Prophets Foretold the Birth of Jesus Christ
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 2; Luke 2” Prophets and believers had been looking forward to the Savior’s birth for centuries. Understanding this truth can help the children gain a deeper appreciation for the Savior’s life and mission.
Ask the children to talk about things they look forward to, such as a birthday or holiday. Have the children read Helaman 14:2–5 to find something prophets were looking forward to.
Friend December 2018 “Prophecies of Jesus Christ” Match the prophecies with the picture.
- Read together some prophecies of the Savior’s birth (see Isaiah 7:14; 9:6; 1 Nephi 11:18; Helaman 14:5). Help the children list details these prophecies contain and find their fulfillment in Luke 2:1–21 and Matthew 2:1–12.
Invite the children to draw a picture of something from Matthew 2:1–12 or Luke 2:1–21 and share why they are grateful Jesus was born.
Ensign December 2020 “What do Book of Mormon prophets teach us about Christmas?”
Friend December 2024 “Nephi Sees Baby Jesus”
Friend December 2018 “Prophecies of Jesus Christ” Match the prophecies with the picture.
- Read together Matthew 1:21–23 and Luke 1:31–33, and discuss how Isaiah’s prophecies in Isaiah 7:14; 9:6–7 were fulfilled when Jesus Christ was born.
Jesus Christ’s Birth: Prophets Foretold the Birth of Jesus Christ Mobile
Come Follow Me for Primary: Book of Mormon “Christmas” Jesus was born to be my Savior
Angels Appear to Mary and Joseph
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 1; Luke 1” Mary and Joseph were each visited by an angel who announced the birth of Jesus Christ. These experiences can help the children see how important Christ’s birth was.
- Invite a child’s parents to come to class dressed up as Mary and Joseph. Ask them to share the experiences recorded in Matthew 1:18–25 and Luke 1:26–38.
- Tell the stories of angels appearing to Mary and Joseph, as recorded in these verses. (See also “Chapter 2: Mary and the Angel” and “Chapter 4: Joseph and the Angel,” in New Testament Stories, 8–9, 12, or the corresponding videos on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.) You could show the picture in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families. Invite the children to repeat the stories back to you.
- Invite the children to draw pictures of the stories found in Matthew 1:18–25 and Luke 1:26–38.
With God nothing is impossible.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 1; Luke 1” The births of Jesus and John the Baptist were possible only through the power of God. Learning about these miracles can strengthen the children’s faith that God has the power to work miracles in their lives.
- As you and the children review Matthew 1:18–25 and Luke 1:5–37, ask the children questions like “What would you say if you were Mary?” or “How would you feel if you were Zacharias?”
Latter Day Kids “Nothing Shall Be Impossible” Lesson ideas
- In simple terms, tell the stories described in Matthew 1:18–25 and Luke 1:5–37. Ask the children to raise their hands when they hear something that might seem impossible without God’s power. What other stories can the children share in which God did something that seemed impossible?
- Help the children memorize Luke 1:37. To do this, you could write the verse on the board and invite the children to recite it several times. After each time, erase one word.
Friend January 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities: A Nativity Story”
Story: Elisabeth and Zacharias wanted to have a baby, but Elisabeth was too old. One day, an angel told Zacharias that they would have a son! Their son was John the Baptist. Elisabeth and Zacharias learned that with God, nothing is impossible. (See Luke 1:11–14, 37.)
Song: “A Child’s Prayer” (Children’s Songbook,12–13)
Activity: Try this “impossible” task! First, bend your middle finger under. Then put your hand down on a table, palm down. Now try to lift your ring finger. Then ask someone else to lift it for you. How has Heavenly Father helped you do something that did not seem possible?
Liahona January 2023 “Families and the Light of the World: Come, Follow Me Family Fun”
Doing Hard Things with God’s Help
Like Mary and her cousin Elisabeth in the New Testament (see Luke 1:5–55), sometimes we are asked to do hard things and may wonder if we can.
- Set an empty container, such as a bucket or a box, at one end of the room.
- Give each family member a feather.
- Starting on the opposite end of the room from the container, have each family member try to get their feather into the container by blowing it to keep it in the air as they cross the room.
- To make it more challenging, allow only 30 seconds, and use a straw to blow air on the feather. Continue to decrease the allotted time until the activity becomes impossible.
Discussion: Keeping in mind that some challenges may not be resolved in this life, share an experience that strengthened your testimony that “the things which are impossible with men are possible with God” (Luke 18:27) What small steps can you take each day to achieve tasks in your life that seem impossible?
For the Strength of Youth January 2023 “The Ultimate Miracle” Stories about ancient miracles and modern miracles and the ultimate miracle of the atonement
Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
Matthew 1:21–25; Luke 1:30–35, 46–47
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 1; Luke 1” Jesus Christ is the Son of Heavenly Father and Mary. What can you do to help the children learn more about Him?
Tell the children that the angel told Mary that her baby would be called the Son of God (see Luke 1:35). Help the children repeat the phrase “Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”
- Younger children:Help the children understand who Jesus’s parents were by inviting them to draw pictures of their own parents. As they do this, tell them that Jesus had parents too—Mary and Heavenly Father. In addition, Joseph was asked to protect and take care of Jesus while He lived on earth. (See Red Crystal for an activity page for this part)
- Older Children: Ask the children to read Luke 1:30–35, looking for answers to these questions: “Who is Jesus’s mother?” and “Who is Jesus’s Father?” Help them understand that Jesus Christ is the only person who had a mortal mother, Mary, and an immortal Father, Heavenly Father (see also 1 Nephi 11:18–21).
Share your testimony that because Jesus was the Son of God, He could die for our sins and come back to life. Show pictures of Jesus’s Crucifixion and Resurrection (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 57, 59).
President Russell M. Nelson explained that the Atonement of Jesus Christ “required a personal sacrifice by an immortal being not subject to death. Yet He must die and take up His own body again. The Savior was the only one who could accomplish this. From His mother He inherited power to die. From His Father He obtained power over death” (“Constancy amid Change,” Ensign, Nov. 1993, 34).
- As you read these verses, invite the children to search for names or titles of Jesus Christ. What do these names mean, and what do they teach us about Jesus?
- Share your testimony of Jesus Christ, and invite the children to share their testimonies as well.
Mary and Joseph Travel to Bethlehem
Jesus is Born
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 2; Luke 2” Jesus left His home with Heavenly Father to be born on earth so He could be our Savior. How can you help the children remember the story of Christ’s birth?
- As you read the story of Christ’s birth, invite the children to act out the story themselves, or use this week’s activity page to review the story. (See also “Chapter 5: Jesus Christ Is Born,” in New Testament Stories, 13–15, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.)
- If you have one, bring a Nativity set, and invite the children to set the pieces in appropriate places as you tell them the story of Jesus Christ’s birth. You could also show a picture of the Nativity (see, for example, this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families). Point to different people in the Nativity, and invite the children to share what they know about each person.
Friend December 2004 “The Christmas Story” Flannel board figures
Latter Day Kids “The Birth of Jesus Christ (The Nativity Story)” Lesson ideas
- Sing together the children’s favorite songs about Jesus’s birth. As you do, look for opportunities to bear your testimony of the Savior. Invite the children to share why they love Jesus.
The First Christmas Spirit (movie) A depiction of what Joseph may have felt as he faced the responsibility of caring for the Son of God.
For the Strength of Youth “The Nativity”
Witnesses of Jesus Birth
“Lesson 5: The Childhood of Jesus Christ,” Primary 7: New Testament Lesson discusses the witnesses of Jesus birth
Liahona January 2023 “How Can I Be a Witness of Jesus Christ?” How each witness responded to Jesus’s birth. (Includes scripture reference and paintings of the witnesses.)
Shepherds
New Testament Coloring Book “Jesus’s Birth”
Wiseman Seek Jesus
I can give good gifts to Jesus.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 2; Luke 2” The Wise Men gave Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. How can you use this story to teach the children that they can give gifts to Jesus too—gifts like love, service, and obedience?
- Show a picture of the Wise Men as you review their story, found in Matthew 2:1–12, with the children. You could show the picture Wise Men Present Gifts (ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
Friend January 2023 “Gifts for Jesus”
Latter Day Kids “Gifts for Jesus” Lesson ideas
- Gift wrap pictures or objects that represent gifts we can give to Jesus. Invite the children to help you open the gifts, and discuss how we give these gifts to the Savior
- Help each child draw or write a list of gifts they can give Jesus, such as “being a good friend” or “praying.” Invite the children to share their lists with the class and choose one “gift” they will give Jesus today.
Friend December 2017 “Family Night Fun” Make these cute gift boxes, and write a gift you want to give Jesus, like being kind, and put it in your gift box to remember!
Friend December 2017 “Dear Friends” One reason we give Christmas presents is to remember the gift of Heavenly Father and His Son. They love us so much. And we can show how much we love Them by being kind to others. You are a gift to the world too. Your life is a blessing to those around you.
Light: Sign of Jesus Birth
Friend December 2019 “The Light of the World” Light is one of the most beautiful symbols of the birth of Jesus Christ. When Jesus was born, He brought light to a darkened world. (See more at link)
For the Strength of Youth December 2022
Friend December 2020 “Samuel and the Star”
Friend December 2020 “I Can Play It: Samuel Tells of the Baby Jesus” Printed song and Sing-Along Video
Friend December 2016 “Samuel Tells of the Baby Jesus” video
Friend December 2020 “Family Night Fun”
A new star appeared when Jesus Christ was born.
Primary 4: Book of Mormon “Lesson 32: Signs in America of Jesus Christ’s Birth” Tell the children that you are going to give them some clues about an event that took place many years ago. Ask them to raise their hands when they know what event the clues are describing.
- Angel
- Shepherd’s staff
- Donkey
- Star
- Manger
- Baby
Before class, place a star on the wall. Invite the children to look for something on the wall that usually isn’t there. Tell the children that the Nephites saw a new star in the sky when Jesus was born.
Show the children a picture of the Savior’s birth Help the children understand that the Nephites were far away from where Jesus was born, but they knew He was born because of the signs they saw. Testify that even though we did not see the Savior’s birth, the Holy Ghost can help us know that the stories about it in the scriptures are true.
Friend September 2020 “Family Night Fun”
Presentation at the Temple
The Christ Child is Presented at the Temple video
New Testament Scripture Stories “Presentation at the Temple”
Jesus was Born to be the Savior
“He Is the Gift”
Come follow Me for Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon “Christmas” To help your family focus on the gift Heavenly Father gave us by sending His Son, you could wrap a picture of Jesus Christ like a Christmas present. Family members could talk about favorite Christmas gifts they have received or hope to receive. Then they could unwrap the picture of Christ and discuss how He has been a precious gift for us. The video “He Is the Gift” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org) could help you discuss how you can discover, embrace, and share the gift of the Savior as a family this Christmas.
Friend December 2017 “For Parents of Little Ones” Ideas for helping little ones see that Jesus the reason for the Christmas season.
Friend December 2022 “Jesus Said”
Rejoicing His Birth
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Christmas Christmas is a time to celebrate not only Jesus’s birth but also His life and mission as Savior of the world. How can you help the children feel joy and gratitude for Jesus Christ’s Atonement?
- Ask the children to think of something that they are looking forward to. Explain that faithful people in Old Testament times looked forward to Jesus Christ’s birth. Read Isaiah 25:9 to the children, and have them repeat the phrase “We have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.” Share with them why you are glad and rejoice that Christ was born. Invite the children to share their feelings about the Savior.
Friend December 2022 “Jesus Said”
- Sing together a song about Jesus’s birth, such as “Away in a Manger” (Children’s Songbook, 42–43) or “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” (Hymns, no. 209). Help the children discover phrases in these songs that teach us about our Savior and the blessings we have because of Him.
Liahona January 2023 “How Can I Be a Witness of Jesus Christ?” How each witness responded to Jesus’s birth. (Includes scripture reference and paintings of the witnesses.)
Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Christmas As we celebrate Jesus Christ’s birth, we can also rejoice in His life and atoning sacrifice. How might you use scriptures from the Old Testament to help the children build their faith in their Savior and Redeemer?
- Read together Isaiah 7:14; then invite the children to share what they know about Christ’s birth. Or show the video “The Nativity” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org), and invite each child to choose a person from the video and share how that person may have felt. Share your testimony about the Savior, and invite the children to do the same.
- To help the children better understand Jesus Christ’s role as our Savior, invite them to read Isaiah 25:8–9; 53:3–5; and Hosea 13:14. What do these scriptures teach us about how the Lord saves us? How can we “rejoice in his salvation”? (Isaiah 25:9).
- Sing a song together about Jesus Christ’s love for us, such as “Away in a Manger” (Children’s Songbook, 42–43) or “I Stand All Amazed” (Hymns, no. 193). Invite the children to share phrases that help them feel the Savior’s love.
“The Christ Child: A Nativity Story”
Latter Day Kids “The Birth of Jesus Christ (The Nativity Story)” Lesson ideas
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Christmas” Help the children focus on the Savior Jesus Christ as the reason we celebrate Christmas. You can do this using scriptures from the Old Testament that testify of Him.
- Display a picture of the nativity (such as Gospel Art Book, no. 30, or one of the pictures in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families). Read Isaiah 9:6, giving each child a turn to point to the baby Jesus when they hear the phrase “a child is born.” Share your testimony that prophets in the Old Testament knew that Jesus would be born.
- Invite each child to say his or her name, and point out that in addition to our names, we can be called other things, like sister or brother or friend. Invite the children to think of other examples. Read Isaiah 9:6 to the children, emphasizing the names that refer to Jesus Christ: “Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Help the children understand what these names tell us about Jesus.
New Era December 2009 “Unto Us a Child Is Born” Explanation for each of the names for Jesus in Isaiah 9:6
- Give each child a paper star, and invite the children to hold their stars up when you read the following phrase from Numbers 24:17: “there shall come a Star out of Jacob.” Invite the children to share how Jesus is like a bright star that shines to all the world. Sing together a song about the star that appeared when Jesus was born, such as “Stars Were Gleaming” (Children’s Songbook, 37) or “The First Noel” (Hymns, no. 213). (Jesus is our source of light to guide us in the paths we should follow.)
Heavenly Father Sent His Son as a Gift to Us.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Christmas” Giving and receiving gifts is a traditional part of Christmas for many people. This tradition should help us remember God’s “matchless gift of His divine Son” (“The Living Christ”).
- Ask the children to tell about gifts they have given or received. Read to them the last sentence of “The Living Christ,” and invite them to listen for the gift God has given us. (If needed, help them understand that “matchless” means “better than any other.”) Why is the Son of God, Jesus Christ, the best gift?
- Sing together a song about Jesus Christ, such as “He Sent His Son” (Children’s Songbook, 34–35). Help the children pick a phrase from the song that they would like to draw (such as “newborn babe” or “walk with men”). As they draw, ask the children to tell you how they feel about what Jesus has done for them. Share your feelings as well.
Friend December 2021 “Bright Idea”
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Christmas” Christmas is such a joyful season because of the hope that Jesus Christ brought to the world through His teachings, example, and atoning sacrifice.
- Invite each child to draw a Christmas tree, or draw one on the board. Invite the children to decorate the tree with words or phrases from “The Living Christ” that describe a gift the Savior has given us (such as “light,” “life,” and “hope”). Let them talk about why they chose those words or phrases.
- Help the children find Christmas hymns that tell of the light, life, and hope that the Savior’s birth brought to the world—for example, “O Little Town of Bethlehem” or “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” (Hymns, nos. 208–9). Sing the hymns together, and let the children share how Jesus has brought light, life, and hope into their lives.
- Ask some of the children to read about the shepherds in Luke 2:8–20. Ask others to read about Simeon in Luke 2:25–33. Invite them to share with each other how the shepherds and Simeon felt about finding out that Jesus was born. Why did they feel this way? Why does His birth bring us “great joy”?
Friend December 2019 “The Living Christ” Like light shining through a window, the Savior brings light and hope to a world that sometimes seems dark. Color this stained-glass window, then visit ComeUntoChrist.org/Christmas to learn how you can share Christ’s light!
Symbols of Christmas
Friend December 2022 “The Symbols of Christmas”
- Show the children a few Christmas decorations (or pictures of some), such as a star, lights, or a gift. Ask the children how each of these things might remind us of the Savior. Explain that the scriptures often use symbols to teach us about Jesus Christ. Invite the children to look in one or more of the following verses for something that could symbolize Jesus Christ: Genesis 22:8; Exodus 17:6; Psalms 18:2; 27:1 (see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families for additional examples). How is Jesus like a lamb, water, rock, a fortress, or light?
Friend December 1985 “The Answer Tree” A grandma put answers to her grandchild’s questions about Jesus onto tree ornaments. (activity idea)
Star
Friend December 1987 “Christmas Stars” Jody wants to be like the Christmas star and lead people to Jesus by being a good example.
Friend December 2022 “The Nativity Star” Cayden’s family has a tradition of acting out the story of Jesus’s birth. Cayden wants to be the star that led the wisemen to Bethlehem because he wants to help people find Jesus like the star did.
Gifts
Friend December 2021 “The First Christmas Gift” An 11 year old’s father told her about the very first Christmas gift. It was when Heavenly Father gave us His Son, Jesus Christ, to be our Savior. Heavenly Father knew that His Son would suffer on earth, but He still gave Jesus to the world. And Jesus willingly gave Himself so that we could have eternal life.
Friend December 2019 “The Christmas Coins” Three people from the neighborhood were singing songs and collecting money to help sick children at the hospital. Janelle’s mother didn’t have any money, so Janelle gave all her coins to the singers. Afterwards she realized she had given away the money she was saving to buy her mom a gift. Janelle’s mom said she gave her the best gift by doing what Jesus would do, helping someone who needed help.
Friend December 2016 “You can’t Wrap a Horse” A family talks about gifts–gifts that can’t be wrapped like service and the gift of our Savior from Heavenly Father.
Come Follow Me Christmas Lessons
Old Testament
Old Testament Come Follow Me Lesson 2022
New Testament
New Testament Come Follow Me Lesson 2023
Book of Mormon
Primary 4: Book of Mormon “Lesson 32: Signs in America of Jesus Christ’s Birth” Tell the children that you are going to give them some clues about an event that took place many years ago. Ask them to raise their hands when they know what event the clues are describing.
- Angel
- Shepherd’s staff
- Donkey
- Star
- Manger
- Baby
Before class, place a star on the wall. Invite the children to look for something on the wall that usually isn’t there. Tell the children that the Nephites saw a new star in the sky when Jesus was born.
Show the children a picture of the Savior’s birth Help the children understand that the Nephites were far away from where Jesus was born, but they knew He was born because of the signs they saw. Testify that even though we did not see the Savior’s birth, the Holy Ghost can help us know that the stories about it in the scriptures are true.
Friend September 2020 “Family Night Fun”
Lesson 32: Signs in America of Jesus Christ’s Birth
Jesus Christ came to earth as a baby.
Children love the story of Jesus Christ’s birth. What doctrinal truths do you see in this story that you feel the children should understand?
- Read Luke 2:1–14 to the children, or describe the events in these verses by referring to “Chapter 5:Jesus Christ Is Born” (in New Testament Stories, 13–15, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Invite the children to draw pictures of these events and use the pictures to tell the story themselves. Why are we happy that Jesus was born?
- Ask the children to tell you the story of the Wise Men following the star to find Jesus. If they need to be reminded of the story, see Matthew 2:1–12 or “Chapter 7: The Wise Men” (in New Testament Stories, 18, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Hide a picture of Jesus in the room. Draw or cut out a paper star and hold it in the air. Invite the children to pretend to be wise men carrying gifts, and lead them around the room to find Jesus. Help the children think of some gifts that we can give to Jesus.
- Sing a few Christmas hymns or songs with the children (see Hymns, nos. 201–14; Children’s Songbook, 34–54). Ask them to share something each song teaches that they feel is important to know.
Jesus Christ made it possible for me to live with Heavenly Father again someday.
Do the children you teach understand why Jesus Christ came to earth? Take time to ponder what the Savior has done for you personally and how you can help the children understand what He has done for them.
- Bring a wrapped gift or box to class with a picture of Jesus Christ inside. Attach a tag with “John 3:16” written on it, and tell the children that this is a clue about what the gift is. Read John 3:16 with the children, and invite them to guess what the gift is and open it. Why did God send us His Son?
- Help the children finish this sentence: “Jesus Christ came to earth to .” Then show pictures related to the Savior’s atoning sacrifice, death, and Resurrection (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 56–59), and briefly tell about these events. You could also sing a song about why Jesus came to earth, such as “He Sent His Son” (Children’s Songbook, 34–35). Bear your testimony of Jesus Christ and what He has done for you.
Jesus Christ came to earth as a baby.
Matthew 1:18–25; 2:1–12; Luke 1:26–38; 2:1–20
How can you help the children focus on Jesus Christ at Christmas?
- Invite one of the children to read about some of the events related to the Savior’s birth (see Matthew 1:18–25; 2:1–12; Luke 1:26–38; 2:1–20). Ask the other children to take turns drawing pictures on the board of what the scriptures are describing. What do these stories teach us about Jesus Christ?
- Invite the children to write on several slips of paper things they could do to help them focus on the Savior during the Christmas season. (They could get ideas from the video “Good Tidings of Great Joy: The Birth of Jesus Christ” on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.) Invite them to share what they wrote. Encourage the children to take the slips home and do with their families the suggestions they wrote on the slips.
- Sing Christmas songs about the Savior (see Children’s Songbook, 34–54; Hymns, nos. 201–14), and invite the children to share a favorite line or phrase from the songs.
Jesus Christ made it possible for me to live with Heavenly Father again someday.
How can you help the children review what they have learned this year and understand why they need Jesus Christ in their lives?
- Label one piece of paper Who is Jesus Christ? and another Why did He come to earth? and attach them to different walls of the classroom. Invite each child to read one of the following scriptures: Matthew 16:15–16; John 3:16; 1 Nephi 10:4; Mosiah 3:8; Alma 7:10–13; 3 Nephi 27:14–15. Ask the children to look for answers, in the scriptures they read, to the two questions on the walls. Invite them to write down their answers and attach them to the wall next to the appropriate question. How can we show our gratitude for what Jesus Christ has done for us?
- Invite the children to list on the board all of the names or titles of Jesus that they can think of (see Bible Dictionary, “Christ, names of”). What do these names teach us about Jesus Christ and His mission? Why do we need Jesus Christ in our lives? To help answer this question, show the video “Why We Need a Savior—A Christmas Message about Our Savior Jesus Christ” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
Pingback: Jesus's Life: Lesson Ideas - Teaching Children the Gospel