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Local LDS churches invite all to submit photos of favorite nativity scenes

TALLAHASSEE – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints kicked off its annual “Light the World” initiative this week with the debut of a new shareable video titled “Hope Shines Bright,” now available on LightTheWorld.org

Locally, the Tallahassee Stake of the Church (which includes seven congregations in Tallahassee and congregations in Thomasville, Cairo, Quincy, Madison, Perry, and Crawfordville) is sponsoring a Share Your Nativity activity on the Tallahassee Stake News & Events website and Facebook page.

Members of the community are encouraged to submit photos of their family or favorite nativity scenes to the local Church Facebook page via Facebook Messenger. Nativity photos will be posted on the local Church Facebook page through Jan. 1.

Nativity Scene

This nativity scene is currently on display at North Carolina’s Biltmore Estate.

#LightTheWorld is an invitation to transform Christmas into a season of service. It’s a worldwide movement to touch hearts and change lives by doing the things Jesus did: feeding the hungry, comforting the lonely, visiting the sick and afflicted, and showing kindness to everyone. Jesus said, “Ye are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). #LightTheWorld is the perfect way to let our light—and His light—shine brightly.

In addition, the LightTheWorld website offers the following:

  • An 18-minute film on the birth of Christ, “The Christ Child,” can be viewed on the site.
  • Sign up for #LightTheWorld daily service prompts on a mobile device or receive daily emails.
  • A daily calendar of 25 simple ways to serve others during the month of December can be downloaded from the website. Other digital downloads include a lesson about the Nativity and digital and printable pass-along cards.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the large red Giving Machines used for donations the past few years will not be used this year. The machines are expected to return next year, but people can still support Latter-day Saint Charities’ global charity partners.

Find opportunities to serve in local communities at JustServe.org.