LightTheWorld.org offers service ideas
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has officially launched its global 2020 Christmas initiative. Ideas for ways to serve others and light the world during this year’s Christmas season are now available on LightTheWorld.org.
What Is Light the World?
#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.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
Each year during the Christmas season, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints makes a monumental effort to spread the message and mission of #LightTheWorld. However, you can do it all year by thinking about who you can serve each and every day.
Beginning November 15, LightTheWorld.org will provide several service ideas. These suggestions include:
- Volunteer opportunities through JustServe.org (where available)
- The ability to donate directly to organizations that partner with Latter-day Saint Charities
- A daily calendar of 25 simple ways to serve others
- Daily texts or emails leading up to Christmas that people can opt in to receive
In social media posts about such service, the Church encourages the use of the #LightTheWorld hashtag.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual Giving Machines (large red vending machines in use since 2017 to help people donate to various charities) will not be used. Last year, the machines raised $6.2 million to bring food, supplies, clean water, sanitation and personal development workshops to people in need.
In 2018 the Giving Machines had raised more than $2.3 MM for local and global charities. Total donations in 2019 are almost three times the amount raised in 2018.
In 2017, the first year in which the Giving Machines were used, they had raised $0.5MM
This year, you can donate directly to organizations that partner with Latter-day Saint Charities.
December 20th “Come and See” Sundays are left up to bishops to determine what to do, based on local circumstances. In some cases, it may be appropriate for members to invite their friends to attend Sunday services or wards could hold a virtual service.
For more information, read the article “A Look at How the Church of Jesus Christ Will #LightTheWorld This Christmas.”
