1. Opening Prayer
2. Sing "He Sent His Son" Children's Songbook pg. 34
3. Read John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
4. Read and discuss Jesus Christ: Our Savior and Redeemer from the May, 1992 Friend:
The first principle of our religion is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Only He can provide the hope and strength we need to rise above our human failings.
Jesus Christ was and is the Lord God Omnipotent. He is the Only Begotten Son of God in the flesh. He was the all-powerful creator of the heavens and the earth. He is the source of light and life to all things. His word is the law by which the universe is governed.
Even though He was God’s Son, Jesus was subjected to all the difficulties of mortality, such as “temptations, … hunger, thirst, and fatigue” (Mosiah 3:7).
He suffered the pains of all men in Gethsemane. “For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent;
“Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit” (D&C 19:16, 18).
He submitted Himself to humiliation and insults from His enemies without complaint or retaliation.
Finally, He endured flogging and the brutal shame of the cross. Only then did He voluntarily submit to death.
“No man taketh [my life] from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again” (John 10:18). Because He overcame death, all mankind will be resurrected.
I humbly testify that He is the same loving, compassionate Lord today as when He walked the dusty roads of Palestine. He is close to His servants on this earth. He cares about and loves each of us. He lives today as our Lord, our Master, our Savior, our Redeemer, and our God.
God bless us all to accept Him, worship Him, and follow Him. (Ezra Taft Benson)
5. Closing Prayer
Additional Resources: Jesus Made Repentance Possible (FHE Resource Book, Lesson 10)
Jesus the Christ (Gospel Art Picture Kit)
Jesus Praying in Gethsemane (Gospel Art Picture Kit)
The Resurrected Jesus Christ (Gospel Art Picture Kit)
Jesus Christ is My Savior and Redeemer (Friend, Feb. 2010)
Monday, February 8, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
Family Home Evening Lesson # 52: STANDING FOR SOMETHING--GRATITUDE
1. Opening Prayer
2. Sing "Count Your Blessings" Hymns pg. 241
3. Read D&C 59:21 And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments.
4. Read and discuss the following from Gordon B. Hinckley:
There are two little words in the English language that perhaps mean more than all others.
The habit of saying thank you is the mark of an educated man or woman. With whom is the Lord displeased? He names “those who confess not his hand in all things” (D&C 59:21). That is, those who walk without grateful expression. Walk with gratitude in your hearts, my dear friends. Be thankful for the wonderful blessings which are yours. Be grateful for the tremendous opportunities that you have. Be thankful to your parents, who care so very much about you and who have worked so very hard to provide for you. Let them know that you are grateful. Say thank you to your mother and your father. Say thank you to your friends. Say thank you to your teachers. Express appreciation to everyone who does you a favor or assists you in any way.
Thank the Lord for His goodness to you. Thank the Almighty for His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, who has done for you what none other in all this world could do. Thank Him for His great example, for His tremendous teachings, for His outreaching hand to lift and help. Think about the meaning of His Atonement. Read about Him and read His words in the New Testament and in 3 Nephi in the Book of Mormon. Read them quietly to yourself and then ponder them. Pour out your heart to your Father in Heaven in gratitude for the gift of His Beloved Son.
Thank the Lord for His marvelous Church restored in this great season of history. Thank Him for all that it offers you. Thank Him for friends and loved ones, for parents and brothers and sisters, for family. Let a spirit of thanksgiving guide and bless your days and nights. Work at it. You will find it will yield wonderful results.
5. Closing Prayer
Additional Resources: Gratititude (FHE Resource Book)
Gratitude (For the Strength of Youth)
Finding Joy in the Journey (Ensign, Nov. 2008)
Give Thanks for Everything (Friend, Jan. 2010)
2. Sing "Count Your Blessings" Hymns pg. 241
3. Read D&C 59:21 And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments.
4. Read and discuss the following from Gordon B. Hinckley:
There are two little words in the English language that perhaps mean more than all others.
The habit of saying thank you is the mark of an educated man or woman. With whom is the Lord displeased? He names “those who confess not his hand in all things” (D&C 59:21). That is, those who walk without grateful expression. Walk with gratitude in your hearts, my dear friends. Be thankful for the wonderful blessings which are yours. Be grateful for the tremendous opportunities that you have. Be thankful to your parents, who care so very much about you and who have worked so very hard to provide for you. Let them know that you are grateful. Say thank you to your mother and your father. Say thank you to your friends. Say thank you to your teachers. Express appreciation to everyone who does you a favor or assists you in any way.
Thank the Lord for His goodness to you. Thank the Almighty for His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, who has done for you what none other in all this world could do. Thank Him for His great example, for His tremendous teachings, for His outreaching hand to lift and help. Think about the meaning of His Atonement. Read about Him and read His words in the New Testament and in 3 Nephi in the Book of Mormon. Read them quietly to yourself and then ponder them. Pour out your heart to your Father in Heaven in gratitude for the gift of His Beloved Son.
Thank the Lord for His marvelous Church restored in this great season of history. Thank Him for all that it offers you. Thank Him for friends and loved ones, for parents and brothers and sisters, for family. Let a spirit of thanksgiving guide and bless your days and nights. Work at it. You will find it will yield wonderful results.
5. Closing Prayer
Additional Resources: Gratititude (FHE Resource Book)
Gratitude (For the Strength of Youth)
Finding Joy in the Journey (Ensign, Nov. 2008)
Give Thanks for Everything (Friend, Jan. 2010)
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Family Home Evening Lesson #51: BE STRONG AND OF GOOD COURAGE
1. Opening Prayer
2. Sing "As Zion's Youth in Latter Days" Hymns pg. 256
3. Read Joshua 1:9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
4. Read and discuss "For Times of Trouble" from the October, 1980 New Era.
Elisha, with a power known only to the prophets, had counseled the king of Israel on how and where and when to defend against the warring Syrians. The king of Syria, of course, wished to rid his armies of this prophetic problem. So, and I quote:
“Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about.
“… [They] compassed the city both with horses and chariots.” (2 Kgs. 6:14–15.)
If Elisha is looking for a good time to be depressed, this is it. His only ally is the president of the local teachers quorum. It is one prophet and one lad against the world. And the boy is petrified. He sees the enemy everywhere—difficulty and despair and problems and burdens everywhere. The bus is gone, and all he can see is Chicago. With faltering faith the boy cries, “Alas, my master! how shall we do?” (2 Kgs. 6:15.)
And Elisha’s reply?
“Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them” (2 Kgs. 6:16).
“They that be with us?” Now just an Israelite minute here. Faith is fine and courage wonderful, but this is ridiculous, the boy thinks. There are no others with them. He can recognize a Syrian army when he sees one, and he knows that one child and an old man are not strong odds against it. But Elisha’s promise:
“Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.
“And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.” (2 Kgs. 6:16–17.)
In the gospel of Jesus Christ you have help from both sides of the veil and you must never forget that. When disappointment and discouragement strike—and they will—you remember and never forget that if our eyes could be opened we would see horses and chariots of fire as far as the eye can see riding at reckless speed to come to our protection. They will always be there, these armies of heaven, in defense of Abraham’s seed.
I close with this promise from heaven.
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye are little children, and ye have not as yet understood how great blessings the Father hath in his own hands and prepared for you;
“And ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along.”
“… I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, … and mine angels [shall be] round about you, to bear you up.
“… The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours.” (D&C 78:17–18; D&C 84:88; D&C 78:18.)
~Jeffery R. Holland
5. Closing Prayer
Additional Resources: An Ensign to the Nations, a Light to the World (Liahona, Nov. 2003)
Courage Counts (New Era, Sept. 2006)
2. Sing "As Zion's Youth in Latter Days" Hymns pg. 256
3. Read Joshua 1:9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
4. Read and discuss "For Times of Trouble" from the October, 1980 New Era.
Elisha, with a power known only to the prophets, had counseled the king of Israel on how and where and when to defend against the warring Syrians. The king of Syria, of course, wished to rid his armies of this prophetic problem. So, and I quote:
“Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about.
“… [They] compassed the city both with horses and chariots.” (2 Kgs. 6:14–15.)
If Elisha is looking for a good time to be depressed, this is it. His only ally is the president of the local teachers quorum. It is one prophet and one lad against the world. And the boy is petrified. He sees the enemy everywhere—difficulty and despair and problems and burdens everywhere. The bus is gone, and all he can see is Chicago. With faltering faith the boy cries, “Alas, my master! how shall we do?” (2 Kgs. 6:15.)
And Elisha’s reply?
“Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them” (2 Kgs. 6:16).
“They that be with us?” Now just an Israelite minute here. Faith is fine and courage wonderful, but this is ridiculous, the boy thinks. There are no others with them. He can recognize a Syrian army when he sees one, and he knows that one child and an old man are not strong odds against it. But Elisha’s promise:
“Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.
“And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.” (2 Kgs. 6:16–17.)
In the gospel of Jesus Christ you have help from both sides of the veil and you must never forget that. When disappointment and discouragement strike—and they will—you remember and never forget that if our eyes could be opened we would see horses and chariots of fire as far as the eye can see riding at reckless speed to come to our protection. They will always be there, these armies of heaven, in defense of Abraham’s seed.
I close with this promise from heaven.
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye are little children, and ye have not as yet understood how great blessings the Father hath in his own hands and prepared for you;
“And ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along.”
“… I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, … and mine angels [shall be] round about you, to bear you up.
“… The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours.” (D&C 78:17–18; D&C 84:88; D&C 78:18.)
~Jeffery R. Holland
5. Closing Prayer
Additional Resources: An Ensign to the Nations, a Light to the World (Liahona, Nov. 2003)
Courage Counts (New Era, Sept. 2006)
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Family Home Evening Lesson # 50: WE BELIEVE IN GOD THE ETERNAL FATHER AND IN HIS SON JESUS CHRIST
1. Opening Prayer
2. Sing "I Know My Father Lives" Children's Songbook pg. 5
3. Read the first Article of Faith: We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
4. Read and discuss the following from Gordon B. Hinckley:
When writing down our most important beliefs, the Prophet Joseph put this as number one: “We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost” (A of F 1:1).
I believe in God, the Eternal Father. He is my Father, the Father of my spirit, and the Father of the spirits of all of us. He is the great Creator, the Ruler of the Universe. He directed the creation of this earth on which we live. In his image man was created. The Eternal Father is personal. He is real. He is individual. He has a “body of flesh and bones as tangible [touchable] as man’s” (D&C 130:22).
I worship him. I look to him as my strength. I pray to him for wisdom beyond my own. I seek to love him with all my heart, might, mind, and strength. His wisdom is greater than the wisdom of all men. His power is greater than the power of nature. His love is greater than the love of any other, and it is his work and his glory to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of all of us.
I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the eternal, living God. I believe in him as the Firstborn of the Father and as the Only Begotten of the Father in the flesh. I believe in him as an individual, separate and distinct from his Father.
I believe that he was born of Mary and that Heavenly Father was his father. I believe that in his mortal life he was the one perfect man to walk the earth. I believe that through his atoning sacrifice, the offering of his life on Calvary’s Hill, he paid for our sins if we will forsake evil and follow him. I believe that through his atonement, without any price on our part, each of us is offered the gift of resurrection from the dead. None so great has ever walked the earth.
He is the Savior and the Redeemer of the world. I believe in him. I love him. I worship him as I worship his Father. I thank him and kneel before his wounded feet and hands and side, amazed at the love he offers me.
I believe in the Holy Ghost as a personage of spirit who occupies a place with the Father and the Son. He stands as the third member of the Godhead, the Comforter promised by the Savior, and the one who would teach the Savior’s followers all things and bring all things to their remembrance. The Holy Ghost is the Testifier of Truth. He can teach men things they cannot teach one another.
I was baptized in the name of these three. I was married in the name of these three. They are distinct beings, but they are one in purpose and effort. They are united as one in bringing to pass the grand, divine plan for the salvation and exaltation of the children of God.
5. Closing Prayer
Additional Resources: I am a Child of God (FHE Resource Book, Lesson 5)
Heavenly Father Provided Us a Savior (FHE Resource Book, Lesson 9)
In These Three I Believe (Ensign, Jan. 2006)
2. Sing "I Know My Father Lives" Children's Songbook pg. 5
3. Read the first Article of Faith: We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
4. Read and discuss the following from Gordon B. Hinckley:
When writing down our most important beliefs, the Prophet Joseph put this as number one: “We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost” (A of F 1:1).
I believe in God, the Eternal Father. He is my Father, the Father of my spirit, and the Father of the spirits of all of us. He is the great Creator, the Ruler of the Universe. He directed the creation of this earth on which we live. In his image man was created. The Eternal Father is personal. He is real. He is individual. He has a “body of flesh and bones as tangible [touchable] as man’s” (D&C 130:22).
I worship him. I look to him as my strength. I pray to him for wisdom beyond my own. I seek to love him with all my heart, might, mind, and strength. His wisdom is greater than the wisdom of all men. His power is greater than the power of nature. His love is greater than the love of any other, and it is his work and his glory to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of all of us.
I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the eternal, living God. I believe in him as the Firstborn of the Father and as the Only Begotten of the Father in the flesh. I believe in him as an individual, separate and distinct from his Father.
I believe that he was born of Mary and that Heavenly Father was his father. I believe that in his mortal life he was the one perfect man to walk the earth. I believe that through his atoning sacrifice, the offering of his life on Calvary’s Hill, he paid for our sins if we will forsake evil and follow him. I believe that through his atonement, without any price on our part, each of us is offered the gift of resurrection from the dead. None so great has ever walked the earth.
He is the Savior and the Redeemer of the world. I believe in him. I love him. I worship him as I worship his Father. I thank him and kneel before his wounded feet and hands and side, amazed at the love he offers me.
I believe in the Holy Ghost as a personage of spirit who occupies a place with the Father and the Son. He stands as the third member of the Godhead, the Comforter promised by the Savior, and the one who would teach the Savior’s followers all things and bring all things to their remembrance. The Holy Ghost is the Testifier of Truth. He can teach men things they cannot teach one another.
I was baptized in the name of these three. I was married in the name of these three. They are distinct beings, but they are one in purpose and effort. They are united as one in bringing to pass the grand, divine plan for the salvation and exaltation of the children of God.
5. Closing Prayer
Additional Resources: I am a Child of God (FHE Resource Book, Lesson 5)
Heavenly Father Provided Us a Savior (FHE Resource Book, Lesson 9)
In These Three I Believe (Ensign, Jan. 2006)
Monday, December 28, 2009
Family Home Evening Lesson # 49: STANDING FOR SOMETHING--THRIFT AND INDUSTRY
1. Opening Prayer
2. Sing "Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel" Hymns pg. 252
3. Read Mosiah 2:41 And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it.
4. Read and discuss the following from Gordon B. Hinckley:
I commend to all, virtues of industry and thrift, which I believe go hand in hand. The labor and thrift of the people make a nation, community, or a family strong. Work and thrift make people independent.
Then read and discuss the following from "Becoming Provident Providers Temporally and Spiritually" from the May 2009 Ensign
Being provident providers, we must keep that most basic commandment, “Thou shalt not covet” (Exodus 20:17). Our world is fraught with feelings of entitlement. Some of us feel embarrassed, ashamed, less worthwhile if our family does not have everything the neighbors have. As a result, we go into debt to buy things we can’t afford—and things we do not really need. Whenever we do this, we become poor temporally and spiritually. We give away some of our precious, priceless agency and put ourselves in self-imposed servitude. Money we could have used to care for ourselves and others must now be used to pay our debts. What remains is often only enough to meet our most basic physical needs. Living at the subsistence level, we become depressed, our self-worth is affected, and our relationships with family, friends, neighbors, and the Lord are weakened. We do not have the time, energy, or interest to seek spiritual things.
How then do we avoid and overcome the patterns of debt and addiction to temporal, worldly things?
Whenever we want to experience or possess something that will impact us and our resources, we may want to ask ourselves, “Is the benefit temporary, or will it have eternal value and significance?”
We must want, more than anything else, to do our Heavenly Father’s will and providently provide for ourselves and others. We must say, as did King Lamoni’s father, “I will give away all my sins to know thee” (Alma 22:18). Then we can go to Him with steadfast determination and promise Him, “I will do whatever it takes.” Through prayer, fasting, obedience to the commandments, priesthood blessings, and His atoning sacrifice, we will feel His love and power in our lives. We will receive His spiritual guidance and strength through the promptings of the Holy Ghost. Only through our Lord’s Atonement can we obtain a mighty change of heart and experience a mighty change in our addictive behavior.
5. Closing Prayer
Additional Resources: Money Management (FHE Resource Book)
Self Reliance (FHE Resource Book)
www.providentliving.org
2. Sing "Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel" Hymns pg. 252
3. Read Mosiah 2:41 And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it.
4. Read and discuss the following from Gordon B. Hinckley:
I commend to all, virtues of industry and thrift, which I believe go hand in hand. The labor and thrift of the people make a nation, community, or a family strong. Work and thrift make people independent.
Then read and discuss the following from "Becoming Provident Providers Temporally and Spiritually" from the May 2009 Ensign
Being provident providers, we must keep that most basic commandment, “Thou shalt not covet” (Exodus 20:17). Our world is fraught with feelings of entitlement. Some of us feel embarrassed, ashamed, less worthwhile if our family does not have everything the neighbors have. As a result, we go into debt to buy things we can’t afford—and things we do not really need. Whenever we do this, we become poor temporally and spiritually. We give away some of our precious, priceless agency and put ourselves in self-imposed servitude. Money we could have used to care for ourselves and others must now be used to pay our debts. What remains is often only enough to meet our most basic physical needs. Living at the subsistence level, we become depressed, our self-worth is affected, and our relationships with family, friends, neighbors, and the Lord are weakened. We do not have the time, energy, or interest to seek spiritual things.
How then do we avoid and overcome the patterns of debt and addiction to temporal, worldly things?
Whenever we want to experience or possess something that will impact us and our resources, we may want to ask ourselves, “Is the benefit temporary, or will it have eternal value and significance?”
We must want, more than anything else, to do our Heavenly Father’s will and providently provide for ourselves and others. We must say, as did King Lamoni’s father, “I will give away all my sins to know thee” (Alma 22:18). Then we can go to Him with steadfast determination and promise Him, “I will do whatever it takes.” Through prayer, fasting, obedience to the commandments, priesthood blessings, and His atoning sacrifice, we will feel His love and power in our lives. We will receive His spiritual guidance and strength through the promptings of the Holy Ghost. Only through our Lord’s Atonement can we obtain a mighty change of heart and experience a mighty change in our addictive behavior.
5. Closing Prayer
Additional Resources: Money Management (FHE Resource Book)
Self Reliance (FHE Resource Book)
www.providentliving.org
Friday, December 4, 2009
Family Home Evening Lesson #48: MY FAMILY IS BLESSED WHEN WE REMEMBER JESUS CHRIST
1. Opening Prayer
2. Sing "The Nativity Song" Children's Songbook pg. 52
3. Read Matthew 1: 20-24 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
4. Read and discuss the following from "Jesus Grew Up In a Righteous Family" in the December 2004 Friend:
Heavenly Father gives us parents and families to teach us righteous principles so we can return to Heavenly Father and live with our families forever. Heavenly Father planned for Jesus Christ to be born into a family, too. Jesus had righteous parents on earth to take care of and teach Him.
Before Jesus was born, an angel came to His mother, Mary. The angel told her that she would have a son and that she should call Him Jesus. He would be the Son of God. The angel told her, “The Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women” (Luke 1:28). Mary told the angel that she would do as she was commanded: “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38).
The angel also appeared to Joseph. The angel told him that Mary would have a son, that His name would be Jesus, and that He would be the Son of God. The angel told Joseph that Jesus would save His people from their sins (see Matt. 1:20–21).
Mary and Joseph had faith. They did what they were commanded to do. When we remember Jesus Christ and follow His example and the example of Mary and Joseph, our families will be blessed.
Then discuss the following from "The Reason for the Wonder" in the December 2009 Friend:
The Christmas season is one of the most wonderful times of the year. However, it is not the gifts, the trees, the decorations, or the food that make this a season full of wonder. It is when we remember the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, that the Christmas season becomes truly special. As we strive to remember our Savior, our desire to live like Him will grow. It is no coincidence that Christmas is the time of the year when people are the most loving, the most giving, the most kind, and the most grateful.
As we try to follow Christ’s example this season and do our best to live as He did, let us find ways to lift up those around us. Let us celebrate our Savior’s birth by being followers of Christ in word and deed. We testify that as we do so, the desire to follow Him that grows within us at Christmas will continue to develop throughout the upcoming year.
President Thomas S. Monson
President Henry B. Eyring
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
5. Closing Prayer
Additional Resources: Come Let Us Adore Him (FHE Resource Book, Lesson 37)
Remembering Jesus Christ (Friend, June 1999)
The Birth of Jesus (Gospel Art Picture Kit)
2. Sing "The Nativity Song" Children's Songbook pg. 52
3. Read Matthew 1: 20-24 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
4. Read and discuss the following from "Jesus Grew Up In a Righteous Family" in the December 2004 Friend:
Heavenly Father gives us parents and families to teach us righteous principles so we can return to Heavenly Father and live with our families forever. Heavenly Father planned for Jesus Christ to be born into a family, too. Jesus had righteous parents on earth to take care of and teach Him.
Before Jesus was born, an angel came to His mother, Mary. The angel told her that she would have a son and that she should call Him Jesus. He would be the Son of God. The angel told her, “The Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women” (Luke 1:28). Mary told the angel that she would do as she was commanded: “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38).
The angel also appeared to Joseph. The angel told him that Mary would have a son, that His name would be Jesus, and that He would be the Son of God. The angel told Joseph that Jesus would save His people from their sins (see Matt. 1:20–21).
Mary and Joseph had faith. They did what they were commanded to do. When we remember Jesus Christ and follow His example and the example of Mary and Joseph, our families will be blessed.
Then discuss the following from "The Reason for the Wonder" in the December 2009 Friend:
The Christmas season is one of the most wonderful times of the year. However, it is not the gifts, the trees, the decorations, or the food that make this a season full of wonder. It is when we remember the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, that the Christmas season becomes truly special. As we strive to remember our Savior, our desire to live like Him will grow. It is no coincidence that Christmas is the time of the year when people are the most loving, the most giving, the most kind, and the most grateful.
As we try to follow Christ’s example this season and do our best to live as He did, let us find ways to lift up those around us. Let us celebrate our Savior’s birth by being followers of Christ in word and deed. We testify that as we do so, the desire to follow Him that grows within us at Christmas will continue to develop throughout the upcoming year.
President Thomas S. Monson
President Henry B. Eyring
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
5. Closing Prayer
Additional Resources: Come Let Us Adore Him (FHE Resource Book, Lesson 37)
Remembering Jesus Christ (Friend, June 1999)
The Birth of Jesus (Gospel Art Picture Kit)
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