This Christmas FHE lesson goes over the different symbols of the Christmas tree and how they can point us back to Jesus Christ.
Scripture
And behold, there shall a new star arise, such an one as ye never have beheld; and this also shall be a sign unto you.
Hymn
1. With wond’ring awe the wisemen saw
The star in heaven springing,
And with delight, in peaceful night,
They heard the angels singing:
Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna to his name!
2. By light of star they traveled far
To seek the lowly manger,
A humble bed wherein was laid
The wondrous little Stranger.
Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna to his name!
3. And still is found, the world around,
The old and hallowed story,
And still is sung in ev’ry tongue
The angels’ song of glory:
Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna to his name!
4. The heav’nly star its rays afar
On ev’ry land is throwing,
And shall not cease till holy peace
In all the earth is growing.
Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna to his name!
Lesson
Suitable for all ages
Begin by passing out sheets of blank paper and coloring materials. Instruct everyone to begin drawing their dream Christmas tree. As they are drawing, ask them to think about what they love about Christmas trees.
When everyone is done (or the allotted time you’ve set aside for the activity has passed), have everyone go around and briefly describe their tree.
For teens and young adults, another idea is to start by asking them their favorite memories of Christmas trees.
Read aloud: A decorated tree is one of the most popular symbols of Christmas. When we think of Christmas trees, we think of ornaments, lights, and gifts. However, Christmas trees can also be powerful reminders of Jesus Christ and the true reason for our celebrations.
Show some of these pictures or examine your own Christmas tree as you go over these different symbols.
The Star
The star on top of the tree reminds us of the Wisemen who followed the star to Christ. In our lives today, we can follow the Spirit, the scriptures, and the counsel of living prophets and apostles. As we follow these things and strive to keep the commandments, we will be led to Christ.
Option Question: How does the Holy Ghost bring us closer to Christ?
The Ornaments
Christmas ornaments can have both general and specific meanings. Ornaments remind us of the gifts the Wisemen brought to help honor the Christ-child. Candy canes remind us of a shepherd’s staff and that Christ is our true shepherd. Bows remind us to be tied together in goodwill and love with those around us.
The Lights
Strings of beautiful lights remind us that Jesus is the light of the world. At the Christmas season, we should try to share this light with those around us by giving service and doing as Christ would do.
Optional Question: How is Jesus Christ like a light in your life?
The Fir Tree
The evergreen tree stays green all year round! This is a symbol of God’s everlasting love. God’s love never fades away or changes. It is always there for us when we need it.
The Gifts
As we anxiously await the arrival of gifts under the tree, we remember how anxious the world was for Jesus Christ to be born. For thousands of years, people around the world looked forward to the birth of our Savior. Jesus Christ is the greatest gift that has ever been given. We anxiously look forward to him coming again.
Ask: How can we share the gift of Jesus Christ with others?
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Treat
Treat
Pull-Apart Christmas Tree
Ingredients:
-1 lb. refrigerated pizza dough
-Egg wash (1 egg whisked with 1 tbsp water)
-7 mozzarella sticks
-1/4 c. melted butter
-1/2 c. finely grated Parmesan
-1 tbsp. Thinly sliced basil
-1 tbsp. chopped parsley
-1 tbsp. chopped rosemary
-Marinara, warmed (for serving)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut mozzarella sticks into 1” pieces. On a floured surface, divide pizza dough into two pieces. Stretch and roll each piece of dough into a long rectangle, then cut dough into 2” squares (you’ll need 33 total).
- Wrap a dough square around each pieces of mozzarella, forming a tightly sealed ball. Place balls seam-side down on the baking sheet in the shape of a Christmas tree (they should be touching).
- Brush egg wash on dough balls and bake until golden 15-20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, whisk together melted butter, Parmesan and herbs. Brush on baked pizza dough balls. Serve warm with marinara for dipping.
Activity
Activity
Yarn Wrapped Christmas Tree Ornaments
For this activity, you’ll need yarn, cardboard, glue, scissors, and decorations such as pom poms. You can see the full directions here!
Aleah is a graduate of Southern Virginia University, where she studied English, Creative Writing, and Dance. She now works full time as a marketing and product manager, writer, and editor. She currently hosts the podcast “Single to the Glory” about singlehood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Aleah served a mission in California and loves baking, Lang Leav poetry, Gaynor Minden pointe shoes, and Bollywood movies.
