1. Opening Prayer
2. Sing "He is Risen" Hymns pg. 199
3. Read Matthew 28: 5-8 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the bLord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
4. Read and discuss the following from Thomas S. Monson:
Then comes that glorious day of resurrection, when spirit and body will be reunited, never again to be separated. “I am the resurrection, and the life,” said the Christ to the grieving Martha. “He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.” (John 11: 25-26)
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)
“In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. … That where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14: 2-3)
This transcendent promise became a reality when Mary and the other Mary approached the garden tomb—that cemetery which had but one occupant. Let Luke, the physician, describe their experience:
“Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre. …
And they found the stone rolled away. …
… They entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.
… As they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:
And … said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?” (Luke 24: 1-5)
He is not here: for he is risen.” (Matthew 28:6)
This is the clarion call of Christendom. The reality of the Resurrection provides to one and all the peace that surpasses understanding. 11 It comforts those whose loved ones lie in Flanders fields or who perished in the depths of the sea or rest in tiny Santa Clara or peaceful Heber Valley. It is a universal truth.
As the least of His disciples, I declare my personal witness that death has been conquered, victory over the tomb has been won. May the words made sacred by Him who fulfilled them become actual knowledge to all. Remember them. Cherish them. Honor them. He is risen.
5. Closing Prayer
Additional Resources: He Is Risen (Ensign, April 2003)
Jesus' Tomb (Gospel Art Picture Kit)
Mary and the Resurrected Lord (Gospel Art Picture Kit)
The Resurrected Jesus Christ (Gospel Art Picture Kit)
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Family Home Evening Lesson # 56: NONE WERE WITH HIM
1. Opening Prayer
2. Sing "I Know That My Redeemer Lives" Hymns pg. 136
3. Read Matthew 27:46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
4. Read and discuss the following from Jeffrey R. Holland:
My Easter-season message today is intended for everyone, but it is directed in a special way to those who are alone or feel alone or, worse yet, feel abandoned. These might include those longing to be married, those who have lost a spouse, and those who have lost—or have never been blessed with—children. Our empathy embraces wives forsaken by their husbands, husbands whose wives have walked away, and children bereft of one or the other of their parents—or both. This group can find within its broad circumference a soldier far from home, a missionary in those first weeks of homesickness, or a father out of work, afraid the fear in his eyes will be visible to his family. In short it can include all of us at various times in our lives.
To all such, I speak of the loneliest journey ever made and the unending blessings it brought to all in the human family. I speak of the Savior’s solitary task of shouldering alone the burden of our salvation.
I speak very carefully, even reverently, of what may have been the most difficult moment in all of this solitary journey to Atonement. I speak of those final moments for which Jesus must have been prepared intellectually and physically but which He may not have fully anticipated emotionally and spiritually—that concluding descent into the paralyzing despair of divine withdrawal when He cries in ultimate loneliness, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”
It was central to the significance of the Atonement, that this perfect Son who had never spoken ill nor done wrong nor touched an unclean thing had to know how the rest of humankind—us, all of us—would feel when we did commit such sins. For His Atonement to be infinite and eternal, He had to feel what it was like to die not only physically but spiritually, to sense what it was like to have the divine Spirit withdraw, leaving one feeling totally, abjectly, hopelessly alone.
One of the great consolations of this Easter season is that because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to do so . . . Trumpeted from the summit of Calvary is the truth that we will never be left alone nor unaided, even if sometimes we may feel that we are.
My other plea at Easter time is that these scenes of Christ’s lonely sacrifice, laced with moments of denial and abandonment and, at least once, outright betrayal, must never be reenacted by us. He has walked alone once. Now, may I ask that never again will He have to confront sin without our aid and assistance . . . may we declare ourselves to be more fully disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, not in word only and not only in the flush of comfortable times but in deed and in courage and in faith, including when the path is lonely and when our cross is difficult to bear. This Easter week and always, may we stand by Jesus Christ “at all times and in all things, and in all places that [we] may be in, even until death,” for surely that is how He stood by us when it was unto death and when He had to stand entirely and utterly alone.
5. Closing Prayer
Additional Resources: None Were With Him (Ensign, May 2009)
Jesus Praying in Gethsemane (Gospel Art Picture Kit)
The Crucifixion (Gospel Art Picture Kit)
2. Sing "I Know That My Redeemer Lives" Hymns pg. 136
3. Read Matthew 27:46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
4. Read and discuss the following from Jeffrey R. Holland:
My Easter-season message today is intended for everyone, but it is directed in a special way to those who are alone or feel alone or, worse yet, feel abandoned. These might include those longing to be married, those who have lost a spouse, and those who have lost—or have never been blessed with—children. Our empathy embraces wives forsaken by their husbands, husbands whose wives have walked away, and children bereft of one or the other of their parents—or both. This group can find within its broad circumference a soldier far from home, a missionary in those first weeks of homesickness, or a father out of work, afraid the fear in his eyes will be visible to his family. In short it can include all of us at various times in our lives.
To all such, I speak of the loneliest journey ever made and the unending blessings it brought to all in the human family. I speak of the Savior’s solitary task of shouldering alone the burden of our salvation.
I speak very carefully, even reverently, of what may have been the most difficult moment in all of this solitary journey to Atonement. I speak of those final moments for which Jesus must have been prepared intellectually and physically but which He may not have fully anticipated emotionally and spiritually—that concluding descent into the paralyzing despair of divine withdrawal when He cries in ultimate loneliness, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”
It was central to the significance of the Atonement, that this perfect Son who had never spoken ill nor done wrong nor touched an unclean thing had to know how the rest of humankind—us, all of us—would feel when we did commit such sins. For His Atonement to be infinite and eternal, He had to feel what it was like to die not only physically but spiritually, to sense what it was like to have the divine Spirit withdraw, leaving one feeling totally, abjectly, hopelessly alone.
One of the great consolations of this Easter season is that because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to do so . . . Trumpeted from the summit of Calvary is the truth that we will never be left alone nor unaided, even if sometimes we may feel that we are.
My other plea at Easter time is that these scenes of Christ’s lonely sacrifice, laced with moments of denial and abandonment and, at least once, outright betrayal, must never be reenacted by us. He has walked alone once. Now, may I ask that never again will He have to confront sin without our aid and assistance . . . may we declare ourselves to be more fully disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, not in word only and not only in the flush of comfortable times but in deed and in courage and in faith, including when the path is lonely and when our cross is difficult to bear. This Easter week and always, may we stand by Jesus Christ “at all times and in all things, and in all places that [we] may be in, even until death,” for surely that is how He stood by us when it was unto death and when He had to stand entirely and utterly alone.
5. Closing Prayer
Additional Resources: None Were With Him (Ensign, May 2009)
Jesus Praying in Gethsemane (Gospel Art Picture Kit)
The Crucifixion (Gospel Art Picture Kit)
Monday, March 22, 2010
Family Home Evening Lesson # 55: STANDING FOR SOMETHING--FAITH
1. Opening Prayer
2. Sing "Lead Kindly Light" Hymns pg. 97
3. Read Ether 12:6 And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.
4. Read and discuss the following from Gordon B. Hinckley:
Great buildings were never constructed on uncertain foundations. Great causes were never brought to success by vacillating leaders. The gospel was never expounded to the convincing of others without certainty. Faith, which is of the very essence of personal conviction, has always been, and always must be, at the root of religious practice and endeavor.
It is that kind of certitude that has moved this church forward in the face of persecution, ridicule, sacrifice of fortune, the leaving of loved ones to travel to distant lands to carry the gospel message. That conviction motivates today as it has done from the beginning of this work. Faith in the hearts of millions that this cause is true, that God is our Eternal Father, and that Jesus is the Christ must ever be the great motivating force in our lives.
5. Closing Prayer
Additional Resources: My Faith in Christ Can Grow (FHE Resource Book, Lesson 11)
The Infinite Power of Hope (Ensign, Nov. 2008)
The Faith to Move Mountains (Ensign, Nov. 2006)
2. Sing "Lead Kindly Light" Hymns pg. 97
3. Read Ether 12:6 And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.
4. Read and discuss the following from Gordon B. Hinckley:
Great buildings were never constructed on uncertain foundations. Great causes were never brought to success by vacillating leaders. The gospel was never expounded to the convincing of others without certainty. Faith, which is of the very essence of personal conviction, has always been, and always must be, at the root of religious practice and endeavor.
It is that kind of certitude that has moved this church forward in the face of persecution, ridicule, sacrifice of fortune, the leaving of loved ones to travel to distant lands to carry the gospel message. That conviction motivates today as it has done from the beginning of this work. Faith in the hearts of millions that this cause is true, that God is our Eternal Father, and that Jesus is the Christ must ever be the great motivating force in our lives.
5. Closing Prayer
Additional Resources: My Faith in Christ Can Grow (FHE Resource Book, Lesson 11)
The Infinite Power of Hope (Ensign, Nov. 2008)
The Faith to Move Mountains (Ensign, Nov. 2006)
Monday, March 8, 2010
Family Home Evening Lesson # 55: GOD SPEAKS THROUGH PROPHETS
1. Opening Prayer
2. Sing "Follow the Prophet" Children's Songbook pg. 110
3. Read Luke 1:70 As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began.
4. Read and discuss the following from the Friend:
Pretend that it’s a beautiful summer evening and you have been playing outside with your brothers and sisters. Now imagine that your mom calls to you and asks you to tell them to come in for dinner. You are speaking for your mom, delivering a message for her to your family. Will they listen?
Throughout the ages, Father in Heaven has chosen certain men to speak for Him. These men are called prophets. They teach us what Heavenly Father wants us to know. They warn us about what will happen if we disobey. They also tell us about the wonderful blessings that will come when we do obey. Will we listen?
The scriptures tell us about the prophets who were called by Father in Heaven to speak for Him. Noah was asked by the Lord to warn the people that if they didn’t repent, a terrible flood would come and cover the earth. Noah’s family were the only ones who listened, and they were saved from the flood (see Gen. 6–8; 2 Pet. 2:5).
The prophet Lehi was shown that the Messiah (Jesus Christ) would come and be the Savior of the world. Lehi’s son Nephi prayed to know if the words of his father were true. The Lord visited Nephi, and he believed all the words of his father. Later, Nephi also spoke for the Lord (see 1 Ne. 1:18–19; 1 Ne. 2:16–18).
As a young boy, Joseph Smith went into the woods to pray to Father in Heaven and ask which church he should join. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to him and gave him instructions that opened the way for the restoration of the gospel in our day (see JS—H 1:11–20).
When we pray to Heavenly Father as Nephi did, we can know that the words of the prophets are true. Prophets are men who “walk with God” (see Gen. 6:9). They keep His commandments and are obedient to the things He tells them to do. When we hear the prophet, we will know that he speaks to us for the Savior.5. Closing Prayer
Additional Resources: God Speaks Through Prophets (Friend, Mar. 2010)
Building the Ark (Gospel Art Picture Kit)
Lehi Prophesying to the People of Jerusalem (Gospel Art Picture Kit)
The First Vision (Gospel Art Picture Kit)
2. Sing "Follow the Prophet" Children's Songbook pg. 110
3. Read Luke 1:70 As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began.
4. Read and discuss the following from the Friend:
Pretend that it’s a beautiful summer evening and you have been playing outside with your brothers and sisters. Now imagine that your mom calls to you and asks you to tell them to come in for dinner. You are speaking for your mom, delivering a message for her to your family. Will they listen?
Throughout the ages, Father in Heaven has chosen certain men to speak for Him. These men are called prophets. They teach us what Heavenly Father wants us to know. They warn us about what will happen if we disobey. They also tell us about the wonderful blessings that will come when we do obey. Will we listen?
The scriptures tell us about the prophets who were called by Father in Heaven to speak for Him. Noah was asked by the Lord to warn the people that if they didn’t repent, a terrible flood would come and cover the earth. Noah’s family were the only ones who listened, and they were saved from the flood (see Gen. 6–8; 2 Pet. 2:5).
The prophet Lehi was shown that the Messiah (Jesus Christ) would come and be the Savior of the world. Lehi’s son Nephi prayed to know if the words of his father were true. The Lord visited Nephi, and he believed all the words of his father. Later, Nephi also spoke for the Lord (see 1 Ne. 1:18–19; 1 Ne. 2:16–18).
As a young boy, Joseph Smith went into the woods to pray to Father in Heaven and ask which church he should join. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to him and gave him instructions that opened the way for the restoration of the gospel in our day (see JS—H 1:11–20).
When we pray to Heavenly Father as Nephi did, we can know that the words of the prophets are true. Prophets are men who “walk with God” (see Gen. 6:9). They keep His commandments and are obedient to the things He tells them to do. When we hear the prophet, we will know that he speaks to us for the Savior.5. Closing Prayer
Additional Resources: God Speaks Through Prophets (Friend, Mar. 2010)
Building the Ark (Gospel Art Picture Kit)
Lehi Prophesying to the People of Jerusalem (Gospel Art Picture Kit)
The First Vision (Gospel Art Picture Kit)
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Family Home Evening Lesson # 54: STANDING FOR SOMETHING--OPTIMISM
1. Opening Prayer
2. Sing "Smiles" Children's Songbook pg. 267
3. Read 2 Nephi 2:25 Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.
4. Read and discuss the following from Gordon B. Hinckley:
Let us not partake of the negative spirit so rife in our times. There is so much of the sweet and the decent and the beautiful to build upon. We are partakers of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel means “good news!” The message of the Lord is one of hope and salvation! The voice of the Lord is a voice of glad tidings! The work of the Lord is a work of glorious accomplishment!
In a dark and troubled hour the Lord said to those He loved: “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).
These great words of confidence are a beacon to each of us. In Him we may indeed have trust. For He and His promises will never fail.
I am asking that we stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight. I am suggesting that as we go through life we “accentuate the positive.” I am asking that we look a little deeper for the good, that we still voices of insult and sarcasm, that we more generously compliment virtue and effort.
What I am suggesting is that each of us turn from the negativism that so permeates our society and look for the remarkable good among those with whom we associate, that we speak of one another’s virtues more than we speak of one another’s faults, that optimism replace pessimism, that our faith exceed our fears.
5. Closing Prayer
Additional Resources: Words of the Prophet: The Spirit of Optimism (New Era, July 2001)
Hope Ya Know, We Had a Hard Time (Ensign, Nov. 2008)
Sense of Humor (FHE Resource Book)
2. Sing "Smiles" Children's Songbook pg. 267
3. Read 2 Nephi 2:25 Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.
4. Read and discuss the following from Gordon B. Hinckley:
Let us not partake of the negative spirit so rife in our times. There is so much of the sweet and the decent and the beautiful to build upon. We are partakers of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel means “good news!” The message of the Lord is one of hope and salvation! The voice of the Lord is a voice of glad tidings! The work of the Lord is a work of glorious accomplishment!
In a dark and troubled hour the Lord said to those He loved: “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).
These great words of confidence are a beacon to each of us. In Him we may indeed have trust. For He and His promises will never fail.
I am asking that we stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight. I am suggesting that as we go through life we “accentuate the positive.” I am asking that we look a little deeper for the good, that we still voices of insult and sarcasm, that we more generously compliment virtue and effort.
What I am suggesting is that each of us turn from the negativism that so permeates our society and look for the remarkable good among those with whom we associate, that we speak of one another’s virtues more than we speak of one another’s faults, that optimism replace pessimism, that our faith exceed our fears.
5. Closing Prayer
Additional Resources: Words of the Prophet: The Spirit of Optimism (New Era, July 2001)
Hope Ya Know, We Had a Hard Time (Ensign, Nov. 2008)
Sense of Humor (FHE Resource Book)
Monday, February 8, 2010
Family Home Evening Lesson #53: JESUS CHRIST IS MY SAVIOR AND REDEEMER
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)
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)
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