Members of the public and community leaders enjoyed a beautiful display of lights in the grounds of the Hamilton New Zealand Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints last night.
Elder Ian S. Ardern, a member of the Pacific Area Presidency of the Church, welcomed a group of government and other community leaders to a special program last night that included choir music, messages about the birth of Jesus Christ, and an opportunity to view the lights from the vantage point of the Church’s Visitor’s Centre.
Speaking of the lights and the occasion, Elder Ardern said, "Christ came to minister to the people of the world. We can all embark on personal ministries in which we look to lift another, not just in the Christmas season but throughout the year."
A second VIP reception was hosted by Elder David J. Thomson, an Area Seventy of the Church. Among those attending the reception were Hamilton Mayor Anderw King, interfaith representatives and Hamilton New Zealand Temple President Michael A. Roberts.
The annual lighting display, which runs throughout December, attracts tens of thousands of visitors from Hamilton and further afield.
It is one of many events organised by the Church throughout the world aimed at inviting individuals and families to focus on the birth, life, ministry and Atonement of Jesus Christ.
This year the Church is sponsoring a worldwide Christmas initiative called, “Light the World.” The initiative, which includes a daily advent calendar and videos, invites people of any faith or no faith to serve others each day throughout the Christmas season.
In that spirit of serving others, guests at the lighting event are invited to bring a food donation for the Hamilton Combined Christian Foodbank to share with individuals going through difficult times this Christmas.
Learn more about #LightTheWorld at Mormon.org.