Church launches initiative
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With the holiday season approaching, the Church launched a Christmas initiative online and in Manhattan this week that centers on Jesus Christ. Members are being invited to help spread the message.
"All of our messaging is focused on helping people understand that Mormons are Christian," explained Ron Wilson, senior manager for Internet and advertising for the missionary department. "Mormons do participate in Christmas and worship Christ."
In New York, the media initiative includes interactive and static billboards, advertising on buses and on the Internet, and even taxicab toppers. The ads emphasize a Christmas season centered on the Savior, family, love, service and worship, and refer people to mormon.org, where they can learn more about the Church and the gospel.
At mormon.org/christmas, individuals can download free Christmas music from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, request a free Bible, download the Bible Videos app for Android and iOS, chat with a member or request a missionary visit.
On Nov. 23, the site will begin offering free Christmas e-cards that depict key events surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ. Members can share the Christmas story with family and friends through these cards, which can be posted on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Google+.
The initiative is similar to one launched in 2011 called "I'm a Mormon," which sought to break through stereotypes about the LDS faith by better informing people. The same principle applies to the Christmas initiative, stated Greg Droubay, director of media at the Church Missionary Department.
"Members can and should help build awareness," he said. "They can get involved in conversations about the Church in person and online. They can mention in their social media, share the Christmas music, send a greeting card to friends and family."
Members can use the site to invite the Christmas spirit into their own homes, as well as those of their loved ones, Brother Wilson pointed out.
"The Christmas season," he said, "can have greater meaning for anyone as they seek to follow the example and teachings of Christ." — Heather Whittle Wrigley
