Latter-day Saint leader invites followers of Jesus Christ to become peacemakers in 'hearts, homes and communities'

SALT LAKE CITY — The leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has extended an invitation for the upcoming Christmas season: "Let this be a season of kindness and goodwill."

Those who follow the example of Jesus Christ, the "Prince of Peace," can become "peacemakers in our hearts, homes and communities," said President Dallin H. Oaks, the 18th president of the Church of Jesus Christ.

President Oaks and his counselors in the First Presidency, President Henry B. Eyring and President D. Todd Christofferson, shared the message in a video published Sunday on YouTube. The message is also included in the church's December 2026 Liahona magazine.

"As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ this Christmas season, we joyfully declare with the heavenly hosts of old, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men' (Luke 2:14)," said President Oaks in the video. "We rejoice that Jehovah, the Firstborn Son of Heavenly Father in the spirit, was willing to become the Father's Only Begotten Son in the flesh.

"The joy and peace associated with his birth reflect the ultimate joy and peace he offers us through his infinite Atonement," said President Oaks.

"As we give thanks for him, let this be a season of kindness and goodwill. May we follow the example of Jesus Christ, the 'Prince of Peace' (Isaiah 9:6), becoming peacemakers in our hearts, homes, and communities."

Draw closer to Jesus Christ

The message follows similar messages shared by President Oaks, who marked his one-year anniversary as leader of the church last month.

"Latter-day Saints invite each other and all men and women everywhere to come unto Christ," he said during the faith's October general conference.

He asked members to draw closer to Jesus Christ by increasing humility.

"All around us we see evidence that many in the world are hungry for our Savior, Jesus Christ, and his teachings," President Oaks said. "As declared on its title page, the Book of Mormon has come forth that we 'may know (of) the covenants of the Lord' and also for the convincing of all 'that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations.' I call upon all to act on these truths and to share them with others that we may all draw closer to Jesus Christ, our Savior."

On the eve of Constitution Day in September, President Oaks offered a historic address at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., inviting all to work together and seek common good.

The U.S. Constitution compels a divided people to build coalitions that allow them to act together, said President Oaks.

"'Compels' is a strong word, but it is exactly what the Constitution does," President Oaks said. "It puts what we now call peacemaking at the heart of the Constitution's process for achieving freedom and unity, and fairness for all."

'The way to joy and peace'

In social media posts on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter/X on Nov. 8, President Oaks said, "Jesus Christ is the way to joy and peace."

Expressing love to those facing trials in their lives, he wrote, "I recognize that many of you face significant challenges and uncertainties that cause stress, anxiety and heartache. I pray for you. I love you."

Those who subscribe to the doctrine of Jesus Christ, he continued, "find that it makes their lives happier, more significant and more resistant to the difficulties we all experience."

He also invited all to trust God. "With his help, you can find peace despite the trials and obstacles of mortality."

After becoming leader of the Church of Jesus Christ in October 2025, President Oaks was asked by Jane Clayson Johnson, co-host of the Deseret Voices podcast, if there was one phrase he wanted to share at the beginning of his ministry.

"Jesus Christ is the way," he said.

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