President James E. Faust, speaking at the First Presidency Christmas Devotional Dec. 8, posed the question: "Perhaps this evening we should ask ourselves, `Why do we celebrate Christmas?' "

President Faust, second counselor in the First Presidency, explained that for hundreds of years people have observed Christ's birth on various dates. But in the year 354 A.D. Bishop Liberius of Rome issued an edict that Christmas was to be celebrated on Dec. 25, he said."Whatever the history," President Faust continued, "Christmas is a time when more Christians take part in religious ceremonies and celebrate the season of peace on earth, goodwill toward men. So much of the celebration of Christmas centers on the wonderful account of the Savior's birth in a manger."

President Faust explained that the custom of exchanging gifts may have come from the memory of the gifts brought by the Wise Men to give to the baby Jesus.

He added that the observance of Christmas varies considerably from country to country. "Although much commercialism is apparent in our modern celebration, underlying it all is a marvelous, life-enriching spirit. This spirit can be attributed in part to kindly Saint Nicholas who lived in the 4th century. He was so generous that people came to believe that any anonymous gift came from St. Nicholas."

Quoting President David O. McKay, President Faust said, "St. Nicholas had the true spirit of Christmas and went about giving comfort to people and making children happy. He gave gifts but concealed the identity of the giver. It is a glorious thing to have old St. Nicholas in our hearts and in our homes today."

President Faust said gift giving seems to be integral to most Christmas customs around the world, "demonstrating that true happiness comes only as we try to make others happy.

"In the United States groups wrapped canned goods, turkeys, and other food to be distributed to the needy, in white paper, which gives a deeper meaning to the term `white Christmas,' " he said. "In Holland, the children filled wooden shoes with cookies and candy for St. Nicholas and left them on the doorstep. He took their goodies and left toys and other gifts. In the Scandinavian countries, all the seeds, nuts and insects are covered with snow during the Christmas season, so on Christmas Eve they used to leave extra grain for the birds in their yards.

"In all cultures, the star is the principal Christmas symbol," said President Faust, and then he quoted Matt. 2:1-2:

"Behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem. Saying, where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him."

President Faust added, "Martin Luther is thought to be the first man to use lights on a Christmas tree. According to tradition, Luther put lights on his tree to represent the glory and the beauty of the stars above Bethlehem on the night of Christ's birth. In general, the lights in our homes, in our churches, in our streets and public buildings and on Temple Square at Christmas time represent Christ as the light of the world."

Then, in answer to his question he posed at the first of his address, President Faust said, "We celebrate Christmas principally to commemorate the birth of our Lord, Redeemer, and Savior, who is the King of kings and Lord of lords. In doing so we also open our hearts and souls to show our love for our families, friends, strangers, and all creations of God.

"In this way we honor Him in the most important way we can - by keeping His commandment to `love one another.' "