The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the greater Chattanooga area invites everyone to participate in the following events that celebrate Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
Dec. 5 – The First Presidency’s 2021 Christmas Message
This event will be broadcast on Sunday at 8 p.m. at ChurchofJesusChrist.org, BYUtv, YouTube and other channels. The devotional will include music by the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square as well as Christmas messages by President Russell M. Nelson, President Dallin H. Oaks and President Henry B. Eyring of the First Presidency. In announcing the devotional, the Church testified that “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
Dec. 11 – Chattanooga Christmas Music Celebration
The Chattanooga choir of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will present its 2021 Christmas Music Celebration on Saturday, Dec. 11, at 6 p.m. at 3067 Ooltewah Ringgold Road, Ooltewah, TN. The event is free and all are welcome. The choir will celebrate the birth and life of Jesus Christ through music. The congregation will also be invited to sing along to familiar classics. The choir will be under the direction of Kathy Wolfe, stake Musical Director. A more detailed press statement will be issued regarding this event.
Dec. 13, 16, 19, 24, 25 – 20 Years of Christmas with The Tabernacle Choir on PBS & BYUtv
PBS and BYUtv will air 20 Years of Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir. The special will feature Tony Award winning star Brian Stokes Mitchell. According to officials, this two-hour special was taped “during the pandemic restrictions of 2020 to replace the live concert special…. It features over 40 guest artists and excerpts from over 60 songs, carols, and stories.” To learn more about air dates, please visit at https://www.thetabernaclechoir.org/events/2021-pbs-and-byutv-christmas-tv-specials.html.
On Demand Viewing – Witnesses of Christ
Originally aired on Nov. 28, this program is available anytime for On Demand viewing at ChurchofJesusChrist.org. This 50-minute program is a tribute to the birth of Jesus Christ and includes performances by the Truman Brothers, the Utah State University Chamber Singers, Daniel Beck and others.
Anytime - Jan 1, 2022 – Giving Machines
Giving Machines allow individuals to swipe their credit card at a vending machine and give. You can give “a pair of shoes “or “a sheep for a family in a third world country” or “a polio vaccine” or “clean water” or “100 meals for your local food bank” or other items that make a difference “to millions of people in need,” according to officials at ChurchofJesusChrist.org. Giving Machines are located in 10 major cities across America including at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. One hundred percent of all donations go directly to participating charitable organizations. As noted, “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints covers all expenses associated with the initiative, including credit card transaction fees” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). For those who don’t live near a Giving Machine, a list of global charity partners is provided at https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/light-the-world-2021/giving-machines making it possible for anyone to donate directly to UNICEF, CARE, CWS Global, WaterAid, or UNHCR. A list is also posted for local charities, including Nashville.
Anytime – Light the World Initiative
The Light the World with Love Initiative is an invitation for everyone “to play a part in the Christmas story.” To assist individuals and families, resources are available at https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist. Resources include ideas for service, downloads of Christmas videos, or an invitation to participate in an interactive Christmas story experience. Or, watch The Christ Child, an 18-minute film that recounts the birth of Christ as found in the Holy Bible at https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/light-the-world-2021/the-christ-child.
“We know that the Savior’s life was devoted completely to serving, strengthening and blessing His brothers and sisters throughout the world,” said Bruce Tidwell, First Counselor in the Chattanooga Stake Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “We are seeking to give all people the opportunity to do the same through our Light the World with Love Initiative. There is no greater way to honor Jesus Christ this Christmas season than to take time to do what He would do if He were here with us today. The Light the World with Love Initiative is one way we can join together and be part of the greatest story ever told. We invite everyone in the greater Chattanooga area or elsewhere to participate in any and all of these events this Christmas season.”