with you and incorporate them naturally into your holiday season.
The Light the World website also provides an interactive idea generator that randomly assigns ideas of what to do for whom and when. Other Light the World content can be shared on social media, including short videos of examples of small acts of kindness that can make a great difference.
The Light the World campaign additionally encourages charitable giving and introduces the popular Giving Machines. Canada’s 2023 Giving Machines are located in Calgary’s Southcentre Mall and Toronto’s CF Fairview Mall. Giving Machines are giving-focussed vending machines that allow people to purchase items such as water purification tablets, school supplies and livestock to give to people in need around the world. The machines can be found in 61 locations around the world. Those who live too far away from a Giving Machine can donate online.
Canadians Let Their Light Shine
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Canada are finding ways to Light the World by sharing their Christ-centred Christmas celebrations with their communities.
Church members in Lethbridge, Alberta, will be hosting a public Festival of Nativities December 7–10, which will include concerts and live music.
Church missionaries in Montreal, Quebec, will be gathering at the Sherbrooke Metro station on the morning of December 20 to sing carols and pass out cookies and hot chocolate. Missionary Sylvie Roberts said, “Our [mission] doctor will be Santa, and many missionaries will join us with guitar and all.”
Across Canada, Church members will be inviting their friends and family to join them and their local congregations in a one-hour Christmas worship service on Christmas Eve. Brandi Wright of Magrath, Alberta, said, “I love the Christmas worship service because it turns our focus to the Saviour, and that’s what Christmas is all about.”
To find out where you can attend a Christmas worship service or how you can participate in Light the World, see the Light the World website or search #lighttheworld2023.
Contributed by Becky Doig