Five General Authority Talks to Inspire You for the New Year

The beginning of a New Year gives each of us a chance to start anew and refocus our efforts, goals, and attitudes on bettering ourselves. Ten years ago I "celebrated" New Year's Eve in the Missionary Training Center. New Year's Day was a fast Sunday and the entire MTC met for a special sacrament meeting. Each talk given inspired me to commit more whole-heartedly to serving the Lord and doing the best I can. All these years later, I still review the notes from that session to regain insight and motivation. Here are five talks from general authorities to help renew our commitment in this New Year.

"There Was No Room for Them in the Inn"

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year!”

“I’ll be home for Christmas…if only in my dreams"

No two Christmas songs could be more different in terms of feeling and lyrics. Yet, their differences serve as reminder that while Christmas for some is filled with glee, for others it can be filled with gloom. For this latter group of individuals, I believe there is great comfort to be taken from some of the most famous words of the Christmas story: “there was no room for them in the inn.”[1]

8 Christmas Symbols to Help Us Remember the True Meaning of the Season

Around this time of year, we’re often encouraged to remember the true meaning of Christmas. As President Thomas S. Monson has taught, “we find real joy when we make the Savior the focus of the season.” Unfortunately, this can be easier said than done. Despite our best efforts, we may often become distracted by the many tasks and preparations that accompany this season.

So how can we maintain a focus on Christ even amidst the holiday hustle and bustle? One way my parents taught me in my youth is to recognize and reflect on the many symbols of Christmas that are so prevalent around this time of year. These symbols point to Christ and can help us center our thoughts and minds on Him.

Taysom and Emily Hill: Faith, Football, and Trusting in the Lord

Emily Hill’s stomach dropped as soon as she read the text from her sister.

“I’m so sorry. I hope he’s OK.”

Emily had just left her seat in Nebraska’s Memorial Stadium for a moment after her husband, Taysom Hill, scored on a 21-yard touchdown run to tie the game between the BYU Cougars and Nebraska Cornhuskers at 14 a piece in the first game of the 2015 football season. She didn’t see him limp from the sideline to the locker room.

“I didn't know anything had happened,” she said. “I was cheering and excited and ran down the aisle with my mother-in-law. As I'm walking out, I get the text. I just thought it was a joke. There was no way this was happening.”

5 memorable stories from past First Presidency Christmas Devotionals

The new Christmas message found on mormon.org is a reminder of what this season is about: A Savior was born, over 2,000 years ago.

Here are some stories from past First Presidency Christmas Devotionals to help you feel the spirit of Christ this Christmas season.