Copyright Salt Lake City Deseret News
An annual musical celebration of Latino cultures hosted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this year’s “Luz de las Naciones” — or “Light of the Nations” — showcase took attendees and broadcast viewers worldwide through a tour of traditional songs and dances from countries in Latin America, with a focus on the peace that shines through Jesus Christ. “All the dancers came out carrying the flags of all the beautiful countries that encompass Latin America,” said Peruvian attendee Jamie Ninataype, speaking of the showcase’s finale, according to a press release on ChurchofJesusChrist.org. “This is what I believe ‘Luz de las Naciones’ really celebrates — our strength through our diversity. In a time of uncertainty for many, it’s important now more than ever to realize we are not alone and we have so much good to share.” Church President Dallin H. Oaks’ attendance was recognized at the start of the showcase’s second-day performance on Nov. 8 and was received with cheers from the crowd. He and his wife, Sister Kristen Oaks, have attended the annual showcase on multiple occasions. And in 2023, President Oaks (then first counselor in the church’s First Presidency) even participated in the showcase’s program by delivering a message in a mix of Spanish and English. “My dear brothers and sisters,” President Oaks said in Spanish from the stage of the Conference Center in Salt Lake City in 2023, “I would love to give my entire talk in Spanish out of respect for many of you, whose native tongue is Spanish. Unfortunately, I can only give a brief introduction in this beautiful language. … I extend a welcome to all those who have gathered here tonight.” In his 2023 message, President Oaks called attendees the “Hispanic pioneers” of the church, who continue to “enrich lives with your wonderful culture and your faithfulness in the restored gospel.” This year, President Oaks’ attendance marked his first as president of the Church of Jesus Christ. It also marked the first time a president of the church has physically attended a “Luz de las Naciones” showcase. Also present at this year’s showcase was Sister Andrea Muñoz Spannaus, second counselor in the church’s Young Women general presidency. A native from Argentina, she shared a brief message during the showcase’s two performances on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 7-8. Christ offers a kind of peace that is different from the one the world offers, she taught. His is “an inner peace that abides even amid adversity,” she said. And quoting President Oaks’ 2019 First Presidency Christmas Devotional address, Sister Spannaus taught that peace is the “fruit of our righteousness.” “I testify that Christ is the source of salvation. He died for us,” she said. “He is the source of love. He loves us with a perfect and eternal love. And Christ is the source of peace. He will always help us find that peace he once promised us.”
