| 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 |
The annual Christmas Parade in Salisbury brings many community groups together to celebrate Christmas. Members of the Paralowie Ward (congregation) of the Modbury Stake (diocese) and full-time missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were part of the 2017 celebration.
The procession led out with a #LightTheWorld banner heralding the Church’s initiative to focus on the Saviour and His teachings through acts of service. This was accompanied by Matilda and Gabriel playing non-stop Christmas carols on the cello and violin.
The trailer following contained a nativity scene of Joseph and Mary with a manger and a group of small children dressed as angels and shepherds. Other shepherds, angels and carolers walked behind passing out advent calendars of how people can light the world by giving service in 25 ways, over 25 days in December.
No nativity scene is complete without real sheep and wise men riding real camels. Shouts of excitement could be heard as the scene passed by more than 10,000 onlookers. This was followed by more “angels and shepherds” singing Christmas carols, reminding the crowd to #LightTheWorld.
Feedback from the parade experience has been overwhelming with a request to return next year and share the true meaning of Christmas.
Sometimes possessions distract us from appreciating the most important things in life. The people in Salisbury know that abundance is found not in the “getting”, but by focusing on the example of Jesus Christ and His light.
How will you #LightTheWorld today? For suggestions visit mormon.org.
Click on the video below to watch day 20.