Manila Philippines Temple Lights Up for Christmas

The Philippines Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints welcomed the Christmas season with a lighting event at the Manila Philippines Temple. This year the annual event focused on the family. The invited guests and their families were from faith-based organizations, Church department partners, government and community organizations.

The guests began the night by participating in a service project and craft activities for the children. A short program followed including Elder Shayne M. Bowen sharing his testimony of Jesus Christ, “I testify of Jesus Christ…that He taught love and service to His disciples. I testify that we may always share His light.” His wife, Sister Lynette Bowen accompanied him playing “What Child is This.”

The Church’s, “Light the World” campaign was introduced in a series of videos. This campaign encourages everyone to celebrate the Christmas season by participating in daily acts of service and sharing the light of Jesus Christ, the “light of the world” (John 8:12). The Savior declared, “Ye are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14).

More than 300 people gathered at the LDS Church temple grounds to witness the lighting. The 60-member Quezon City Mission Choir began by singing well-loved Christmas carols. Atty. Jo Imbong and her husband Atty. Manuel Imbong, Prof. Bong Baybado Jr. and his wife, along with Elder Shayne M. Bowen and his wife all pushed the giant button that signaled the lighting. Those in attendance were delighted as the temple grounds sparkled with thousands of tiny white and red lights.

This lighting event began over 20 years ago and has become a much anticipated annual tradition. The public is invited to visit the Manila Temple grounds from dusk until 10:00 pm daily, including Sundays and Mondays, until the end of December. The Manila Temple is located at the corner of Temple Drive and White Plains in Quezon City.

Photos: Daniel Labajo