Families, youth and missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints paused between tropical thunderstorms today to decorate the grounds surrounding their chapel in Honiara.
They were preparing to host their community at a “Light the World” Christmas devotional tomorrow, 23 December beginning at 5pm. It is free to the public and the first of what is hoped will be an annual event.
Strands of colourful Christmas lights, tinsel and ornaments will shine during the event which will be filled with Christmas music, videos, and inspiring messages.
At the centre of the decorations is a stable and manger built of palm fronds laced with Christmas lights constructed as the stage for a live re-enactment of the story of the first Christmas.
“We had many people come to help because they just love to help, and they love the Saviour Jesus Christ and want everything to be nice for him,” said Lynn Sanders, who along with his wife Sandy Sanders serve as volunteer missionaries in Honiara.
They are spending 18 months of their retirement years away from their home and family in America, at their own expense, to assist the leaders and members of the growing Church in the Solomon Islands.
“The purpose of this devotional is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ with Church members and the community,” he said. "This is the first time this has been done here in the Solomon Islands.
| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
“We believe in and worship our Heavenly Father and His Son. We love the peace that comes from Him and we want everyone to feel that peace in their lives.”
The “Light the World” Christmas initiative being celebrated this month in the Pacific and around the world by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints encourages people everywhere to be like Jesus Christ by serving others through acts of personal kindness.