The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will share the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ with its Christmas initiative, “A Savior Is Born,” beginning Nov. 29 and continuing through Dec. 26.
"The central message of the initiative is found in its title," said Greg Droubay, director of media for the LDS Church's Missionary Department. "The church is seeking to share with all of God's children the truth that a Savior and Redeemer has been born, and his life and mission are just as important in our lives today as they were to the people with whom he taught and served."
A video declaring that the Savior was born and lives will be posted to christmas.mormon.org on Nov. 29. The video and website will be available in 29 languages. The website will also be home to an animated video titled "A World Without a Savior,” which will be released in several languages and will explain why a Savior is needed.
"No birth was more significant than the one that occurred in a stable in Bethlehem more than 2,000 years ago," said Elder Brent H. Nielson, executive director of the Missionary Department. "Because of Jesus Christ's birth, teachings and atonement, every man, woman and child has the opportunity to return to the presence of a loving Heavenly Father, saved from the pains and trials of mortality."
As part of the initiative, the church will post proclamations of the Savior’s birth on 11 billboards (printed and video) in New York City’s Times Square. Additionally, 400 New York City taxis will be topped with Christmas messages.
"The Times Square area in New York City presents the opportunity to share our message with a global audience in perhaps the most recognizable city in the world," Droubay said. "We know that millions of people from around the world will see the 'A Savior Is Born' messages in Times Square. It is perhaps the most unique place in all the world to communicate with others."
Billboards will also be placed in Idaho Falls, Idaho; St. George, Utah; Salt Lake City; Los Angeles; and Mexico City. The "A Savior Is Born" initiative will also appear in the masthead of YouTube in Mexico, Brazil and Argentina.
But the largest audience may be reached online as church members discuss the initiative on social media using the hashtag #ASaviorIsBorn. An Advent calendar of GIFs telling the story of Christ's birth will be available on christmas.mormon.org for church members to share, as will inspirational picture quotes and posters.
The church encourages members to take this opportunity to share their faith.
"During the Christmas season, the thoughts of millions of people around the world are turned to the birth of Jesus Christ," Elder Nielson said. "We have a special opportunity to declare our belief in Christ, celebrate his birth and invite others to come unto him at this time of year."
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