Christmas Decorations

Filed under: Lesson 46: Jesus Christ Is the Greatest Gift (Christmas), Lesson 46: Jesus Christ Is the Greatest Gift (Christmas), Lesson 46: The Birth of Jesus Christ (Christmas), Christmas Decorations

The Gifts of the Savior

Christmas is a wonderful time of friendliness, caring, and love. It is a time when all the world rejoices. It is a time of service and the giving of gifts.

The gifts of the Savior were precious and rare. He blessed the blind to see, the deaf to hear, and the lame to walk. He gave light in place of darkness, forgiveness to the repentant, and hope to the despairing.

This is a season of the year when we can bring gifts of joy and happiness to others. Like the Savior, we can visit the sick, give to the poor, and cheer the lonely.

At this time of remembrance and gratitude, we testify that Jesus Christ was born into the world as our Savior and Friend. We witness that He lives.

May our Heavenly Father bless children everywhere with the peace that comes through the gift of His Son.

With love,

The First Presidency

 

Filed under: Christmas, Lesson 46: Jesus Christ Is the Greatest Gift (Christmas), Lesson 46: The Birth of Jesus Christ (Christmas), Christmas Message, Jesus Christ Was Born on Earth (Christmas), Lesson 46: Jesus Christ Is the Greatest Gift (Christmas), Lesson 46: The Birth of Jesus Christ (Christmas), Lesson 47: Jesus Christ Was Born on Earth (Christmas), The Gifts of the Savior

Baptism Miracles

Thus God has provided a means that man, through faith, might work mighty miracles (Mosiah 8:18).

BASED ON A TRUE EVENT

By Jane McBride Choate

Miguel Arrellano looked out the window of
the tar-paper shack. Thunderclouds had
opened up, pouring forth torrents of rain.
Such storms were not unusual in his small village
set in the mountains of Colombia.

Normally Miguel did not mind the rain. It watered
the crops that the family depended upon for a living.
Today, though, he prayed for the rain to stop.
It was a special day—the day he and his parents
would be baptized members of The Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
He remembered when the two missionaries had
found them. Elder Berger and Elder Santos, dressed
in dark pants and white shirts, had appeared at their
door. They wore small, black, name badges proclaiming
that they represented the Church.
Elder Berger was tall, almost two meters. He
came from Utah in the United States of America. In
Colombia, men are rarely so tall. Papá was only a
few centimeters taller than Miguel. Elder Santos was
a native missionary and even shorter than Papá.
Miguel had practiced saying Elder Berger’s name.
The syllables sounded strange upon his tongue.
They laughed together as the American missionary
tried to say Arrellano.
The elders told the family the story of Joseph
Smith and the Restoration. When Elder Berger bore
his testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel, tears
streamed down his face. He and Elder Santos both
testified that Joseph Smith had been a prophet and
that Gordon B. Hinckley was now the prophet.
Though Miguel was only eleven, he knew that he
was hearing the truth.
Mamá had cried when the elders had spoken of
families being together forever. “Always, we search
for something,” she had said. “Now I know we
have found it.” She’d placed her hand on her
heart. “I feel it. Here.”
The rain continued to fall in sheets and
showed no signs of letting up.
Miguel looked from Mamá to Papá.
“We must go. We told Elder Berger and Elder
Santos that we would be there.”
Papá pointed to the flooded road.
“There will be no bus today.”
The family had no car and had to rely on the bus.
They had to change buses twice to reach the
church. Each week, they carefully counted out the
coins necessary to buy the bus tokens for Sunday.
This week, they had taken money from their small
food budget to pay for the extra trip to the church.
Papá worked very hard, but there was never
enough money. Mamá had saved a little and made
them new clothes. She had sewn Miguel and Papá
shirts and herself a blouse. Miguel thought that she
looked pretty in the bright yellow color.
He remembered the picture of President Hinckley
the two young elders had shown the family.
The prophet would not give up. He would find a
way to get to the church, Miguel decided, and so
will we.
“Señor Tomás,” Miguel said, glancing out the
window and seeing their neighbor. “He goes to the
city every day. Maybe he will give us a ride.”

Miguel ran across the muddy yard to their
neighbor’s humble home. Señor Tomás nodded
agreeably as the boy explained the situation.
Miguel and Papá climbed into the back of the
truck; Mamá rode in the cab with their neighbor.
They held on tightly as the old truck bounced
over the rough roads. When they arrived at the
small meetinghouse, they were wet and very
tired, but happy.

The elders greeted them. Their clothes were
wet and wrinkled, too, but the smiles on their
faces were the brightest Miguel had ever seen.
“We weren’t sure you could make it,” Elder
Berger said. “We’ve had problems here, too.”
They shared stories. Elder Santos explained
that the pipes that carried water to the chapel
had burst so that the baptismal font could not be
filled. After praying, the elders had filled buckets
with rain water and carried them inside the
church to fill the font.

Miguel and his parents explained how they
had found a ride with their neighbor.
“It’s a miracle you made it,” Elder Santos said.
Papá looked at the baptismal font and said,
“We have many miracles today.”
“And much to be thankful for,” Mamá added.
Miguel and Papá changed clothes in a
small dressing room while Mamá
changed clothes in another one. Miguel
touched the crisp white shirt and pants the elders
had given him. They felt strange against his skin.
The water was so shallow that the elders had
to kneel to perform the baptisms.
Miguel waited while his parents were baptized.
When the time came for his own baptism,
he felt a warmth come over him, even though
the water was cold.
After everyone had changed into dry clothes,
Elder Berger and Elder Santos confirmed Miguel
and his parents members of The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Miguel hugged his parents, then Elder Berger
and Elder Santos. He would never forget this day
or the baptism miracles.

Our Prophets’ Baptisms

By Rebecca Todd Archibald

President Gordon B. Hinckley was
baptized by his father on April 28, 1919,
in a meetinghouse baptismal font in Salt
Lake City, Utah. President Hinckley is
the first Church President to be baptized
indoors in a baptismal font.
Of the fourteen Latter-day Saint prophets
before him, two were baptized in rivers, one in an
outdoor baptismal font, one in a stream, five in
creeks, two in ponds, one in a swimming pool, and
two in a canal.
Although they were baptized in different places,
all of these Church Presidents made the same
promise that we make at baptism: to follow Jesus
Christ. All fifteen have kept this promise. They have
followed the Savior, and in time, all were called to
be special witnesses of Him.
(See “Our Prophets’ Places of Baptism,” Friend, August 1997,
pages 42–43.)

ILLUSTRATED BY MARK ROBISON SEPTEMBER 2001 35

 

Filed under: Baptism, Lesson 11: Baptism, Lesson 12: I Can Prepare for Baptism, Lesson 13: The Baptismal Covenant, Uncategorized, baptism, Baptism Miracles, Lesson 11: Baptism, Lesson 12: I Can Prepare for Baptism, Mosiah 8:18, President Gordon B. Hinckley

It’s the Law

By T. S. Hettinger

(Based on a true incident)

He that keepeth the laws of God hath no need to break the laws of the land (D&C 58:21).

“So, Christopher, what did you do in Primary today?” Dad asked after church.

“We talked about being honest,” Christopher answered. “And we worked on the Articles of Faith. I have all but the thirteenth memorized.”

“Good for you!” Dad said. “Mom and I are really pleased that you’re learning them.” He looked at Sarah. “What did you do today, honey?”

“We ate crackers, and we sang songs, and I colored this picture for you.”

“It’s beautiful, Sarah. Thank you.” Dad pulled his keys out of his pocket, unlocked the car, and opened the door. “Get yourselves strapped in. Mom will be here soon.”

“Why do I have to wear a seat belt?” Christopher asked as he and Sarah buckled up.

Before Dad could answer, Sarah added, “Why do I have to sit in a car seat? I’m not a baby.”

Dad smiled. “There are two reasons. First, we use seat belts and car seats because they will protect us if we are in an accident. Second, we do it because it’s the law and we obey the law.”

“I know lots of people who don’t wear seat belts,” Christopher protested.

“Whether to wear a seat belt or not is each person’s own choice, but they have to live with the consequences,” Dad explained. “That’s part of Heavenly Father’s plan.”

“Oh, Dad,” Christopher laughed. “Heavenly Father doesn’t care about seat belts.”

“Or car seats,” Sarah chimed in.

“You don’t think so?” Dad asked. “Christopher, let me hear you say the twelfth article of faith.”

“‘We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.’”

“Very good. Now, what does it mean?”

“It means that we believe it’s OK to have a president or a king or something like that—right?”

“That’s part of it,” Dad said, “but it also means that we believe in obeying the laws set by the president or king or whoever is in the government. And I believe that that applies to laws about seat belts and car seats.”

Just then Mom came. “Sorry to keep you waiting,” she said. “We can go now.”

“Not until you fasten your seat belt,” Sarah told her.

“It’s the law, you know,” Christopher added, “and we believe in obeying the law.”

Filed under: Lesson 31: I Will Obey the Law, Article Faith 12, It’s the Law, Lesson 31: I Will Obey the Law

Sharing Time: I Believe in Being Obedient

By Karen Lofgreen

By the obedience of one [man] shall many be made righteous (Rom. 5:19).

I Believe in Being Obedient

Being obedient means being willing to make right choices. When you are obedient, you are blessed. Can you remember a time when you were blessed because you obeyed a commandment, a law, or your parents?

President Howard W. Hunter knew that it was important to obey his parents. He also learned that it is important to obey Heavenly Father’s commandments. He kept a journal, in which he told about things that happened in his early life and about the lessons he learned then.

For example, in those days, you could buy fruits and vegetables only at the time they were harvested in your area. Each spring he helped plant a family garden. During the summer and fall, he picked the fruits and vegetables and helped his mother preserve, or save, them for eating during months when they weren’t otherwise available.

His mother taught him to pray, and he developed a testimony while he was very young. He said, “My mother had taught me to pray and to thank Heavenly Father for all the things that I enjoyed. I often thanked Him for the beauty of the earth and for the wonderful times that I had at the ranch and by the river and with the Scouts. I also learned to ask Him for the things that I wanted or needed.”

When he was eight years old, he wanted to be baptized. His nonmember father felt that Howard should be older before he joined any church. Though he knew Heavenly Father wanted him to be a member of the Church, he also knew it was important to do what his father wanted him to do. He honored his father by waiting for his permission. Five months after his twelfth birthday, Howard was baptized.

When he was a teenager, the Saints in Boise, Idaho, met with Church officials to talk about building a new tabernacle. The Boise members were asked to donate money to build the tabernacle, and Howard was the first to raise his hand. He pledged twenty-five dollars—a lot of money for a teenager in those days—as his offering. “I worked and saved until I was able to pay my commitment in full,” he said.

Instructions: The pictures of President Hunter on page 43 show some of the things that he did to be obedient. Fill in the missing word(s) under each picture. On separate sheets of paper, draw pictures of ways that you are obedient. Label and color the pictures.

Filed under: Lesson 28: I Can Be Obedient, Lesson 30: I Can Be Obedient, Sharing Time, Being obedient, Lesson 28: I Can Be Obedient, Lesson 30: I Can Be Obedient, make right choices, President Howard W. Hunter, Rom. 5:19, Sharing Time: I Believe in Being Obedient

Let Your Light Shine Coloring Page

(click to view larger)

Illustration based on The Sermon on the Mount, by Harry Anderson

I show my faith in Jesus Christ when I share the gospel with others. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

Filed under: Coloring Pages, Lesson 29: I Can Be a Good Example, Let Your Light Shine, Matthew 5:16, The Sermon on the Mount

Let Your Light Shine

Illustration by Eric Barclay

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

–Matthew 5:16

8.5×11

Filed under: Lesson 29: I Can Be a Good Example, Let Your Light Shine, Light of world, Matthew 5:16

Let Your Light Shine

By Ann Jamison

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Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Matt. 5:16).

Activity: “Let Your Light Shine Game”

Mount the game board (pages 42–43) and cards (page 43) on heavy paper or poster board. Cut out the cards and place them facedown beside the game board. Use old buttons, large seeds, or pebbles as markers. The object of the game is to “bring a friend to the light.” As you play it, you will discover many important ways in which you can let your light shine, be a friend, and share the gospel with others.

To play: Each player puts a marker for himself, and a second one for a “pretend friend,” on the Start square. (You could even choose a name for your pretend friend.) Mix the cards well and place them facedown in a pile next to the game board. The first player draws a card, reads it aloud, then moves both his and his friend’s markers the number of spaces indicated on the card. If a player lands on a small Light, he moves both markers ahead one more space. Continue, taking turns. The first player to reach the large Light continues to take his turn, helping the other players until all players and their pretend friends reach the large Light.

When you are not playing the game, practice actually doing the good things you learn in the game, and let your light shine wherever you go. Make new cards for your game as you think of other ways to let your light shine.

You do not gossip or talk about others. Move AHEAD 3 spaces.	You invite some new children to play with you. Move AHEAD 2 spaces.
You take a gift to your new neighbors. Move AHEAD 2 spaces.	You see someone being left out and invite her or him to eat lunch with you. Move AHEAD 3 spaces.
You don’t speak up when someone else is blamed for something you did. Move BACK 4 spaces.	You say you will be at a friend’s at 4:00. You are there promptly. Move AHEAD 3 spaces.
You cut in line at the playground. Move BACK 3 spaces.	You say something good about someone when others are being unkind. Move AHEAD 3 spaces.
You help an elderly neighbor. Move AHEAD 4 spaces.	You invite a friend to a Primary activity. Move AHEAD 2 spaces.
When someone does well at school, you compliment him or her. Move AHEAD 3 spaces.	You borrow a toy from your friend and don’t return it. Move BACK 3 spaces.
You leave your toys where people can stumble over them. Move BACK 2 spaces.	You are team captain and include someone who is seldom chosen. Move AHEAD 3 spaces.
You play loud music and disturb the neighbors. Move BACK 4 spaces.	You join your family in inviting another family for a family home evening on Saturday night. Move AHEAD 2 spaces.
You tell your friend about a ward or branch activity and invite her or him to attend. Move AHEAD 2 spaces.	You and your family help with a neighborhood cleanup project. Move AHEAD 3 spaces.
You help your family keep your home and yard clean. Move AHEAD 2 spaces.	You remember to say please and thank you. Move AHEAD 2 spaces.
You throw candy wrappers out the bus window. Move BACK 3 spaces.	You make plans to play with a friend. Another friend calls. You play with her or him instead. MoveBACK 2 spaces.

Filed under: Lesson 29: I Can Be a Good Example, Game, Lesson 29: I Can Be a Good Example, Let Your Light Shine, Matt. 5:16

Remember Him

Laurel Rohlfing, “Sharing Time: Remember Him,” Friend, Oct 1990, 14

Take, eat; this is in remembrance of my body which I give a ransom for you (Matt. 26:26, including footnote b).

When you want to remember something important, you might write yourself a note or tie a string on your finger. To remember someone who has been gone for a long time, you might look at his picture or read something he wrote. To remember a song or poem you’ve learned, you might sing or recite it often.

Jesus gave us the sacrament to help us remember the sacrifice He made for us in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross. He suffered for our sins so that we could be forgiven if we repent. He gave His life and took it up again so that we could be resurrected and live again. The sacrament bread represents Jesus’ body, and the water represents His blood, which was shed for us.

When we take the sacrament, we renew the covenants made at baptism: We are willing to take His name upon us as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we will always remember Him, and we will keep His commandments.

There are many ways we can reverently remember Jesus, especially while the sacrament is being passed. We can remember how He suffered for our sins and how He died and was resurrected. We can remember His life and teachings and think about how we can become more like Him. We can remember the things we have done wrong, repent, and ask for forgiveness. We can remember the many blessings He has given us. Jesus said, “And if ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to be with you” (3 Ne. 18:11). The sacrament is a great blessing in our lives.

Instructions

To help you remember Jesus during the sacrament, make this picture wheel. Cut out the two circles, and put the one with the wedge cut out of it on top of the one with the pictures. Fasten the two circles in the center with a brass fastener. During the sacrament, look at each picture and think about what it represents.

Click to View Larger Format
Illustrated by Brad Teare

Sharing Time Ideas

1. Divide children into groups and have them list stories of Jesus that they could think about during the sacrament. Draw pictures of favorites.

2. Ask two children to read the sacrament prayers. (See Moro. 4:3, Moro 5:2.) Make a fill-in-the-blank handout listing the promises we make at baptism and the promises the Lord makes to us. (See CTR B manual, lesson 32.)

3. Show video Bible Stories for Children, volume 3, chapters 39–41, VHS VVVH2765. Discuss the purpose of the sacrament, what a sacrifice is, and what Heavenly Father and Jesus sacrificed for us.

4. Tell the story “A Great Blessing Comes with the Sacrament” (Merrie Miss/Blazer B/Course 11 manual, page 162). Have younger children pantomime proper ways to behave during the sacrament.

5. Sing songs about the sacrament as listed in the “Topics” section of the Children’ Songbook.

Filed under: Lesson 38: I Will Remember Jesus Christ during the Sacrament, 3 Ne. 18:11, be forgiven, Garden of Gethsemane, Lesson 38: I Will Remember Jesus Christ during the Sacrament, Moro 5:2, Moro. 4:3, Remember Him., remembrance of my body, Sacrament

Our Savior and Redeemer

“Our Savior and Redeemer,” Friend, Apr 1999, 39

I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live (John 11:25).

Knowing that the end of His life was near, Jesus Christ led His Apostles to the Garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives. He told them, “Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder” (Matt. 26:36). Then, after He left them and kneeled to pray, He suffered great pain for our sins. The pain was so great that He pleaded, “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

“And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.

“And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” (Luke 22:42–44.)

Later that night, one of the Savior’s Apostles, Judas, betrayed Him by leading a group of His enemies to Him. Jesus was arrested, unfairly tried, and nailed to a cross. (See John 18:3–5; John 19:1–18.)

After hanging on the cross for six hours and enduring intense pain, the Savior said, “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46). Then He bowed His head and died.

Jesus Christ’s body was taken to a borrowed tomb, where it was wrapped in white linens and tenderly laid inside. A large stone was rolled in front of the entrance, and soldiers were ordered to stand guard. For two days His body lay in the tomb, and the soldiers kept watch. (See Matt. 27:57–66.)

Then before the morning sun of the third day, “there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door. …

“And for fear of him the keepers [guards] did shake, and became as dead men.” (Matt. 28:2, 4.)

When Mary Magdalene and Mary came to visit the tomb that morning, the angel “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.” (Matt. 28:5–6.) The Savior was not there because He had been resurrected and He was about His Father’s business.

Heavenly Father sent His Son Jesus Christ to earth to save us from our sins. If we repent of what we have done wrong, we will be forgiven because of the atoning sacrifice of the Savior. And, like the Savior, we will all be resurrected someday.

Filed under: Easter, Lesson 45 Easter, Lesson 45 Easter, easter, Easter Fannel Board story, Our Savior and Redeemer