by Alison Palmer

Scripture: Acts 1:11

Song: “He Sent His Son,” Children’s Songbook p. 34

Preparation: Gather a large poster board, markers or crayons for use by the family, at least twelve clear, plastic craft jewels (silver glitter is a slightly messier option), and glue.

Lesson:
Review the story of Christ’s birth with your family’s help. Ask them to share their favorite parts about the joys and activities of the season. Discuss the importance of remembering that the birth of the Savior should remain the basis for all or our celebrations.

Ask your family to work together to create a nativity scene on the poster board. As you work, ask each person to share something special that they appreciate about Christ, His life and mission. Emphasize that keeping these things in mind during the Christmas season and every other day of our lives helps us experience greater happiness in this life.

Read Helaman 14:3-5 and 3 Nephi 1:20-21 with your family. Help them understand that the birth of the Savior represented the beginning of the fulfilling of Heavenly Father’s sacred promises to us. The new star that shone in the heavens was one way Heavenly Father showed us He was keeping His special promises, or covenants, with us.

As part of his plan for us He promised not to leave us alone. He promised to provide us with a Savior who would be an example of His commandments. More importantly, He would open the way for us to return to our Heavenly Father. Discuss how Jesus Christ fulfilled these promises throughout his life.

Tell the family that they will help you explore more about the promises of our Heavenly Father which began to show themselves on that special night when Christ was born.

Read and discuss each scripture associated with the topics given, adding any others that might be appropriate for your family situation. After each blessing and promise is explored have the children take turns gluing jewels onto your nativity scene to represent stars of promise.

Charity- Moroni 7:47-48
Eternal life- Moses 1:39
Forgiveness- John 8:10-11
Gospel- 1 Nephi 15:13
Healing- Matthew 6:2-7
Holy Ghost- D&C 20:79
Hope- 2 Nephi 31:20
Love- John 15:10
Peace- John 14:27
Resurrection- John 11:25
Second Coming- Acts 1:9-11
Strength- 2 Samuel 22:31-33

Remind the family that the star was not the only sign or wonder Heavenly Father sent at the time of Christ’s birth. In the same way, Heavenly Father tries to share His love and blessings with us every day through the things we see and experience. Challenge your family to look for ways that Heavenly Father has kept the promises found in Christ’s life, and in the Christmas season, as you begin your family celebrations of His birth.

Activity:
Younger Children: Lay your nativity picture down against a far wall or end of a clear table. Explain that after Christ’s birth wise men saw the sign of the star and knew the promises it represented. They followed it to come and worship Jesus Christ.

Use drinking straws to blow large craft pom-poms from a starting line to the picture. Run races to see whose “Wise-pom” can make it to the Savior (over the edge, onto your nativity scene) first. Discuss the ways we show wisdom by following Jesus Christ today.

Older Children: Write reverse Christmas lists. Write down the names of people or families who have been examples of Christ-like values to your family through the past year. Write notes of gratitude for their example or discuss other ways of returning the gift they have given you during the Christmas season.

Treat: Star shaped cookies or brownies to ice and decorate.

Alison Palmer’s new title, Sharing Through Primary Songs, with combined lessons for 2008 singing and sharing time, is now available at ampalmer.com.