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Jul 2008 Issue
by Alison Palmer
Scripture: D&C 18:15
Song: “Called to Serve,” Children’s Songbook, 174-75
Preparation: Gather materials to make simple cards and copies of the Book of Mormon to give away if you choose to use them with your activity.
Lesson:
Ask each family member to recall their last birthday celebration. What did they choose to do? Did they receive any special gifts? Who celebrated with them?
Birthdays are exciting and beautiful experiences. Explain that birthdays are a time that we celebrate the gifts of life and a mortal body that Heavenly Father has given us. Because He loves us, He sent us to earth with the blessings and gifts we would need to live a good life and learn about Him. He wants us to celebrate our lives, learn, and grow to love Him more.
Help each family member identify some of the “birthday” gifts they received before they were born to help them here on earth. These can include such things as a loving family, a special talent, a spirit of peace, love, faith, or any gospel related blessing.
Next, ask about the people that they like to involve in their birthday celebrations. Why? Usually it’s because these people are important to us. They are friends and supportive family that help them to be better people and recognize the gifts Heavenly Father has given each of His children.
Now ask the family to think about what it would be like not to know about birthdays and parties, or not to have good friends and family to share these happy times with. Consider that, in a way, these are the types of celebrations that our friends and families are missing out on when they don’t know or understand that they are children of God.
They may celebrate their birthday, but they’re missing out on inviting the most important guest to their party. Maybe Heavenly Father has been invited, but the person doesn’t fully know about the special gifts that He has given them. Ask each person to consider how would it feel if they forgot to invite a close friend or family member, or forgot to introduce that friend to another guest, their Heavenly Father?
As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we’re part of the biggest birthday party celebration there can be. We can teach others to recognize the beautiful and exciting gifts that Heavenly Father has given us.
Sharing the gospel with people can seem like a very scary and difficult task, but what Heavenly Father is really asking us is to make sure we invite all of our family and friends to our celebration of the gospel and the way it blesses our lives. The gospel is something to celebrate and everyone should have an invitation. Sometimes sharing the gospel is something very small, sometimes it’s something very big but every time it’s something that can bring us and the other person wonderful joy.
Challenge each family member to share something that they appreciate and celebrate about a friend or family member as a child of God. During tonight’s activity your family will take a first step to having a birthday party for every child of God.
Activity:
Younger children— Create birthday cards with the following statement: (outside) “Happy Birthday—Today you’re a Child of God!” (inside) “I’m celebrating because YOU are a special child of God. Heavenly Father has given you wonderful gifts of….. (let each person fill in something special about their chosen person).”
Older children— Prepare a Book of Mormon for each individual to give away with the card and piece of birthday cake.
Refreshments:
A simple birthday cake that reads: “Happy Birthday Children of God.” Make sure there is a piece for each family member and a piece to share with their chosen person. After eating your own treat, deliver each card and piece of cake as a family.
