Latter-day Saints continue to share light globally this Christmas season, from food donations in Ghana to a wrapped train in the Philippines. The global Light the World initiative of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is much more than Giving Machine kiosks and includes service projects, diplomatic events, new videos and more to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
Food Donations and Christmas Concert in Ghana
In the spirit of unity and compassionate service, Church leaders and members joined with community dignitaries to distribute food to thousands of Ghanaian families in Kumasi and Accra, Ghana.
On Wednesday, December 3, 2025, the initiative launched at Jubilee Park in Kumasi. Before the event, Church leaders met with local officials — including Richard Ofori Agyemang, mayor of Kumasi, and Sheikh Abdul Rahman Zakaria Al Shoukry, the Ashanti region chief imam — to strengthen community ties.
On Wednesday, December 10, the outreach efforts continued at the palace grounds of King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Ga Mantse of Accra. Missionaries packed thousands of food bags to give away. They contained rice, oil, beans, gari, sugar, salt and other staples.
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Learn more on the Africa Newsroom.
In addition, in remembrance of the angels whose singing heralded the Savior’s birth, choirs from various religious denominations and musical groups across Accra gathered for a concert at the end of November. The event, sponsored by the Church, brought together worshippers of Christ and lovers of sacred music.
| 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 |
Read the story on the Africa Newsroom.
Orphanage in Liberia Receives Food Donation
The Church donated significant food and other items on November 25–26, 2025, to the Anna M. Enoch Orphanage. The donations went to visually and speech-impaired communities and several families in need in Monrovia, Liberia.
Liberia-Light-the-World
Orphanage children gather excitedly around the food and supplies donated to them in Monrovia, Liberia, on November 26, 2025. 2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.“The way that we show we love Jesus Christ is when we love and serve others,” said Elder Prince Sonpon Nyanforh, an Area Seventy in the Africa West Area. “We are humbled to serve you today and hope that these items will bring you comfort and relief during this Christmas season.”
Visit the Africa Newsroom for more information.
Diplomatic Leaders in Geneva Celebrate Christmas
IIn early December, diplomatic representatives, community leaders, and friends from around the world gathered on December 3 in Geneva, Switzerland, for a Christmas dinner hosted by the Church. The dinner paid tribute to the important humanitarian and diplomatic efforts undertaken throughout the year in Geneva.
Elder Rubén V. Alliaud, president of the Europe Central Area, and his wife, Fabiana, attended the event.
Geneva-Light-the-World
Elder Rubén V. Alliaud and his wife, Sister Fabiana Alliaud greet guests in Geneva, Switzerland, on December 3, 2025. 2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Stefano Bosco, director of the Church’s office in Geneva, emphasized the city’s unique role as a center for dialogue and cooperation.He also highlighted the many quiet acts of service and coordination that enable humanitarian progress. He said Christmas is the ideal time to acknowledge these contributions and renew a commitment to service.
Learn more on the Europe Newsroom.
Train Lights the World in the Philippines
Thousands of commuters in Metro Manila, the Philippines, are traveling with the Light the World message
Colombia Arena Illuminated
In Bogotá, Colombia, Movistar Arena lit up for the first time with the Church’s global Christmas campaign, which will extend through December 20. The public is encouraged to take photos to share on social media using the hashtag #IluminaElMundo.
The campaign aims to encourage simple acts of kindness that create positive change in individuals and their communities.
| 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 |
New Video Features Nativity Scenes
The Church of Jesus Christ released a new music video featuring the voice of Yahosh Bonner singing “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” and Nativity scenes from all around the world. The Nativity imagery brings to life the humble night when Jesus Christ entered the world as a tiny babe in a manger.
Day of Service in Mexico
On December 6, 2025, thousands of members and friends of the Church across Mexico joined together for the National Day of Service, completing hundreds of projects to improve communities and assist those in need.
Participants donated thousands of hours to projects such as cleaning streets and parks, restoring public spaces, supporting shelters and hospitals, restoring historic buildings, and donating blankets, food, and clothing in multiple locations.
Read the story on the Mexico Newsroom.
Drone Show in Peru
As part of the Church of Jesus Christ’s efforts to light the world in Lima, Peru, a drone show and Nativity pageant were performed for members and friends of the Church on Saturday, November 29.
“This presentation reminded us of one of the most significant events in history: the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God and our Savior, who wants to bring us joy and hope — the true symbols of Christmas,” said Elder Sandino Roman, second counselor in the South America Northwest Area Presidency.
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Faith Leader Dinner in Samoa
On Friday, December 12, 2025, in Apia, Samoa, the Church hosted an interfaith dinner. The feast brought together Christian faith leaders from across the country to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and strengthen unity among denominations. The historic gathering was presided over by Elder Taniela B. Wakolo of the Pacific Area Presidency and featured music, Christ-centered messages, and shared testimonies focused on faith, family, service, and community.
During the event, leaders emphasized building bridges of cooperation rather than division, encouraging greater collaboration and joint community efforts throughout Samoa. The dinner marked the first interfaith event of its kind hosted by the Church in Samoa and will become an annual tradition to foster lasting unity and honor those who uphold strong family values.
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Christian leaders gathered to celebrate Christmas and share the Light the World message at an interfaith dinner hosted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Apia, Samoa, on Friday, December 12, 2025. Pictured are leaders including Taniela B. Wakolo, Pacific Area Precidency, Denny Gaalogo, Area Seventy, and Hans Jason Ignatius Joseph, Area Seventy. 2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Learn more on the Pacific Newsroom.
Assembling Care Kits in Salt Lake City
On Thursday, November 20, 2025, members of the Relief Society General Presidency and advisory council gathered at Crossroads Urban Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, to assemble care kits for individuals and families in need.
The service effort involved preparing hygiene kits, cold-weather kits, and baby hygiene kits, reflecting the Church’s commitment to bringing relief and Christlike love to Heavenly Father’s children during the Christmas season.
5K Run in South Africa
Latter-day Saints and community friends in East London, South Africa, gathered for a 5 kilometer Light the World Fun Run in support of the city’s chapter of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). On Tuesday, December 16, 2025, more than 200 participants donated cat and dog food in place of an entry fee, which was later given to the SPCA to support its ongoing animal welfare efforts.
Dressed in red Light the World T-shirts, runners set off from East London’s Gonubie Hotel with the help of local volunteers who assisted with registration, marshalling and refreshments. SPCA General Manager and Trainee Inspector Brent Sanders expressed gratitude for the annual event, noting that “each donation makes a meaningful difference for the nonprofit organization, which relies entirely on public support.” The Fun Run highlighted how simple acts of service can unite communities and reflect the Savior’s example of compassion and care for others.
Read the story on the Africa South Newsroom.
Nativity Screening in Europe
In December 2025, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints welcomed friends, neighbors, and community leaders to special Christmas film screenings in Edinburgh, Manchester, and Lisbon. The events featured The Christ Child: A Nativity Story, an 18-minute cinematic portrayal of the Nativity presented in Aramaic and were held in Church meetinghouses transformed into immersive cinema spaces, complemented by music, carols, and Bible readings.
Many attendees described feeling peace and a deeper connection to the Savior. “What I felt was peace and the spirit of the Christ Child,” said Iago de Lima Souza Silva, who attended the Lisbon screening, reflecting the purpose of the gatherings to unite communities and focus hearts on the true meaning of Christmas.
Read the story on the Portuguese Newsroom.
