News Release

Manila Temple Grounds Light Up Early for Christmas

For more than 15 years, the Manila Philippines Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Church of Jesus Christ) lights up its grounds for the Christmas season every December. This year, the annual Christmas Temple Lighting started early. 

Hundreds of members and friends attended the annual temple lighting ceremony at the Manila Philippines Temple Grounds last Friday, 23 November 2018. An event hosted by the Philippines Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ, more than 150 guests from religious groups, faith-based organizations, and private sectors attended the event. Friends from the government and the media also graced the event. 


Elder Evan A. Schmutz of the Philippines Area Presidency reminded everyone that because Jesus Christ came into the world to give light, it is then our opportunity and our obligation to share that light and give unto others. “We believe that we should seek to have the Light of Christ in us and that we should grow brighter and brighter as we acquire knowledge of our Redeemer-- knowledge of the goodness that he taught, and in our own service and our own effort to become Christ-like," he added. 


To highlight the occasion, guests were introduced to the #Light the World Giving Machines, an initiative by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The machines will allow anyone to give a monetary amount to those in need by buying from the special machines and then donate it to the others. It aims to provide a way for people to give an instant act of service, and to "give as Jesus gave."

The Light the World Giving Machines are inside the SM Megamall Building A Upper Ground Level, near the Edsa Entrance, and will be available from 23 November to 31 December during mall hours. 


The Church of Jesus Christ expects thousands of members and friends to visit the Manila Philippines Temple as the Yuletide holiday draws near. Lights will turn on 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. 

LED lights that dot the trees and bushes inside the temple grounds artistically are low energy and do not consume too much electricity, which is energy- and cost-efficient. Additionally, these types of lights are cooler in temperature, which protect trees and plants from excess heat. 

Photo Credit: Daniel Labajo and Glovel Reyes

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