President Nelson shares his prayer for everyone at Christmas time
The church president made his first public appearance since falling and pulling the muscles in his lower back in September
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President Russell M. Nelson hugs Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as they exit following the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
On that holy night more than 2,000 years ago near the little town of Bethlehem, heavenly hosts sang for joy at the birth of Jesus.
An angel told the shepherds, “Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).
Speaking of the joy it is to commemorate this birth, the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President Russell M. Nelson, issued this invitation to all: “Come, let us adore Him.”
President Nelson attended the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional at the Conference Center on Sunday, Dec. 3, in his first public appearance since falling and pulling the muscles in his lower back in September.
In his pre-recorded remarks, President Nelson shared his testimony of the magnitude of all Jesus Christ accomplished and he shared the wish of his heart — his prayer — for everyone at Christmas time.
Crowd members hurry toward the Conference Center in the rain prior to the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Christmas lights shine around the Conference Center prior to the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Crowd members hurry toward the Conference Center in the rain prior to the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Crowd members hurry toward the Conference Center in the rain prior to the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Crowd members hurry toward the Conference Center in the rain prior to the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Christmas lights shine around the Conference Center prior to the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Crowd members hurry toward the Conference Center in the rain prior to the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Crowd members hurry to take their seats for the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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President Dallin H. Oaks first counselor in the First Presidency, President Russell M. Nelson, and President Henry B. Eyring second counselor in the First Presidency take their seats prior to the beginning of the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square perform during the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square perform during the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Sister Tracy Y. Browning, second counselor in the Primary general presidency, speaks during the First Presidency's Christmas Devotional in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Elder Paul V. Johnson of the Presidency of the Seventy speaks during the First Presidency's Christmas Devotional in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles uses a top hat and scarf during his message as he spoke during the First Presidency's Christmas Devotional in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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President Russell M. Nelson, who was present in the Conference Center, gave his message on video during the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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The crowd stands during the First Presidency's Christmas Devotional in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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