Asia North Area Presidency Celebrate the Birth of the Savior and Share His Teachings 

On Sunday, December 20, a Christmas devotional with the Asia North Area Presidency was broadcast live on YouTube. Under the theme of "Light the World One by One," they celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ and shared the teachings of the Savior. Members in Korea, Japan, Mongolia and Micronesia were featured giving beautiful musical performances. In addition, video clips of Helping Hands service activities and images of temples in the Asia North Area gave the audience an opportunity to remember the pre-COVID-19 period and strengthen their desire to attend church and the temple.

Below is a summary of talks from each member of the area presidency. A video of the full devotional is available on the Church’s YouTube channel until January 20, 2021.

Elder Takashi Wada

Asia North Area President

Elder Takashi Wada talked about his conversion story in his youth. In particular, he shared scripture verses that comforted him, and how his life changed due to the teachings of Christ.

"My dear brothers and sisters, and those who are new to our church, I express my gratitude to our Heavenly Father, for sending His only son, Jesus Christ.  I hope and pray that you will realize the privilege of having the gospel of Jesus Christ in your life and for the opportunity to learn more about the Savior Jesus Christ. May you become awakened to the truth He shared. May you feel and recognize the love God has for you. I share my witness of our loving Father in Heaven, that He loves each one of us, and that he lives. Jesus Christ is our Savior and redeemer. May you recognize the gift of the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon and the Bible, and may you feast upon the words of God and find enduring joy. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen."

Elder James R. Rasband

Asia North Area Presidency, 1^st Counselor

Elder James R. Rasband highlighted the life of the Savior. He reminded us that the birth of Jesus Christ and his atonement were what we had been looking forward to, and that the Lord's sacrifice was for all of us.

"This Christmas, and particularly a Christmas during the time of Covid, the hopes and fears of all the years are still met here, and in each of us, tonight. We have trusted the Savior for all of eternity and he has always lived up to that trust. It is my prayer that we will continue to trust in Him and in the glorious redeeming, healing, and enabling power of His atoning sacrifice. I leave with you my witness that Jesus Christ truly did live and that he lives still. May you have a joyful and peaceful Christmas. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."

Elder John A. McCune.

Asia North Area Presidency, 2^nd Counselor

"Because thou art merciful, thou wilt not suffer those who come unto thee that they shall perish!" (1 Nephi 1:14) Elder John A. McCune shared the teachings of Nephi, the prophet in the Book of Mormon. He also emphasized that as we search the teachings of Jesus Christ from the scriptures and press forward unto the Lord, we can find peace, comfort, joy and hope in our lives.

"In the world today, we are faced with many uncertainties. There is a pandemic, a world-wide pandemic. There are concerns over economics. There are concerns certainly over health. And ideologies of the world that seem to be coming in on us from every standpoint, political concerns. As we come unto the Savior, I testify that we will find of His peace, His joy, His hope, and His perspective." Elder McCune testified of the life of Jesus Christ and of the blessings we enjoy with the resurrection and atonement of the Lord. "At this time of year, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, may we all sing Hosanna, just like the Nephites, sing Hosanna to God, for the gift of His divine son. In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, Amen."