40,000 Guests Enjoy Christmas Spirit at Temple View

VIDEO: 40,000 Guests Enjoy Christmas Spirit at Temple View

HAMILTON, NEW ZEALAND —

Approximately 40,000 visitors from all over New Zealand — and some from overseas — enjoyed the Christmas program at the Visitors’ Centre and in the grounds of theHamilton New Zealand Temple last month.

Elder Ronald Hawkins, Director of the Visitors’ Centre, said, “The whole experience has been very positive — something far beyond my fondest hopes. We enjoyed wonderful support from the Area Presidency as well as the community, including a number of civic and leaders of other faiths who visited.”

“Many of our visitors commented on the significantly expanded array of colours among the nearly 250,000 lights this year…but perhaps the most gratifying were the individual expressions of gratitude and faith.”

Guests represented various ethnic, cultural and religious traditions including Islam, Catholicism, Methodism and Anglicanism. Some of their comments included:

• My heart is filled with love, joy and peace.

• We love coming here every year; first time to come inside to see the presentations; my four year old wants to come to “Jesus’ house.”

• Every time I come back to the temple it brings joy to my heart. I enjoy the teachings and know that Christ is always there when we need Him.

• Had an awesome experience learning about sharing the gift of Christ.

• Very nice and wonderful; I enjoyed it as my first Christmas experience.

• Loved the tour and the focus on the Saviour.

• This was awesome; it was peaceful and calm.

• This was really fun; the first time I’ve been to your temple.

• Very touching; shows us how family is so important in our lives.

• Fantastic presentation and reminder of what Christmas is about.

• Enjoyed the videos and the message of “He Is the Gift.”

• A wonderful experience!! I’ll let my friends know about this and spread the message.

• A very good experience. I would like to tell my friends and family in India about it.

• Love the friendliness.

• Lights were absolutely amazing.

Watch a TVNZ news report on the Christmas lighting program.

Watch a video titled: “He is the Gift.”

Watch a video about Latter-day Saints and temples.

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