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.
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.)
The Old Testament teaches me about Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Christmas The Old Testament is more than just a collection of interesting stories and writings; its purpose, like all scripture, is to testify of Jesus Christ. Help the children learn how to find Him in the Old Testament.
Invite the children to make a list of all the names and titles of Jesus Christ they can find in Moses 7:53; Psalm 23:1; Job 19:25; Isaiah 7:14; 9:6; 12:2; Amos 4:13; and Zechariah 14:16. Let them work in pairs if they would like. Invite them to share their lists with each other. What do we learn about the Savior from each of these names and titles?
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?
Using paper or other supplies, create an ornament shaped like the chosen symbol and display it in a special place to remember the Savior.
Study the scripture references listed with each symbol above.
Discussion: What does each symbol teach about the Savior? What does Jesus Christ mean in your life?
At the end of studying the Old Testament this year, invite the children to share their favorite stories or scriptures from the Old Testament. What do these stories or scriptures teach us about Jesus Christ? Why are we grateful to have the Old Testament?
Jesus Christ is my Savior.
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.
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.
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.
Lullaby, lullaby, my little one. Lullaby, my child so dear. Thy precious life has just begun; Thy mother holds thee near. While Joseph watches through the night, A star reflects thy radiant light.
Thy gentle head shall wear a crown, For thy Father is the King. Thy tender hands, so tiny now, Have blessings great to bring. Let all creation join my song, For peace and love this night are born.
Chorus: Lullaby, lullaby, my little one. Lullaby, my child so dear.
It’s true. I know What happened in that village long ago— How one bright star did light the way To where the infant Christ Child lay, So humbly in His bed of hay.
It’s true. I know— Because the holy scriptures tell me so— Of angels’ music in the air, Of Babe and mother sweet and fair, And shepherds sent to find them there.
It’s true. I know. The Holy Ghost has whispered that it’s so, That Jesus, born that holy night, Has filled the world with truth and light And showed us how to live what’s right.
Like the star that shone over the stable, Guiding Wise Men to Christ through the night, I’ll help to lead others to Jesus By reflecting His love and His light.
Like a lamp shining bright from a window Through the dark at the end of the day, With warm, caring friendship and service, I can help to show others the way.
Chorus: Like bright lights of Christmas that bring joy and cheer, Good deeds can spread happiness all through the year.
When Baby Jesus came to earth So many years ago, The inn was full, no room to spare, Poor Mary found no safe place there For our dear Savior’s birth.
Just like the inn of Bethlehem, Our lives can be so full Of all the busy things we do, That sometimes without meaning to We don’t leave room for Him.
We can’t go back to Bethlehem To let the Dear Child in. But we can open our heart’s door To young and old, to rich and poor. And share Christ’s love with them.
Long ago, in Bethlehem, God sent His Holy Son; A precious Gift to save the world: The pure, Anointed One.
Every year, at Christmastime, The presents ‘round the tree Remind me to receive the Christ: The Gift God gives to me.
Jesus Christ gave His life; God planned it from the start. Each day I live, each gift I give Will show my thankful heart. Jesus is the Christmas gift God gives to you and me.
One little shepherd, two baby lambs, Three noble Wise Men with gifts in their hands; A shining angel watches above; I wish I’d been there to give Jesus my love.
Quick to the stable, shepherds make haste; A star through the desert the Wise Men have chased; And down from heav’n came angels to call; So I too will seek Him, the Savior of all.
Our Christmas Story Tree
“Our Christmas Story Tree” Sing before decorating tree.
The Way to Bethlehem
“The Way to Bethlehem” Sheet MusicFour verses: 1. shepherds 2. wiseman 3. Mary and Joseph 4. stars and angels.
Shepherds, shepherds, leave your lambs And find the way to Bethlehem, For the Baby sleeping there Is your Savior good and fair. Stars and angels shine His light. Find the way to Bethlehem tonight.
Wise Men, look up to the sky For one bright star to travel by. Bring your gold and precious things. Kneel before the King of kings. Stars and angels shine His light. Find the way to Bethlehem tonight.
See how Mary holds her Son, Jesus Christ, the Holy One. Joseph guards with tender care. Peace and gladness fill the air. Stars and angels shine His light. Find the way to Bethlehem tonight.
Friend December 2019 “Christmas Clues” Can you figure out the names of all these Christmas songs?
Friend December 2018 “Have a Song-a-Day Christmas” Starting 12 days before Christmas, sing along each day with one of these Christmas songs on music.lds.org. Color the music notes when you hear each phrase!
Friend December 2018 “Funstuff” Have your family or a group of friends take turns unscrambling the titles of the Christmas songs below. (It’s fun to work in teams.) Then have everyone choose a favorite one to sing!
The Messiah by Handel
Friend December 2017 “Christmas Peace” Handel created beautiful music about Jesus. Scriptures were used for the words. Fill in the blank of the scripture. Also, we can create something beautiful to show our love for Jesus.
Friend December 1985 Story of George Frideric Handel the composer of the Messiah.
Friend December 2020 “What’s on Your Mind?” A child asks the Friend the following: “I love getting presents at Christmastime. But how can I focus more on Jesus Christ?” Serving others and learning more about Jesus can help you feel the real joy of Christmas! The game below has lots of ideas.
Friend December 2018 “Funstuff” Word Search: A bright new star announced the birth of Jesus Christ. And other stars shone down on Bethlehem too. See if you can find all the words about these heavenly lights.
Friend December 2019 “Find It” These friends are collecting toys to give to others so that they can have an even happier Christmas. Can you find the hidden objects?
Friend December 2023 “Christmas Delivery” The Savior told us to love our neighbors as ourselves (see Matthew 22:39). Miles wants to take Christmas cards to his neighbors to show he cares about them. Use the clues to help him remember who lives where.
Just for Fun
Friend December 2016 “Funstuff: Puzzle Page”. Stockings could be used for a matching activity in teaching a song or concept. Copy and paste into word document to adjust size.
Friend December 2022 “Hi Friends” I like visiting the cemetery on Christmas Eve. We light candles on the graves of family and friends. Aasa L., age 3, Northern Savonia, Finland
Latin America
Friends December 2022 “Find It” In many parts of Latin America, people set up Nativity scenes but leave the manger empty. They add the baby Jesus on Christmas Eve. It helps them remember His birth! Can you find the hidden objects?
Columbia
Friend December 2019 “Family Night Fun” Columbia Christmas mosaic gelatin treat.
Friend December 2021 “Christmas in Mali” Judith and her siblings were going to their branch’s Christmas party. Not many people in Mali celebrated Christmas. In this part of Africa, most people didn’t know much about Jesus. To them, Christmas was just an ordinary day of work and play.
Guatemala
Friend December 2022 “Cookies, Hugs, and Love” Because of a hurricane and Covid, Eva’s family Christmas traditions of celebrating with family, friends, and neighbors was not possible. Eva was sad. Their family decided to buy food for people who lost their homes in the hurricane and Eva wanted to make cookies for the children in the shelter. Serving others helped her feel better.
For the Strength of Youth December 2023 Around the world, people celebrate the Savior’s birth in many different ways. Match the Christmas tradition with the part of the world it originates from.
Christmas Foods Around the World
For the Strength of Youth December 2022 “Fun Stop” Can you match the bolded food names with their picture and description? (Hint: foods are grouped on a table by country.) Christmas Food around the World: 1. E 2. F 3. A 4. B 5. K 6. L 7. I 8. J 9. C 10. D 11. G 12. H
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.
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.
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?”
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.
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.)
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?
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?
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).
This is my beloved son. Hear him!Mary, Mother of Jesus
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.)
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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).
Friend December 2024 “Our Nature Nativity” A family created rock art to remember the story of Jesus Christ’s birth. They all looked for items at the beach to create the nativity.
Friend December 2021 “Dear Friends” My brothers and I made salt-dough ornaments (Dec. 2020) and secretly gave some to our neighbors. It made us happy to love our neighbors like Jesus taught. Mary F., age 10, Illinois, USA
For the Strength of Youth December 2023 “6 Ways to Feel the Peace of Christ’s Light This Christmas“ Christmastime can get a little busy and stressful. Sometimes all that stress makes it hard to remember why we really celebrate Christmas. Put the two below pictures together, back to back. Shine a light behind the page to reveal six ways to focus on the Savior’s light and find more peace this Christmas.
Christmas Service Ideas
Friend December 2017 “Show and Tell” For the #LightTheWorld project, each member of our family wrote down on a light bulb what we did each day. (Click on Link for more ideas.)
We made 50 Christmas cards for people without homes who were staying in a temporary shelter in our town. We wanted to make sure they knew they were loved at Christmas. Jude and Oliver G., ages 4 and 8, California, USA
We set up a “giving tree” outside our house. We invited neighbors to do a good deed and then hang an ornament on the tree. Neighbors were happy to see so many good deeds happening. We are planning to make this a Christmas tradition! Kip, Annabelle, Hayes, and Dawson F., ages 2, 8, 4, and 6, Florida, USA
Friend December 2022 “For Older Kids” We used some of our Christmas gift money to help people in need. (Ridge and Blaike G., ages 9 and 13, Arizona, USA)
Gratitude for Gifts
Friend December 2017 “Family Night Fun” List the best gifts you’ve been given from friends and family and from Heavenly Father.
Gifts for Jesus
Friend December 2020 “Gifts of Love for Jesus” Heavenly Father gave us His Son, Jesus Christ. And Jesus gave His life for us so we can live with Him again. You may want to give a gift to Jesus. What gifts can you give Him?
We can give a gift to Jesus by serving others. Write on each person the name of someone you can serve.
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.
Ensign December 2017 Sample some foreign traditions. Wherever your ancestors come from, they probably had different Christmas traditions than you do now. Discover some traditional foods, games, or other activities from your ancestors’ homelands and try them out with your family.
Decorate your Christmas tree to reflect your family tree. Create ornaments that represent the ancestors. Place names and pictures (if available) of these ancestors among the tree’s decorations. (See link for more ideas.)
Light the World
Christmas Service
Friend December 2023 “Lighting the World Together” Dallin H. Oaks “As followers of Jesus Christ, we should be the friendliest of all people. We should serve those around us and those not of our faith. We should also notice the good done by others. Jesus Christ’s light guides all of us to help those in need.”
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?
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.)
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.
Print the pictures and the date cards. (Use seven sheets of white cardstock for the pictures and seven sheets of color cardstock for the date cards. You can use Christmas paper for the date cards if desired.) Number the back of the pictures 1 through 25. (For example: Isaiah would be #1, Nephi would be #2, the star and moon would be #3, and so forth.) Cut out the pictures and date cards. (A paper-cutter makes the job go faster.)
Attach the sign “Jesus is the Reason for the Season” to the top of a poster board or display board and attach the date cards underneath the sign with sticky tack (or purchase a pocket chart and place each date card in a pocket). Walmart has a jewelry pocket holder that would work with this smaller version of the activity.
For little ones, slip the matching pictures behind its date card in the pocket chart, or attach the scripture’s matching picture to the back of the date card before attaching it to the poster board.
Each day, starting on the first day of December, take a date card off the chart (going in numerical order) and read the scripture together as a family. Older children can find the matching picture that goes with the scripture and replace the date card with the picture, or if you have little ones have them turn the card around so the picture is showing and then put the card back in its spot if using a poster board, or, if using a pocket chart, take out the date card to display the picture behind it.
(The pictures and idea came from the Friend December 1985.)
Activity Cards and Inserts
The below activity cards have an activity related to each day’s scripture, and they also have an item related to the scripture that you can put into the pocket chart or into lunch bags. Click on each page, save, print saved file, and cut out the cards. Put the cards in the correct pockets of the chart, or staple one on each of the lunch bags. Read through the activity list below to make sure you have all the supplies needed, then fill the pockets or bag with those items. (The Christmas squares paper is from Freepik.com)
Day 1: Isaiah Card and Mobile: (Print and cut out the two pages of the “Prophets Foretold Jesus Christ’s Birth Mobile.” Follow the remaining preparation instructions on the activity.) The first few days of the advent calendar are about the prophecies of Jesus Christ’s birth, so on each of the first five days, tie a prophet card on the mobile and read the scripture of that prophet’s words. Day one is Isaiah. Explain that a virgin is a pure woman and Immanuel means “God with Us” meaning Jesus’ birth into mortality.
Day 2: Nephi Card and Coloring Page: (Print a copy of the coloring page for each person who will be coloring. Include crayons in the sack or pocket.) Have a child tie the Nephi card onto the mobile and then have family members color in the figures of Nephi and Isaiah on the coloring page. Ask the children what the scripture tells about Jesus’ birth.
Day 3: Samuel the Lamanite Card, Video, and Song: Tie the Samuel the Lamanite card onto the mobile. Color in his picture on the coloring page. Watch the video about Samuel the Lamanite and then sing along with the “Samuel Tells of the Baby Jesus” Video.
Day 4:Micah Card and Song: Tie the Micah card on the mobile, and color the Micah figure on the coloring page. Explain that this scripture tells of where Jesus would be born. Sing along with a YouTube video of “O Little Town of Bethlehem.”
Day 5: Adam Card and Retell: Tie the Adam card onto the mobile. There is no Adam figure on the coloring page. Explain that other prophets also foretold of Jesus’ birth. Have them color in the last prophet on the page, and then have them retell about the prophets and what each foretold about Jesus’ birth.
Day 6: Video: Watch the video “Chapter One: Elisabeth and Zacharias” from the New Testament Stories DVD or LDS Media Library. I included the DVD in this bag. You could have popcorn in the bag instead of the DVD if you are watching it on LDS Media.
Day 7: Video and Mary and Angel Figures: Place Mary and the Angel on a wall if using the cutouts from LDS Media Library or on a table if using a child friendly nativity set. Watch Mary and the Angel Gabriel (video). (See more Cutouts below.)
Primary Cutouts Manual Cutouts
Day 8: Video and Joseph Figure: Watch the video “Chapter Four: Joseph and the Angel” from the New Testament Stories DVD or LDS Media Library. Place Joseph on a table (or on a wall if using cutouts from LDS Media Library).
Day 9: Chocolate Coins: Using chocolate coins, discuss what taxes could be used for—roads, schools, etc. Set aside the tax coins and put them in bag or pocket #10 to enjoy tomorrow. (Chocolate coins can be purchased at party stores or in the party supply section at Walmart.)
Day 10: Chocolate Coin Taxes: Distribute and eat the chocolate coin taxes. Optional: Look up an online map of Israel from Jesus’ time period and point out all the cities people may have gone to be taxed.
Day 11: Maze Coloring Page: (Print a maze for each child.) Using a crayon, find the path to Bethlehem through the maze for Mary and Joseph.
Day 12: Stable and Video: Watch half the video “Chapter Five: Jesus Christ is Born” from the New Testament Stories DVD or LDS Media library. Watch to the point where a stable is mentioned (pt. 37) then have a child place the stable on a table—or on the wall if using cutouts from LDS Media–and then put the figures of Mary and Joseph in the stable. (Click on the following image of a stable, save, and then print it the full size of the paper for the cutouts.)
Day 13: Baby Jesus Figure and Song: Put the baby Jesus and manager in the stable (or on the wall) Sing the song “Away in a Manger.” Sing along with a YouTube video or a Children’s Songbook recording.
Day 14: Window Picture: Print the picture of the earth and the picture of Jesus. Attach the front of the picture of Jesus to the back of the picture of the earth, or put both in a single page protector. Have the children hold the picture up to the light of a window or lamp. Explain that Jesus created the earth but was born humbly in a lowly stable.
Day 15: Shepherd Figures: Place the shepherds and sheep figures on the table or wall–but not in the manger.
Day 16: Angel Figure and Song: Place the angel on the table or wall near the shepherds. Watch and sing along with a YouTube video of “Stars were Gleaming.” (Verse One)
Day 17: Candy Canes: Place the shepherds and sheep in the stable. Candy Canes: Explain that shepherds carried hooked staffs in order to get sheep who had wandered off or needed help. Candy canes remind us of caring shepherds and of Jesus who is the Good Shepherd. Watchthe second half of the video “Jesus Christ is Born.” (From pt. 47 to the end)(Children’s Songbook)
Day 18 Map and Wisemen Sticker: (Print the below map and the Wisemen sticker page. Put the map in a page protector if planning to use it again. Cut out the Wisemen and make them into stickers or put tape of the back of them. Put one of the stickers in this bag.) Show the map to the children and explain that it is a map of the land of Israel where Jesus was born. Have a child decide where the East is on the map and then stick the Wisemen sticker onto that part of the map. (The map is from the LDS Book of Mormon Study Guide for Home-Study Seminary Students Unit 7)
Day 19: Wisemen Sticker and Marker: Have a child put the Wisemen sticker on the first place the Wisemen went looking for baby Jesus. Draw a dotted line between the two stickers with a marker or dry erase marker. Look at this painting of Jerusalem by James Tisset and discuss reasons the Wisemen thought the King of the Jews might be in Jerusalem.
Day 20: Scroll Activity: (Cut a a piece of paper in half lengthwise. Cut each piece in half again lengthwise. Cut all the pieces in half widthwise. You should end up with 8 pieces of paper 5.5 inches by 2.25 inches. Write in the middle of one of the papers the word “Bethlehem.” Roll the papers into small scrolls–one per family member–and tie them with string or jute.) Explain that Herod’s chief priests and scribes would have read the prophecies of Jesus’ birth on records made on scrolls. Have each family member choose a scroll from the bag or pocket. The person who finds the word “Bethlehem” will read it during the next day’s activity and place the next sticker. You may want to mention that when King Herod heard of the birth of a new king of the Jews,” he became alarmed because it threatened his rule as king.
Day 21: Wisemen Sticker: Have the family member read the scroll and then draw a dotted line from Jerusalem to Bethlehem and put the Wisemen sticker near Bethlehem.
Day 22: Star Activity: Decorate star cookies or decorate a star craft item such as these popsicle sticks stars or the below string threading activity, then hang the decorated star or star cutout over the manager scene.
Day 23: Wisemen Figures: Put the Wisemen figures in the nativity scene (or on the wall if using the cutouts from LDS Media Library).
Day 24: Retell the Story of Jesus’ Birth: If needed, review the story of Jesus’ birth by reading a storybook or watching “The Nativity” video. Then, using the Nativity figures or cutouts, have family members retell or act out the story of Jesus’ birth. Optional: Give a candy kiss or hug after each person’s response and input.
Day 25: Picture of Jesus and Song: Print an image of Jesus as an adult. See LDS Media Library or use the cutout. Show the picture and post it near the nativity. Optional: Sing along with a YouTube video of “Joy to the World.”
*Send me the pictures of the advent calendars you make so I can share the different ways it can be done.
