Reader comments
LDS leaders speak of true gifts

cat | 12:17 a.m. Dec. 3, 2007

Aren't they wonderful leaders? And the choir always does such angelic work.

Every day is sunday! | 4:28 a.m. Dec. 3, 2007

Spirit giver has spoken, now who will trully listen,one only has these special wise men for a certain amount of time along the journey and the wisdom they share helps me get there. I'll see ya when ya get there!

Somebody blessed | 5:23 a.m. Dec. 3, 2007

These devotionals can be life-altering. I am renewed, and grateful for the Spirit of the Lord and the teachings received.

"Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah, who layeth down his life according to the flesh, and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit, that he may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, being the first that should rise."
(2 Nephi 2:8)

Comments continue below

Sergio Villarreal | 6:39 a.m. Dec. 3, 2007

Iï¿½m so fortunate to receive your mails. I was remembering the ï¿½President Monsonï¿½s story of the feeling he felt with giving two cars instead of one; but Presidentï¿½s Hinckley comment of the true gifts is superb, and Presidentï¿½s Eyring spirit is very special to read and to remember

Seasons Greetings | 7:08 a.m. Dec. 3, 2007

What a great reminder of the true spirit of the season, I need to remember the purpose of the holiday more-especially while I'm out Christmas shopping!!

Maggie | 7:27 a.m. Dec. 3, 2007

Our leaders are telling us to focus on what this season is all about. Service to one other. If we would do this we would not have half the problems in the world today.

Much to be grateful for | 7:45 a.m. Dec. 3, 2007

Well said. Amen.

Anonymous | 8:03 a.m. Dec. 3, 2007

Please, limit tickets to what is believable with the lack of downtown parking.

Karl Kategianes | 9:27 a.m. Dec. 3, 2007

Ride the Light Rail. Why do you have to drive downtown, when the train drops you off a block from the Conference Center?
No other way to go, IMHO.

Bless the Prophet GB Hinkley | 10:09 a.m. Dec. 3, 2007

We love President Hinkley , Monson, and Eyring. We are so blessed to have them lead the LDS church. And, They have such a problem world to deal with. At least they are the genuine ones and with their love for all people from all walks of life. May God bless them in every way.
To those above on this post... The parking situation is normal. It might be better to stay home so you can get a better view from your TV and keep the spirit of the whole wonderful even. I tried it and it works.

Dana DiGirolamo | 10:33 a.m. Dec. 3, 2007

For those of you fortunate enough to live in Utah and attend the session - good for you. I wouldn't care if I could park or not. I get to sit here and watch at my Stake Center - and am happy to do so. What wonderful leaders we have - and I wouldn't have it any other way. I love our Prophet so VERY much, and I know he is a man of God. His counselors are also ordained from on High, and we are so blessed to live in this day and age - where high tech and communication is available to all those who want to receive it.

Remember the reason for the season.

Jerm | 10:47 a.m. Dec. 3, 2007

It is Christmastime. What can I do to help you? Are your burdens too heavy to carry? Is your sorrow too painful?' This world is full of sorrowful people. Many of them feel totally beaten down. They are sick. They are impoverished. Life seems hopeless. Even at this season they seem oppressed by these feelings."

President Hinckley said he often wonders what a different world it would be "if all people were treated as well as I am. How grateful I am for the kindness of people toward me."

I hope that everyone will take the prophets comments to heart and treat ALL others better than the way they expect to be treated.

Unto us is not given to know why people are the way they are. To us is given to try to heal their broken hearts and souls by emulating Christ. Let us do it, and then do it again, and then again. Sew a habit reap a destiny.

Beautiful Devotional | 10:48 a.m. Dec. 3, 2007

We witnessed a beautiful devotional last evening. A time to enjoy the spirit of peace, love, and joy. A blessed reprieve from the stress and strife of the outside world. Thank you to all who contributed to the success of this event.

Patricia Hyde | 12:12 p.m. Dec. 3, 2007

I watched the First Presidency Christmas Devotional last night on television. Once again I was awestruck by the exquisite beautyï¿½physically, musically, and spirituallyï¿½of this annual presentation. It was a beauty that brought tears to my eyes. A quiet joy and peace pervaded my home as the program proceeded. This is like heaven, I thought. I wish that there was this kind of television programming every day; I know I would be a better person because of it. After experiencing this brief but profoundly sacred glimpse, I wondered how I could ever thereafter willingly allow the entrance of a worldly performance of any kind to my heart, mind or home.

Not as the world giveth | 1:29 p.m. Dec. 3, 2007

When the prophets of God speak, there is a powerful and unique spirit present. That spirit is unique to anything else the world offers. I'm grateful that the tender mercies of the Lord have blessed us again with living prophets and apostles on the earth. I love to hear them speak, for it points me towards the Savior.

Thankful | 2:46 p.m. Dec. 3, 2007

I thank God for his son and his eternal mercy and for the living prophet.

Fly_on_the_wall | 3:12 p.m. Dec. 3, 2007

My prayer is that everyone who professes such a deep love for our Lord and Savior during December would continue to have that same level of love the other 11 months of the year. Just think what the world would be like if the homeless were treated as well as the Prophet every day of the year.

Harold | 3:16 p.m. Dec. 3, 2007

While it was a great devotional nobody seems to be commenting on how President Hinckley was slurring his words. I hope he was just tired and this isn't the start of something more serious.

Reader | 3:59 p.m. Dec. 3, 2007

President Hinckley did look and sound a bit tired. Hopefully it is nothing more than that. He is truly one of the most, if not the most, beloved prophets in the history of the church. His words inspire me so much. I have never heard anyone whose messages are always relatively simple in words, yet so powerful in meaning.

Montana Ron | 4:04 p.m. Dec. 3, 2007

We watched the fireside on TV. It is truly inspiring to be reminded in their special ways of the proper way to address the Celebration of the birth of the Saviour of the World who is the Redeemer of mankind, and our pattern and exemplar. God bless us all to acknowledge Him and walk after him as closely as we can. A merry and joyous Christmastide to everyone.

Ronnie

President Hinckley was slurring his words. It could be tiredness, or it could be his failing health. We pray for him to be spared until his course is run and his mission complete.

Gagg Glugenstein | 4:14 p.m. Dec. 3, 2007

My family wish we can have been there. We can watch on our stake centres. And love them.

Murphy | 4:48 p.m. Dec. 3, 2007

How old is Pres Hinckley? 97? I just hope I can last that long that well. How many 97 year olds do we see articulating a sermon so well? Of course he's probably tired, I'm tired and only 65, I watch in awe, and pray for him to have the strength to endure to the end.

Lyla Nock | 7:25 p.m. Dec. 3, 2007

Our family watched it on the internet for our FHE and it was just a beautiful and perfect way to start this holiday season! The prophet is amazing and we need to remember his age and then say, "WOW! I can't believe that he can stand for that long, conduct a worldwide meeting with such ease and confidence, and then give us an incredible and inspiring message"!! he is the MAN!!! and I love him soooo much! I so love Pres. Monson and Eyering as well and am so grateful for their amazing messages filled with hope and love! Also, what our family wouldn't give to be in the conference center...we would even park far, far away and walk! But, we know how important it is for us to live in the mission field!!! God bless our prophet dear!

KRISHNA MCKAY | 11:45 p.m. Dec. 3, 2007

I live in down yonda...NEW ZEALAND. a native to this country..my heart is filled with joy for the so generous blessings i have been given...what can I give as a gift to our Heavenly father and the Savior Jesus Christ???? it is SERVICE and I take great pleasure in doing so for those who have less..Pres Hinckley is saying just that...do for others what they cant do for themselves..they are in every country, every city, every stake, every ward, every family...will the savior smile on those who make lighter these burdens????..Pres Hinckley and Pres Monson and Pres Eyring have set the pattern..we follow...the Lord will take care of them of that I am certain...

Anne | 11:49 p.m. Dec. 3, 2007

Elder Uctdorf presided at our stake conference the Sunday morning of the devotional, and assured us: "President Hinckley is doing just fine. He is a remarkable man. I hope I am doing as well in 10 years as he is doing now, and I'd still have a long way to go to catch up to his age!...He loves each one of the members of the church, and wishes he could shake hands with each one of you individually. He loves you, personally and profoundly."

Just thought I'd pass that along. I hope it is reassuring. Merry Christmas!!

David in CA | 10:58 a.m. Dec. 4, 2007

I am grateful to have able to see and participate in the Christmas Devotional as one in attendance at the local LDS Stake Center Sunday evening.

All three of the messages were very inspiring and focused on the orgins and true meaning of the Christmas Season. The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra were superb too.

God Bless the First Presidency... And Happy Holidays to ALL!!

PS: BYU-TV (on the small dish satellites and some cable systems and the internet too) and KBYU/Channel 11 in Utah will be re-broadcasting the First Presidency's Christmas Devotional.

To learn more about when for the re-broadcasts
go to: byubroadcasting.org

Daniel D. Custodio | 9:18 a.m. Dec. 6, 2007

As the prophet said, "It is reassuring to know that the embodiment of Chistmas is kindness. Notwithstanding, that kindness stems from mercy that is mainly the root of christian doctrine. Ergo, the personification of which is...You. By that I mean: "Are you willing to wash the feet of the person next to you now?" Much less as dying for your conviction. I believe that the heart of the matter is a matter of the heart.

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