The Light the World campaign transforms Christmas from a season of receiving into a powerful period of giving back. Launched by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this global initiative encourages people worldwide to follow Christ's example through daily acts of service throughout December.
If you're looking for meaningful ways to celebrate Christmas or wondering how to make a real difference during the holidays, understanding this campaign will show you exactly how millions of people are spreading light in their communities.
What Makes Light the World Different
Light the World goes beyond traditional charity drives. The campaign provides specific, actionable ways to serve others every single day during the Christmas season. You'll find daily service suggestions, interactive experiences, and innovative giving opportunities that make helping others both simple and impactful.
The campaign centers on a straightforward message: do the things Jesus did. This means feeding the hungry, comforting the lonely, visiting the sick, and showing kindness to everyone you meet. Rather than abstract concepts, you get concrete steps to take each day.
How the Campaign Started and Evolved
The Light the World campaign began in 2016 with shareable online content and videos showcasing acts of service. The original format included a calendar designed to "light the world in 25 ways over 25 days," along with the hashtag #LIGHTtheWORLD to help people share their experiences.
Each year brought new elements and improvements:
2018: The focus shifted specifically to charitable giving and serving those in need, making the campaign more action-oriented.
2019: The campaign emphasized ministering "One by One," encouraging personal connections. This year also introduced "The Christ Child: A Nativity Story" video series.
2020-2022: Major expansions included daily service suggestions, Sunday worship services, and the introduction of Giving Machines – special vending machines for charitable donations.
2023: The campaign offered fifty different ways to share light and spread kindness, providing more options than ever before.
Key Ways to Participate
Daily Service Calendar
Download a service calendar that gives you specific ideas for each day of December. These aren't overwhelming commitments – they're simple actions you can take in just a few minutes. You can also create your own service activities or follow social media accounts for fresh inspiration daily.
The daily suggestions range from helping neighbors to volunteering at local organizations. Each idea is designed to fit into your regular schedule while making a meaningful impact.
Interactive Nativity Experience
If you live in the United States or Canada, text 'LIGHT' to 71234 to receive a character role from the Nativity story. Each character comes with specific ideas for sharing light that connect to their role in the Christmas story.
For example, if you receive the star role, you might be encouraged to "Think of a talent you have, whether big or small, inspiring or silly, and share it with someone who might enjoy it." This personal approach makes the service feel more connected to the Christmas story.
Giving Machines: Charity Made Simple
The Giving Machines represent one of the most innovative aspects of Light the World. These special vending machines let you purchase items for charity instead of yourself. Rather than buying a snack, you can provide a meal for someone in need.
The machines are located in 61 locations across seven countries, making them accessible to people worldwide. You'll find options ranging from livestock and groceries to medicine, hygiene supplies, wheelchairs, sporting equipment, and eyeglasses.
What makes these machines special is their transparency – 100% of collected funds go directly to participating nonprofits. No administrative fees are taken out, meaning your entire donation reaches those who need it most.
Real Impact and Results
The numbers tell a powerful story about Light the World's effectiveness. The Giving Machines alone have raised more than $32 million since their launch in 2017. These funds support more than 250 local and global nonprofits, creating measurable change in communities worldwide.
But the impact extends far beyond dollar amounts. The campaign has inspired millions of individual acts of service, from simple kindnesses between neighbors to organized community service projects. Each December, social media fills with stories of people finding new ways to help others.
The 2024 Theme: "Be Someone's Angel"
The 2024 Light the World theme focused on "Be Someone's Angel." This theme encouraged participants to ask themselves a simple question: "How can I be an angel in someone's life?"
This approach makes service personal and immediate. Rather than waiting for large opportunities to help, you're encouraged to look for small ways to lift others every day. The angel theme connects directly to the Christmas story while making the concept accessible to people of all backgrounds.
Getting Started with Light the World
To begin participating in Light the World, start with these simple steps:
Visit the official Light the World website to access current service calendars and ideas. Follow their social media accounts for daily inspiration and to see how others are participating.
Choose service activities that match your schedule and abilities. The campaign works because it meets people where they are, not because it requires major lifestyle changes.
If you have access to Giving Machines in your area, plan a visit. Many families make this a Christmas tradition, selecting items together and discussing the impact of their donations.
Share your experiences using #LIGHTtheWORLD. This helps inspire others and creates a sense of community among participants worldwide.
Why Light the World Matters
In a world often focused on receiving during Christmas, Light the World shifts attention to giving. This change in perspective transforms both the giver and receiver, creating meaningful connections that extend far beyond the holiday season.
The campaign succeeds because it provides structure without being restrictive. You get specific ideas and tools, but you choose how to participate based on your circumstances and interests.
Light the World also bridges different communities and backgrounds. While sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the campaign welcomes participation from anyone interested in serving others during Christmas.
Making It a Year-Round Practice
While Light the World focuses intensively on December, the principles extend throughout the year. Many participants find that the daily service habit developed during the campaign continues long after Christmas ends.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints encourages this year-round approach to service, using the December campaign as a launching point for sustained community engagement.
Light the World demonstrates that meaningful change happens through consistent, small actions rather than occasional large gestures. By providing daily structure and community support, the campaign makes service sustainable and impactful.
Whether you participate for a single day or embrace the full December experience, Light the World offers practical ways to make Christmas about spreading light in your community. The campaign proves that when millions of people commit to small daily acts of kindness, the collective impact creates real change in the world.