Day 1:
Thought/story: The Reality of Christmas
By Bishop Gary E. Stevenson
Prophecies of Christ’s Birth
Scriptures abound that prophesy of the birth of Christ—the first Christmas. We may forget when we read these scriptural prophecies that they were indeed prophecies.They offer great detail about what was going to happen but had not yet happened.
Eight hundred years before the birth of Christ, Isaiah said, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).
Six hundred years before the Savior was born, Nephi described a vision he had of the mother of the Son of God:
“I looked and beheld the … city of Nazareth; and in the city of Nazareth I beheld a virgin, and she was exceedingly fair and white. …
“And [the angel] said unto me: Behold, the virgin whom thou seest is the mother of the Son of God. …
“And I looked and beheld the virgin again, bearing a child in her arms.
“And the angel said unto me: Behold the Lamb of God” (1 Nephi 11:13, 18, 20–21).
One hundred twenty-four years before the birth of the Savior, King Benjamin said:
“Behold, the time cometh, and is not far distant, that with power, the Lord Omnipotent … shall come down from heaven among the children of men, and shall dwell in a tabernacle of clay, and shall go forth amongst men, working mighty miracles. …
“And he shall be called Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of heaven and earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning; and his mother shall be called Mary” (Mosiah 3:5, 8).
Eighty-three years before the birth of Christ, Alma said, “And behold, [the Son of God] shall be born of Mary, at Jerusalem which is the land of our forefathers, she being a virgin, a precious and chosen vessel” (Alma 7:10).
And only six years before the first Christmas, Samuel the Lamanite declared:
“And behold, this will I give unto you for a sign at the time of his coming; for behold, there shall be great lights in heaven, insomuch that in the night before he cometh there shall be no darkness. …
“And behold, there shall a new star arise, such an one as ye never have beheld” (Helaman 14:3, 5).
Becoming More Christlike
President Benson said that one of the greatest things about Christmas time is that it increases our sensitivity to things of God:
“It causes us to contemplate our relationship with our Father and the degree of devotion we have for God.
“It prompts us to be more tolerant and giving, more conscious of others, more generous and genuine, more filled with hope and charity and love—all Christlike attributes. No wonder the spirit of Christmas touches the hearts of people the world over. … For at least a time, increased attention and devotion are turned toward our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
This Christmas, as the spirit of the season permeates our hearts, let us do something that expresses our feelings in an outward way, showing that we understand that the babe born in Bethlehem is the real Redeemer. President Howard W. Hunter (1907–95) gave some practical advice that helps us do that:
“This Christmas, mend a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a letter. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in word and deed. Keep a promise. Forgo a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Apologize. Try to understand. Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else. Be kind. Be gentle. Laugh a little more. Express your gratitude. Welcome a stranger. Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. Speak your love and then speak it again.”
Without Christ, there would be no Christmas. Without Christ, there can be no fullness of joy. Without His birth and His Atonement, we would have no Intercessor, no Advocate with the Father, and no Mediator who makes it possible for us to return to the presence of our loving Heavenly Father and live together as eternal families.
I celebrate with you the beautiful and miraculous reality of the birth and mission of the Son of God, and I bear my testimony that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer—the promised Messiah.
Song:
Service/Family Activity: Many examples of Christ like qualities were given in this talk. Choose one of the following suggestions:
· * Write a letter of gratitude to a family or individual who has touched your lives
· * Take turns and tell each member of your family members something specific that you love about them. (This can be done over the phone, with friends or with roommates)
· * This week, do a “random act of kindness” towards someone in your family, a friend or a neighbor. Report on your actions to your family on the next Family Home Evening.
Day 2:
Thought/story:
Isaiah, a prophet in the Old Testament, prophesied that a pure woman would give birth to Heavenly Father’s Son. The scriptural accounts above were written more than 700 years before His birth.
“And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary” (Luke 1:26–27).
Mary was a righteous young woman who lived long ago in a city called Nazareth. She was preparing to marry a good man named Joseph when, one day, the angel Gabriel appeared to her. The angel told Mary that she was blessed and highly favored of God. Then he told her that a wonderful thing would happen—she would have a baby who would be the Son of God! Mary was confused, but the angel told her to not fear and to have faith.
Even though Mary was probably worried by what the angel told her, she had the faith to accept God’s will. She said, “My spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour” (Luke 1:47) She believed the angel, and she believed in God. Her baby would be named Jesus. With faith,
Mary and Joseph did the best they could to raise the Father’s son in love and righteousness.
Song:
Picture a Christmas (Children's Song Book, #50)
Service/Family Activity:
* Discuss as a family things that you have been able to do because of faith and take turns sharing your testimony of the Savior with each other.
* Write your testimony in a Book of Mormon and give it to someone.
Day 3:
Thought/story:
The Shepherds
On the eve of Christ’s birth in the stable at Bethlehem, shepherds watched over their flocks in fields not far distant. These were not ordinary shepherds, for it had been prophesied among the Nephites that angels would declare the glad tidings of the Messiah’s birth to “just and holy men” (Alma 13:26).
These righteous shepherds bore their special witnesses to family, friends, and neighbors. Their experience was retold in the courts of the temple, and from there was to be told among all nations of the earth. Luke tells us that after the shepherds had seen “the babe lying in a manger … , they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child” (Luke 2:16–17). Such was the declaration of the angel who stood before them that holy night, that these “good tidings of great joy” should “be to all people” (Luke 2:10).
We can learn much from the righteous shepherds! The Shepherds were prepared to receive the message of the Savior’s birth. We must always be prepared to receive the messages our Savior has for us. Are we doing things that would allow us to receive the messages he has for us? Are our Spirits and minds in the right place? Also, we must share what we know with gladness to all people! We must choose to be happy, smile, and greet friends, neighbors and strangers with kindness! Let us be as the shepherds and share our “good tidings of great joy to all people.”
Song:
The First Noel (Hymn Book, # 213)
Service/Family Activity:
· * Make a resolution to be a happier and kinder person.
· * Set a specific goal to say 3 kind things to every member of your family every day this week
* Go to a store and smile at every person you see.
Day 4:
Thought/story:
Twelve Witnesses of Christ’s Birth
By Joseph Fielding McConkie
Indeed, the witnesses of the Savior’s birth were many and various. Samuel prophesied to those in the Americas of the signs of His coming (see Hel. 14:3–6), and Alma wrote that the story of Christ’s birth was heralded by angels to those who were “just and holy.” (Alma 13:26.) In the nation of Christ’s birth, the testimony of his coming went forth in ever-widening circles—especially among those blameless in keeping the commandments and ordinances of the Lord and filled with the Holy Ghost.
Here are some examples of the special witnesses of His birth:
Here are some examples of the special witnesses of His birth:
Mary: There could be no more perfect mortal witness of Christ’s divine sonship than his mother, Mary. From Gabriel she received the promise that she would conceive in her womb “the Son of the Highest.” (Luke 1:32.) Following that marvelous event, she testified, saying, “He that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.” (Luke 1:49.) Truly Mary was, as Gabriel told her, “highly favoured” and “blessed … among women” to have witnessed these miracles and to have given birth to the Savior. (Luke 1:28.)
Joseph: We have no scriptural record of any words spoken by Joseph, yet his righteousness and reactions to Mary’s condition bear testimony to his belief in Christ’s divine sonship. We know that he dreamed dreams and entertained angels. Further, we know that as he was faithful in keeping the law of Moses, so he faithfully heeded each divine direction that was given him.
He displayed unquestioning obedience in taking Mary, already carrying a child, as his wife after “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.” (Matt. 1:20.) He also “knew [Mary] not till she had brought forth her firstborn son”; named the son Jesus; fled by night with Mary and the child to Egypt; remained in Egypt until directed to return; and returned to Galilee rather than to Judaea. (Matt. 1:25; see also Matt. 1:19–21; Matt 2:13–23.)
Each of these actions witnessed anew Joseph’s conviction regarding the child, the hope of Israel, the Son of God.
The Heavenly Choir: Following the angel’s announcement to the shepherds, “suddenly there was … a multitude of the heavenly host praising God.” (Luke 2:13.) The heavenly choir then sang to the humble shepherds of Judaea “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14), heralding with music the Savior’s birth among the scattered remnants of Israel.
Simeon: Our attention now turns to Jerusalem. There an aged man, described by Luke as “just and devout,” who had received the promise of the Lord that he would not die until he had seen the Savior, was moved upon by the Holy Ghost to go to the temple. There he held the Christ child.
When the parents and the child entered the temple, Simeon took the child in his arms. “Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word,” he declared. “For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of thy people Israel.” (Luke 2:29–32.)
Anna: A devout and saintly woman who worshipped for many years in the temple with fasting and prayer both day and night, she was undoubtedly well known to those of the Holy City who faithfully sought the coming of the Messiah. She approached the holy family and thereafter bore testimony of the Messiah to those in Jerusalem who “looked for redemption.” (Luke 2:38.)
The Wise Men: “There came wise men from the east to Jerusalem.” (Matt. 2:1.) They were righteous and visionary men, for they were later “warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod” and consequently “departed into their own country another way.” (Matt. 2:12.) We also know from the Joseph Smith translation of the Bible that the wise men came seeking “the Messiah of the Jews,” thus following the pattern of witnesses that brought seekers of the Son of God to testify of him. (JST, Matt. 3:2.)
Song:
Joy to the World (Hymn # 201)
Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful (Hymn # 202)
Service/Family Activity:
· Act out the nativity scene with your family. (a Sample script can be found below)
· Use this as a chance to share the story of the birth of our Savior with friends! Invite another family over to re-create the story of our Savior’s birth. If you are feeling daring, share your testimony of Him after you have shared the story of his birth.
· Visit a live nativity and talk about the importance of each individual represented. Finish by sharing your testimony of the Savior with each other.
Day 5:
Thought/story:
Jesus Christ loves each of God’s children and would never forget a single one. Jesus Christ,the Good Shepherd, taught:
“What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? …
As we come to understand that Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd, our desire increases to follow His example and serve those in need. Jesus said: “I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. … And I lay down my life for the sheep” (John 10:14–15). Because of Christ’s Atonement, none of us will ever be so lost that we cannot find our way home (see Luke 15).
The Savior’s compassion in the face of our imperfections draws us toward Him and motivates us in our repeated struggles to repent and emulate Him. As we become more like Him, we learn to treat others as He does, regardless of any outward characteristic or behavior.
The Savior foretold that He would “feed his flock like a shepherd,” “seek [out] that which [is] lost, … bring again that which [is] driven away, … bind up that which [is] broken, and … strengthen that which [is] sick.” Though apostate Israel was depicted as being consumed with sinful “wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores,” the Savior encouraged, exhorted, and promised healing.
The Savior’s mortal ministry was indeed characterized by love, compassion, and empathy. He did not disdainfully walk the dusty roads of Galilee and Judea, flinching at the sight of sinners. He did not dodge them in abject horror. No, He ate with them. He helped and blessed, lifted and edified, and replaced fear and despair with hope and joy. Like the true shepherd He is, He seeks us and finds us to offer relief and hope. Understanding His compassion and love helps us exercise faith in Him—to repent and be healed.
The Gospel of John records the effect of the Savior’s empathy on a sinner. Scribes and Pharisees brought a woman caught in the very act of adultery to the Savior. The accusers implied that she should be stoned, in compliance with the law of Moses. Jesus, in response to persistent questioning, finally said to them, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.”
The accusers departed, “and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
“When Jesus … saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
“She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.”
Surely, the Savior did not condone adultery. But He also did not condemn the woman. He encouraged her to reform her life. She was motivated to change because of His compassion and mercy. Them Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible attests to her resultant discipleship: “And the woman glorified God from that hour, and believed on his name.”
Our Good Shepherd is unchanging and feels the same way today about sin and sinners as He did when He walked the earth. He does not recoil from us because we sin. He loves us so much that He provided the way for us to repent and become clean so we can return to Him and our Heavenly Father. In doing so, Jesus Christ also set the example for us to follow—to show respect to all and hatred toward none.
As His disciples, let us fully mirror His love and love one another so openly and completely that no one feels abandoned, alone, or hopeless. I testify that Jesus Christ is our Good Shepherd, who loves and cares for us. He knows us and laid down His life for His sheep. He also lives for us and wants us to know Him and exercise faith in Him.
Song:
"I Feel My Savior's Love" (Children's Hymn Book, #74)
"Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful" (Hymn #202)
Service/Family Activity:
· If you are a “lost sheep” make a goal to return to Him. Begin by committing to pray every night until Christmas.
· If you know of a “lost sheep” reach out to them with a small treat or a visit. Let them know that you care and that your Savior loves them.
· As a family, visit a less active family and invite them to the ward party.
· As a family, invite a less active or non-member family to church.
Day 6:
Scripture:Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Thought/story:
3 Nephi: 7 Have ye any that are sick among you? Bring them hither. Have ye any that are lame, or blind, or halt, or maimed, or leprous, or that are withered, or that are deaf, or that are afflicted in any manner? Bring them hither and I will heal them, for I have compassion upon you; my bowels are filled with mercy.
Jesus said, “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7).
To be merciful is to treat someone with patience and love, instead of being judgmental or harsh. Through His example, Jesus Christtaught us how to be merciful. Some men once brought a woman to Jesus and said they wanted to punish her for something bad she had done. Even though the woman had sinned and needed to repent, Jesus did not let the men hurt her. Instead, He showed the woman mercy by saying, “Go, and sin no more” (John 8:11).
Jesus loves us and is merciful towards us. His arms are always extended towards us, inviting us to come unto him. That is true for each of us whether we are sinner, young, old, sick, healthy, etc. Never forget how much he loves you!
Song:
"Come Follow Me" (Hymn, 115)
"Angels We Have Heard on High" (Hymn, 203)
Service/Family Activity:
· At school, Primary, or work, sit by someone who is sitting alone.
· Talk and be friendly to a stranger.
· Stop and visit someone you have been meaning to get to know better.
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