Christmas is the time of year when people decorate their houses with a Christmas tree, sparkly lights and Christmas lanterns. People celebrate this season to remember the birth of Jesus Christ. But wait, you saw your Mormon neighbor put out Christmas decorations too. Aren’t Mormons a cult? Don’t they worship Joseph Smith? Why do they celebrate Christmas? Here are some reasons:

They believe in Jesus Christ

Latter-day Saints, also commonly known as “Mormons” are Christians. They believe in Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world. They believe that He is the Only Begotten Son of God the Father, in the flesh. They believe the accounts written about Him in the Bible and the Book of Mormon. They worship Him, and He stands at the head of the Mormon Church.

They celebrate the birth of the Savior

Christmas is the time when Mormons join the world in commemorating the birth of the Savior Jesus Christ. His birth is one of the most significant events in the history of mankind. Mormons celebrate His birth, perfect life, miracles, and teachings, the example that He set for us, and the great love with which He willingly gave His life that all men may live.

They celebrate the saving grace available through His Atonement

The greatest gift that was made possible because of Jesus’ birth is the gift of the Atonement. Because of the Atonement, we will have the opportunity to reunite with our Heavenly Father, clothed in immortality and eternal life. Because He came, we can repent of our sins and be cleansed from our infirmities. Because He came, the grave will deliver its dead. Because He came, we will all live again.

Mormons celebrate Christmas because of Christ—the Holy One of Israel, the Great Emmanuel, the Savior of the world, and the King of all Kings.