Mesa Temple Christmas Lights feature Biblical displays that tell the nativity story
This article was contributed by a local member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The views expressed may not represent the views and positions of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For the Church's official site, visit churchofjesuschrist.org.
For more than four decades, the lighting of the Mesa Arizona Temple grounds has been a favorite tradition, featuring the nativity story and colorful displays.
Beginning Friday, Nov. 24, through Sunday, Dec. 31, the lights will turn on every night from 5 to 10 p.m. on the north grounds of the Mesa Arizona Temple, 101 S. LeSueur in downtown Mesa.
In addition to lights, there are favorite Biblical vignettes scattered among olive trees with QR codes that take visitors to online videos giving deeper insight to the scenes. Each vignette comes from scriptures in the New Testament and tells part of the story of the birth of Jesus Christ, including larger-than-life lighted wise men and their camels on the north lawn and a near life-size Italian Fontanini nativity scene displayed at the northwest corner of the temple with a newly designed star above the crèche, twinkling with more than 20,000 white lights.
Each scene has its own audio system playing accompanying music and narration.
In addition, a unique display of more than 100 nativities from around the world is hosted inside the Mesa Temple Visitors’ Center, 455 E. Main St. The event is open 5-10 p.m. from Nov. 24 to Dec. 31, and 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays during those dates.
All events have free admission and free parking is available nearby.
More information, including FAQ, can be found at MesaTemple.org.
Below is a look at each of the 10 Bible scene with a related scripture, song lyrics, or a meaningful quote from a leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Isaiah Prophesies of Jesus Christ
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given … Prince of Peace.” - Isaiah 9:6
“The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light.” – Isaiah 9:2
“… and with his stripes we were healed.” – Isaiah 54:5
“The Prophet Isaiah, long before the Lord’s birth, saw the gift, beyond the price of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. He gave us this description of what the Savior did for us.” President Henry B Eyring
Lost Sheep
“And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.” – Luke 15:6
“With the parable of the lost sheep, He instructs us to go to the rescue of those who have left the path and have lost their way” – President Thomas S. Monson
Become as a Little Child
“And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. … And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.” – Matthew 18:3,5
“When we realize just how precious children are, we will not find it difficult to follow the pattern of the Master in our association with them.” – President Thomas S. Monson
Mary & Joseph to Bethlehem
“And Joseph also went up from Galilee … unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.” – Luke 2:4-6
“As the Christmas season envelops us with all its glory, may we all make the journey to Bethlehem in spirit, taking with us a tender, caring heart as our gift to the Savior.” – President Thomas S. Monson
Nativity
“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” – Luke 2:7
“’No room in the inn’ was not a singular expression of rejection—just the first. Yet He invites you and me to receive Him. ‘Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.’” – President Thomas S. Monson
New Star
“For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.” – Matthew 2:2
“And behold, there shall a new star arise, such an one as ye never have beheld; and this also shall be a sign unto you. And behold this is not all, there shall be many signs and wonders in heaven.” Helaman 14:5-6
There’s a New Star Shining Tonight
“For the shepherds abiding
In meadows dark and chill
For the wise men who marvel
At the sign o’er the hills
For the village all unknowing
Lying silent and still
There’s a new shining tonight
For a poor virgin mother
Sheltering her Child
For a vigilant guardian
Keeping watch by her side
For a Baby in a manger
‘neath the angel-filled skies
There’s a new star shining tonight
For the faithful who seek Him
On journeys of their own
For the penitent sinner
Longing for home
For the meek, the heavy laden,
All who suffer, all who mourn
There’s a new star alight
A Savior is born!
Alleluia! We praise Thee
Great God of all the earth!
Hallelujah! We praise Thee
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth!
For the Hope of all creation
For the Light of the world
There’s a new star shining tonight
There’s a new star
Alleluia!”
– Sally DeFord, 1959-
Shepherds Camp
“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field … And the angel said to them, “Fear not; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” – Luke 2:8,10
“Born in a stable, cradled in a manger. He came from Heaven to live on earth as mortal man and to establish the Kingdom of God. He willingly died that we might live forever.” – President Thomas S. Monson
Wise Men
“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” – Matthew 2:11
“May we, as did the Wise Men, seek a bright, particular star to guide us in our celebration of the Savior’s birth.” – President Thomas S. Monson
Gifts That We Give
“Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” – Matthew 25:40
“And when we find Him, will we be prepared as were the wise men of old to provide gifts from our many treasures? They presented gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These are not the gifts Jesus asks of us. From the treasure of our hearts Jesus asks that we give of ourselves.” – President Thomas S. Monson
Woman at the Well
“But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. … The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw. … The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?” – John 4:14, 28-29
Joy to the World
“Joy to the world, the Lord is come;
Let earth receive her King!
Let ev’ry heart prepare him room,
And Saints and angels sing,
And Saints and angels sing,
And Saints, and Saints and angels sing.
Rejoice! Rejoice when Jesus reigns,
And Saints their songs employ,
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
No more will sin and sorrow grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He’ll come and make the blessings flow
Far as the curse was found,
Far as the curse was found,
Far as, far as the curse was found.
Rejoice! Rejoice in the Most High,
While Israel spreads abroad
Like stars that glitter in the sky,
And ever worship God,
And ever worship God,
And ever, and ever worship God.”
Text: Isaac Watts, 1674–1748; alt. by William W. Phelps, 1792–1872
Music: George F. Handel, 1685–1759; arr. by Lowell Mason, 1792–1872
