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Scripture
11. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Hymn
Christmas Bells – Primary Songbook #54 or I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day– Hymn #214
1. Christmas bells are ringing.
Hear what they say to you:
Jesus is born in Bethlehem, in Bethlehem.
2. Christmas bells, ringing, singing:
Jesus is born, is born
in Bethlehem, born in Bethlehem.
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
1. I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.
2. I thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along th’unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.
3. And in despair I bowed my head:
“There is no peace on earth,” I said,
“For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.”
4. Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men.”
5. Till, ringing, singing, on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime,
Of peace on earth, good will to men!
Lesson
*For All Family Members* Read or summarize the following article “Rediscovering the Christmas Spirit” by President Monson (taken from December 2012 Ensign). Watch the video: Christmas Spirit below. Testify of the true meaning of Christmas.
Years ago as a young elder, I was called with others to a hospital in Salt Lake City to provide blessings for sick children. Upon entering, we noted a Christmas tree with its bright and friendly lights and saw carefully wrapped packages beneath its outstretched limbs. We then went through corridors where small boys and girls—some with plaster casts upon an arm or leg, others with ailments that perhaps could not be cured so readily—greeted us with smiling faces.
A young, desperately ill small boy called out to me, “What is your name?”
I told him my name, and he inquired, “Will you give me a blessing?”
The blessing was provided, and as we turned to leave his bedside, he said, “Thank you very much.”
We walked a few steps, and then I heard him call, “Oh, Brother Monson, merry Christmas to you.” Then a great smile flashed across his countenance.
That boy had the spirit of Christmas. The spirit of Christmas is something I hope all of us would have in our hearts and lives—not only at this particular season but also throughout the year.
When we have the spirit of Christmas, we remember Him whose birth we commemorate at this season of the year: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).
In our day the spirit of giving gifts plays a large role in commemorating the Christmas season. I wonder if we might profit by asking ourselves, What gifts would the Lord have me give to Him or to others at this precious season of the year?
May I suggest that our Heavenly Father would want each of us to render to Him and to His Son the gift of obedience. I also feel that He would ask us to give of ourselves and not be selfish or greedy or quarrelsome, as His precious Son suggests in the Book of Mormon:
“Verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who … stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another.
“Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away” (3 Nephi 11:29–30).
In this marvelous dispensation of the fulness of times, our opportunities to love and give of ourselves are indeed limitless, but they are also perishable. Today there are hearts to gladden, kind words to say, deeds to be done, and souls to be saved.
One who had keen insight into the Christmas spirit wrote:
May we each discover anew the Christmas spirit—even the Spirit of Christ.
Testify of the true meaning of Christmas.
*For Younger Children* Read or tell the following story: “Getting Ready for Christmas” by President Dieter F Uchtdorf (taken from the December 2012 Friend). Testify of the true meaning of Christmas.
As an old tradition, our family has always celebrated the Advent of Christmas. Starting on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, we would get together on Sunday afternoons, light wax candles on a pine Advent wreath, enjoy delicious homemade cookies, and read passages of scriptures that center on the Christ.
We read accounts of ancient prophets who yearned for the coming of the Messiah. We read scriptures that proclaim the wondrous story of His birth. Each week by singing beautiful Christmas songs and having a fun time together, our family tried to refocus on the true meaning of the season. I must admit that delicious hot chocolate, hot apple cider, and tasty homemade cookies helped a lot to catch the joyful feeling of the Christmas season!
While celebrating the Advent of Christmas is not part of all cultures around the globe, there is something we can learn from this widespread Christian tradition. Perhaps even this year we might carve from our busy schedules some time to study and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas—personally and as families.
When we prepare for Christmas by pondering its real meaning, we prepare to experience the Christ and His message. May I suggest three things we may want to study, ponder, and apply in this season of preparation.
First, rejoice in the birth of our Savior.
Second, ponder His influence in our lives today.
Third, look steadfastly for His coming.
I pray that each and every one of you will have a wonderful and merry Christmas season.
Testify of the true meaning of Christmas.
*For Teenagers or Adults* Read or summarize the following article “Rediscovering the Christmas Spirit” by President Monson (taken from December 2012 Ensign). Testify of the true meaning of Christmas.
Years ago as a young elder, I was called with others to a hospital in Salt Lake City to provide blessings for sick children. Upon entering, we noted a Christmas tree with its bright and friendly lights and saw carefully wrapped packages beneath its outstretched limbs. We then went through corridors where small boys and girls—some with plaster casts upon an arm or leg, others with ailments that perhaps could not be cured so readily—greeted us with smiling faces.
A young, desperately ill small boy called out to me, “What is your name?”
I told him my name, and he inquired, “Will you give me a blessing?”
The blessing was provided, and as we turned to leave his bedside, he said, “Thank you very much.”
We walked a few steps, and then I heard him call, “Oh, Brother Monson, merry Christmas to you.” Then a great smile flashed across his countenance.
That boy had the spirit of Christmas. The spirit of Christmas is something I hope all of us would have in our hearts and lives—not only at this particular season but also throughout the year.
When we have the spirit of Christmas, we remember Him whose birth we commemorate at this season of the year: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).
In our day the spirit of giving gifts plays a large role in commemorating the Christmas season. I wonder if we might profit by asking ourselves, What gifts would the Lord have me give to Him or to others at this precious season of the year?
May I suggest that our Heavenly Father would want each of us to render to Him and to His Son the gift of obedience. I also feel that He would ask us to give of ourselves and not be selfish or greedy or quarrelsome, as His precious Son suggests in the Book of Mormon:
“Verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who … stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another.
“Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away” (3 Nephi 11:29–30).
In this marvelous dispensation of the fulness of times, our opportunities to love and give of ourselves are indeed limitless, but they are also perishable. Today there are hearts to gladden, kind words to say, deeds to be done, and souls to be saved.
One who had keen insight into the Christmas spirit wrote:
May we each discover anew the Christmas spirit—even the Spirit of Christ.
Testify of the true meaning of Christmas.
Treat
Microwave Caramels or White Chocolate Popcorn
Microwave Caramels
Yields 12-24 Caramels
Ingredient
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup light Karo syrup
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
Instructions:
1. Combine all ingredients.
2. Cook 6 minutes, stirring every two minutes.
3. Stir and pour into lightly greased dish.
4. Let cool.
5. Cut, wrap in wax paper & store in air tight container. (Taken from Food)
White Chocolate Popcorn
Ingredients:
12 ounce bag white chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
3/4 cup M&M’s
Activity
1- Five Christmas Gifts activity page —
President Monson said that we might want to think about which gifts the Lord would want us to give to Him or to others.
Circle the five children in the picture who are serving others. How are their actions gifts to Jesus?
2- Go Christmas Caroling as a family.
3- Make a Christmas countdown chain, with a scripture on each day. Here are some examples:
Jesus is born. (Luke 2:1–21)
Jesus calms the storm. (Mark 4:35–39)
Jesus feeds five thousand people. (Matthew 14:13–21)
Jesus teaches about the good Samaritan. (Luke 10:25–37)
Jesus heals the ten lepers. (Luke 17:11–19)
Jesus atones for our sins in Gethsemane. (Luke 22:41–45)
Jesus appears to the Nephites in the Americas after His Resurrection. (3 Nephi 11:8–17)
Jesus teaches the Nephites about the sacrament. (3 Nephi 18:1–12)
