Latter-day Saint Christmas Explained (Mormon Christmas)

[@chipwhitmer7449]

Also worth mentioning is the Tabernacle Choir's annual Christmas Concert, which is a huge cultural event here in Utah. Unfortunately it isn't broadcast live, but the previous year's concert is typically released to video sometime in November of the following year. You can find the 2023 concert on KZbin.

[@kelliehorn1082]

Another cool thing that many people might not be aware of, is that the Book of Mormon is about people's faith in Jesus Christ in ancient America, so there is an account if what was happening in the Western hemisphere at the time of Jesus's birth!

[@davidjanbaz7728]

NO.

[@lizkt]

​@@davidjanbaz7728Merry Christmas David 🎁

[@matthewfoster526]

@@davidjanbaz7728yes whether you believe it or not it is what the book depicts

[@timmiestabrnak]

It is not an account what was happening in the western hemisphere during the life of Jesus, It’s a story invented in the 1800s, a story that is so demonstrably false from so many angles. A story so full of hatred and abuse.

[@timmiestabrnak]

@matthewfoster526 And whether you believe the story or not, it’s demonstrably false and hateful.

[@gretchenr2307]

You have just given a wonderful presentation about our church. Your comments are spot on! I love our ward Christmas sacrament meeting... always brings the spirit of Christ and tears to my eyes. Merry Christmas to all!! Have a Christ filled Christmas!

[@rodneysessions7463]

Very will done, you covered it all IMO.

[@idreamofparis7233]

The giving machines are amazing

[@timmiestabrnak]

They’re a manipulation. The church should start obeying Jesus and give away all their $400 billion of hoarded up treasures.

[@justjamie6458]

If a giving machine is not available in your area you can donate online 👍

[@rmsf1072]

💫Christmas carolers are called Star singers here in Italy 🇮🇹⭐

[@thomasevans5467]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5mblpamnsuenKMsi=LBt29i0VlX3A-Awe

[@dinocollins720]

Another fantastic video! Thanks again

[@marilynnbrown2594]

I sent your message to my neighbor. I hope she comes. This was a perfect explanation. Thank you. I love all your explanations! Good job.

[@benjaminsmith6031]

I LOVE Christmas caroling. I love singing and when people come over and sing and then I love joining in and singing with the people freezing on the doorstep. I especially love it when they bring gingerbread cookies!

[@stillbill1878]

Thank you! You have perfected your delivery. You are incredible! Super professional. Home run every time. Sorry if I offended.

[@AnnaBellaChannel]

In the UK church members go to church on Christmas day.

[@tezzerii]

Well, some do, some don't. It's a tradition we like to keep in Britain, but it's not required or expected.

[@lorijane2]

I was raised in a Protestant faith where there were always Christmas decorations, including a big tree in the Sanctuary where services were held. As a Latter-day Saint convert, I have always missed the lack of Christmas decorations in the chapel at Christmas time. I know the tradition is to have limited decoration in the chapel to focus on worship, but the First Presidency Christmas Devotional had Christmas decorations aplenty. Would it be so wrong to make the chapel a little more festive? We sing Christmas carols in Sacrament meeting from the beginning of December but with nothing around us to go with those carols. After all my years in the church, it still feels odd.

[@thomasmaughan4798]

"Would it be so wrong to make the chapel a little more festive?" Not wrong at all; you just have to find people willing to decorate. Your mileage may vary of course. Bishops come and go, some more festive than others.

[@tanyarobinson1146]

We used to decorate flyers, but that stopped years ago.

[@VaLynne1]

I understand where you are coming from, and you mentioned the First Presidency Christmas Devotional had Christmas Decorations. Not surprising because they are not in a chapel, sacrament is not partaken in the Conference Center where they do the devotional and conference. I have seen church houses decorated but they are in the foyer or classrooms, cultural hall etc, just not in the chapel. In the Chapel they do want us to keep our thoughts on the savior and the atonement, especially while partaking of the Sacrament which is the reason we are to go to Sacrament meeting. Think how easy it would be to think, "Oh that tree is so pretty," or "I wish it had colored lights on the tree instead of white lights. White lights don't say "Christmas" to me." Or even, "Oh man who ever put that decoration up messed up, it is not straight." And then your mind will be on that crooked ornament along with a million other thoughts the decorations would bring to mind, none of which helps keep your mind on the things we are to keep our mind on, repentance, renewing our covenants, etc. while partaking of the Sacrament. The reason for the lack of pictures (even of Christ because we are to think of Christ not a picture of him) decorations, etc. is the same reason Chapels around the world (except the Jerusalem Center in Israel) are built without big windows to see out. Windows in Chapels are to let light in, not see out because it can be distracting. Someone walks by and it would be easy to look and wonder where she is walking too, why isn't she at Church, or again a million other things, but not on the sacrament or the message the speakers have worked to deliver.

[@Bluewater9]

🌲❣️ It is absolutely great! 🌲❣️

[@brettacook2406]

You are a great, really excellent presenter

[@RenSoNz]

I love this video! Good info too!

[@elliek5350]

Wouldn't it be nice if like with the giving machines, you could see exactly where your tithing is going - financial transparency would be a great Christmas gift from the church leaders.

[@Anti-Mormons-are-Idiots]

Stupid comment doesn’t matter where the money goes. Members job is to pay it and not worry about it. Do you ask your boss at work for details about where the company revenue goes?

[@VaLynne1]

As we have been told many times all of my life (I am only 70 years old so I don't know before 1954) Tithing is used to maintain buildings, it pays the electric bill, in the thousands of Chapels, hundreds of Temples (over 200 dedicated and another 150 announced or under construction. It helps to pay for building those chapels, Temples, etc. It is not used to build taxed businesses such as when City Creek Mall was built. And that has never been "hidden" either. Proceeds from City Creek Mall (which are taxed) go to humanity. our humanity contributions and fast offering all goes 100% to humanity. As we have also been told the Church has paid over a billion dollars a year to humanity issues, whether helping rebuild homes after the fire in Hawaii, or Cyclone Pam in Vanuatu. And that money for humanity donations are never limited to "members only." Including fast offering, it is used people in the ward boundaries, but if you are a non member or an in active member you can get help from the church if needed. I get a laugh when people try to claim the church is not being as transparent as they should be. They are 100% more transparent about where our donations go than the US government is about where our much higher taxes go! I think the Government should be more transparent.

[@VaLynne1]

Young Women and Young men came with the Bishop and Young Woman Leader and sang a carol on my porch :) They also gave me a basket of things relating to Christ. The paper that they had in the basket talked about Christ the bread of life and there was a loaf of bread, the living water and there was a bottle of water, and other symbols of our Savior.

[@thomasevans5467]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5mblpamnsuenKMsi=LBt29i0VlX3A-Awe

[@annroe1088]

Thank you this video will help to invite for Christmas activities

[@APPLEDUDEZ]

What is the brand and model of your 🎤 microphone ?

[@chadowe]

I suspect it’s a Rode Wireless Go on the handheld adapter (Rode Interview Go).

[@alicewongham3541]

You're amazing as usual! Thank you so much. All your content is so shareable.

[@briandavis6898]

Did you mention the Tabernacle Choir?

[@woodystube1000]

Which one?

[@briandavis6898]

@woodystube1000 THE one

[@woodystube1000]

@ Ah, got it. The Catholic Tabernacle Choir.

[@briandavis6898]

@woodystube1000 how many Grammys have they won. Just curious

[@woodystube1000]

@@briandavis6898 I find it hilarious that you can't even bring yourself to write "Mormon" Tabernacle Choir. Why do current members act like it has ALWAYS been bad and wrong to refer to themselves as "Mormon", when in reality it was a proud nickname for many decades until Russ proclaimed it was a "Win for Satan?"

[@hollyodii5969]

“Mormons” How can we ask others to stop calling us this if we still use it? I think it’s time to completely drop the erroneous notion all together.

[@johnwebb5402]

I heard in one Christmas sacrament meeting the primary and young women sing, and each of the young men and young women give a short talk on one name of Christ that stood out to them.

[@gergenskits3940]

did you say "I am a latter day saint and..." or "I am a latter day Satan?" I will have to rewind. I did have it playing on 2x speed. sounds pretty close.

[@cranzag]

Erm, I think you mean "Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Christmas Explained"

[@geoffreypalmer2661]

they are mormons period

[@S6891H]

Exactly!!!

[@kcb5336]

We’re Mormons! Proud Mormons! Lots of heritage tied to that name. A time and place for everything. We all love the official full name but being called Mormon is a high honor.

[@Charity_never_Faileth]

Ours got too sad. With non religious family members who rage, we didn't continue even reading the scriptures as a family, parents just hoping to appease everyone who attends, unless at a sibling's house who has minors who have to listen to the story of Christ's birth, terribly sad to see angry antis in your household stop all traditions, I basically didn't care to even come home for it. I am not married so I don't get to call any shots, but fondly remember before the angry family member began throwing and breaking things to control the entire family experience of Christmas. I think I was 12 when it last really felt like some traditions stayed, but that was the year it all really changed and someone was getting pretty scary. If you got to keep traditions, got married and have your own house, have some control over the holiday, consider yourself lucky!

[@scriptureplus]

So sorry that Christmas has become difficult and challenging for your family. Wishing you well this holiday season ❤️

[@itzCazW]

What ever you believe or not believe about Jesus, it's the example that's important, like forgiveness, charity and inclusion..and we can all part take in those things what ever religion or none.. because after all God is love and where true love is...God still so loved the world that he sent his only begotten still.. love still works, and charity never fails. Who ever you are or what you believe

[@timmiestabrnak]

An example that the Mormon church vehemently opposes

[@itzCazW]

@@timmiestabrnak explain would you mean by that, I love a good theological discussion

[@MattLadner84]

My friend, can I be honest with you? I love this church and love the Christmas season. I love all the church does for people. You are going to hate me, but I just don’t really like Christmas caroling. I loathe it. I find it annoying and it’s so uncomfortable when you open the door and there’s a group of people just singing at you standing in the cold. Now I’m cold and have to pretend like I’m enjoying it. Even worse is when people or family asks me to go caroling with them. It’s just not my thing. One time we went to a non member’s house and they were trying to eat dinner and I could tell they were so annoyed with us being there, and it made me feel so uncomfortable. So yeah, Christmas caroling is my kryptonite. I love the songs and hymns, but not at someone’s door step uninvited. I’m sorry 😅

[@sandrahurst4123]

Make Christmas Caroling Great Again!! Your survey made me sad. It’s probably the cold weather that keeps people from going out. Including me. I can’t sing, anyway, so no loss there.

[@jcmillner1605]

Why do i have to first purchase the things in the giving vending machines? Can't this multi billion $ corporation just buy that thing first and offer it to the community?

[@VaLynne1]

I love how the church gives us opportunity to serve the Lord by serving our fellow man! As I am sure you already know the Church donates over a billion dollars a year to humanity. So yes they can just give those things, but allowing us to receive blessings from the Lord for helping others is such a wonderful thing the Church does for us.

[@elliek5350]

Some members celebrate, some don't, some care about the first presidency devotional,some don't, many members follow their countries and cultures Christmas traditions, because the church as you mentioned doesn't have many at all to make Christmas special.

[@artloveranimation]

Recently the church, or at least deseret book store has been offering a new christmas tradition which is the candles for different names of Christ. One for each day similar to Hanukkah. I can't remember what it's called and I haven't tried that tradition yet but I've seen it in some peoples homes.

[@woodystube1000]

This makes sense. A lot of members naturally envy the pageantry and rituals of other traditional organized religions. A little “theological appropriation” is harmless.

[@GrandpappyJim]

Geez this girl is intelligent. What ever the subject.

[@timmiestabrnak]

She contradicts herself constantly and spreads so much disinformation, such disingenuous rhetoric. It also shows what you think of her when you call a grown ass woman a “girl”

[@katiegardner9645]

Mormon Christmas is a happy Christmas. Faith, family, food, fraternity, fun.

[@Flipflopskipskop]

This only applies to most American latter day saints but not all.

[@jeffhughes1862]

I’m 62 you and had no idea what advent candles were until 5 years ago.

[@GrassBuffalo]

Funny that this came out today. My ward just had our Christmas party last night. It was exactly as you described, simple, cheesy, but filled with the love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Good times were had by all

[@MrAZnation]

great breakdown of our faith!

[@supergran1702]

Many wards are having their Christmas Sacrament Meeting a week before the Sunday immediately preceeding Christmas. It's been suggested that because so many people travel over Christmas, this is timed so that members can worship together, with a prepared program that all can attend before visiting (the grandchildren 😊).

[@marciaogden8525]

Why are we still using the nickname, Mormon, when we have been asked not to? We are bearing testimony when we use the real title, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We testify that Jesus is the head of the Church and that we are trying to become his saints in the latter days every time we use the proper name of the church. Once we have used the proper title, throughout the rest of the presentation or article we can refer to it as the Latter-day Saints.

[@timmiestabrnak]

Your church spent millions of your tithe dollars advertising “we are the Mormons” interesting how the entire narrative of the LDS church is the claim to have a living prophet, but the presidents contradict over and over and over.

[@chipwhitmer7449]

Sure, but there's nothing to be ashamed of in the name "Mormon." As described in the Book of Mormon itself, the word "Mormon" literally means "Christian." docs.google.com/document/d/1Vq0R_CsYq1jbK7MwYTD-8Qd72eA8iXt7ky_yuU99zt4/edit?usp=drivesdk

[@thomasmaughan4798]

"Why are we still using the nickname, Mormon" WE are not. It has become a grand key for detecting anti-Mormonism (on KZbin anyway), or even just mild steadying-the-ark stuff. I don't know how long this will last but for now, when I see "Mormon" in the title or channel name; such as Mormon Stories Podcast or Nemo the Mormon, I can be reasonably sure this is not a faith promoting source.

[@S6891H]

Exactly!!

[@chipwhitmer7449]

@@marciaogden8525 Sure, but there's no shame in the name "Mormon." As described in the Book of Mormon, the word "Mormon" literally means "Christian."

[@S6891H]

We aren't "Mormon." Please follow the counsel of the prophet and stop using nicknames.

[@DavidWrobel-m8x]

That’s not true other people do it too

[@VaLynne1]

Do what? The word it does not help us know what you are talking about.

[@davidjanbaz7728]

Your Godhead is totally different from Christians. Other churches have Caroling services that people can attend. The Catholic church has Midnight Mass on Christians eve for the whole Catholic church. Much bigger event than your Nelson event.

[@kristinrichmond8185]

Yes our belief about the Godhead is an important distinction. We are different in that way, however there are many similarities. Thank you for pointing that out. 😊

[@davidjanbaz7728]

​@kristinrichmond8185 you're totally confused and it isn't close to authentic Christianity.

[@tezzerii]

@davidjanbaz7728 "Other churches have Caroling services that people can attend. " - So do LDS. What's your point ?

[@briandavis6898]

Lest any man boast

[@cocadean]

@@tezzerii this guy cannot tolerate anything about the church. to him it’s all bad. mormons can do nothing right or good. it’s really gross.

[@NinaHansen2008]

The inflatable decorations ARE obnoxious.

[@esanram]

How many times does she have to say Mormon...def not subscribing. She's too much

[@michaelburgess6556]

Your Christology is totally false so your celebration, liturgically and spiritually, is deeply flawed.

[@kristinrichmond8185]

Hey , I’m genuinely interested in something. I haven’t gone to a religious channel and wrote in the comment section, how wrong they are. I’m interested to know why you do so? I’m hoping for an honest, sincere answer

[@dwRS1]

@michael...you are a nerd

[@thomasmaughan4798]

@@kristinrichmond8185 "I’m interested to know why you do so?" It is a reflex. The key word "mormon" in the title draws them in, like moths to a bright light. Implicit in this judgment of "totally false" is an arrogance of superiority, that michaelburgess knows exactly what is true so that he also knows what is false; and more to the point, believes he is appointed to blurt this out. I'm surprised this is the only "anti" comment so far. Even more surprising is that it sometimes works on people, as if *his judgment* mattered and his pronouncements more truthful. This kind is often an ex-Mormon, angry with those that remain faithful. So, he "kicks against the pricks". But the prick is his own conscience. "An ox goad was a stick with a pointed piece of iron on its tip used to prod the oxen when plowing. The farmer would prick the animal to steer it in the right direction. Sometimes the animal would rebel by kicking out at the prick, and this would result in the prick being driven even further into its flesh. In essence, the more an ox rebelled, the more it suffered. Thus, Jesus’ words to Saul on the road to Damascus: “It is hard for you to kick against the pricks.”"

[@cocadean]

i think it’s how some Christians were taught to practice their religion. their way of worship is to tear others down. they think the spirit they are influenced by is the Holy Spirit. and when they feel the Holy Spirit, they think it must be evil! very sad.