For decades The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square has taken part in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' annual First Presidency Christmas devotional commemorating the birth of the Savior Jesus Christ. This year is no different.

The First Presidency's long-standing tradition of inaugurating the sacred season with messages and music of joy, hope and peace is scheduled for Sunday, December 5, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. MST. The Choir and the Orchestra at Temple Square will perform in person at the annual event. Due to Covid restrictions the public is not invited to attend this year but can view the program on one of the following channels: 

Broadcasts.ChurchofJesusChrist.org
Church YouTube channel
BYUtv
Latter-day Saints Channel (website, YouTube, mobile app, Roku)

The First Presidency devotionals began in the 1970s as a way to celebrate Christmas with Church employees. Eventually, the Church began broadcasting the devotionals and later moved them from the Tabernacle to the 21,000-seat Conference Center. Today the program is  viewed by millions around the world on a variety of media channels.

At first only members of the First Presidency spoke at the devotionals. Later, speakers were expanded to include other General Authorities and Church officers.

Speaking at the devotional in 2018, Russell M. Nelson, newly called as the President of the Church, described the gift of the Savior at Christmas as “God’s transcendent gift — the gift of the Father to all of His children."

This year the program will include messages honoring Jesus Christ from President Henry B. Eyring of the First Presidency, Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Sister Michelle D. Craig of the Young Women’s General Presidency, and Elder W. Mark Bassett of the Seventy as well as Christmas music by The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square.