Global effort offers opportunities to follow the Savior

From “Service Emphasized in 2018 ‘Light the World’ Initiative” in the Church Newsroom.

A global Christmas initiative launched by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints encourages people around the world to serve others during the holiday season. The “Light the World” campaign, now in its third year, runs through the end of December 2018. This year’s theme, “Give as He Gave,” invites people to follow the example of the Savior Jesus Christ, “the light of the world” (John 8:12).

President Russell M. Nelson has invited members to minister to each other in a “new, holier way” by turning our focus from “how can I serve?” to “whom can I serve?”

The official launch of the initiative will be held on December 1 with a worldwide day of service. Those participating in the effort are encouraged to find simple ways to serve, such as helping refugees or donating to charities.

During December, four videos in 29 languages will promote weekly themes. Videos, posters, missionary pass-along cards, a calendar featuring service ideas and a family home evening lesson can be found at lighttheworld.org/download.

In week one, participants are encouraged to serve those in need around the world.

During the second week, “Light Your Community” focuses on serving in communities. Where available, opportunities can be found at JustServe.org.

Families are the focus of the third week in “Light Your Family.” Participants are invited to show their appreciation to loved ones by calling their parents, having a family prayer, spending one-on-one time with children or other activities.

In week four, “Light Your Faith,” participants are invited to increase their faith in Jesus Christ through prayer, scripture study, visiting a temple or other religious site or attending a special Christmas worship service. On Sunday, December 23, the public is being invited to a Christ-centered one-hour sacrament meeting in their community. Locations and schedules for these services of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can be found in the meetinghouse locator on LDS.org.

Vending machines will be available for the public to donate predesignated items such as water filters or eyeglasses or other needed items to people in need. One hundred percent of all donations go directly to partner charities for the purchased item or for items or services of greater need based on their discretion. One machine will be at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building on Temple Square, which was popular with visitors last year. New locations for the machines this year are Manila, Philippines; New York City; Gilbert, Arizona; and London, England. Media events are scheduled in these locations to formally launch the initiative.

Four “Light the World” billboards will be displayed in Utah. In addition, Latter-day Saint area presidencies around the world are planning local efforts to spread the word in their locations.

Those participating in the initiative can share their experiences on social media using the hashtag #LightTheWorld. For more information, visit LightTheWorld.org.