News Release

‘Light the World’ Christmas Initiative Encourages Christlike Service

Mormons participate in global effort

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) and their friends around the world are encouraging the public to participate in service opportunities during the Christmas season to celebrate the life of Jesus Christ. The “Light the World” Christmas initiative will reach worldwide audiences beginning Friday, November 24, 2017, and will run through Christmas Day, December 25.

The “Light the World” Christmas initiative, now in its second year, focuses on celebrating and sharing the light of Jesus Christ, the “light of the world” (John 8:12). The Saviour declared, “Ye are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). 

“As we follow the example of the Saviour and live as He lived and as He taught, that light will burn within us and will light the way for others,” said Church President Thomas S. Monson in a general conference address in October 2015.  

Media Assets

Sharable online content is available at the Country Communication Pages of the Church at www.lds.org.uk or mormon.org websites, including a new inspirational video in 33 languages. A service advent calendar, “In 25 Ways, Over 25 Days,” is also available for download on the Country Pages to encourage the public to follow Christ’s teachings during the Christmas season.

The 30 Country Communication Pages in the Europe Area will feature ways of service and teachings of the Saviour through daily memes, service ideas and brief videos, providing content in 23 different languages.

A playable/downloadable version of the main video is also available on the Country Pages and mormon.org. The shareable content is being posted on social media pages, such as Facebook and Twitter. Those on social media are encouraged to share their experiences by using the hashtag #LIGHTtheWORLD.

Initiative History

The Church has sponsored online campaigns during Christmas and Easter seasons for the past several years. Christmas campaigns started in 2014, with the “He is the Gift” initiative. It was followed by the “A Saviour is Born” campaign, in 2015. At Easter time, the campaigns were titled “Because of Him”, “Because He Lives”, “Follow Him” and “Prince of Peace”.  All these campaigns reached millions of viewers around the world.

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