Matthew 2; Luke 2

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Matthew 2 The wise men are directed by a star to Jesus—Joseph takes the child to Egypt—Herod slays the children in Bethlehem—Jesus is taken to Nazareth to dwell.

Luke 2 Heavenly messengers herald the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem—He is circumcised, and Simeon and Anna prophesy of His mission—At twelve years of age, He goes about His Father’s business.

Ancient prophets foretold the Savior’s birth.

Luke 2:1–21Matthew 2:1–12

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.

Ensign December 2020 “What do Book of Mormon prophets teach us about Christmas?”

Friend December 2018 “Prophecies of Jesus Christ” Match the prophecies with the picture.

Jesus Christ’s Birth: Prophets Foretold the Birth of Jesus Christ Mobile

Jesus was born.

Luke 2:1–14

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.)

Mary and Joseph Travel to Bethlehem

Shepherds Learn of the Birth of Christ Video

  • 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

  • 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.

Witnesses of Jesus Birth

The Christ Child is Presented at the Temple video

New Testament Scripture Stories “Presentation at the Temple”

Liahona January 2023 “How Can I Be a Witness of Jesus Christ?” Read how the witnesses responded when they first saw Jesus Christ.

“Lesson 5: The Childhood of Jesus Christ,” Primary 7: New Testament  Lesson discusses the witnesses of Jesus birth

New Testament Coloring Book “Jesus’s Birth”

I can give good gifts to Jesus.

Matthew 2:1–12

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?

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.

Friend December 2015
Friend December 2015 Gifts of love

Jesus was once a child like me.

Luke 2:40–52

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 2; Luke 2” Learning about the Savior’s childhood may help the children you teach relate to Him. Ask the children what they can learn from these verses about how they can be like Jesus now.

  • Invite one of the youth in the ward to visit your class and share the story of Jesus teaching in the temple when He was a young man.

Young Jesus Teaches in the Temple video

What is the “Father’s business”? (Luke 2:49; see Moses 1:39; General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1.2, ChurchofJesusChrist.org). What do we learn about that business from the story in Luke 2:41–49? Consider writing down some ways your family can participate in the Father’s business and placing them in a jar. During the coming week, as your family looks for ways to help with Heavenly Father’s work, they can select ideas from the jar. Plan a time when you will share your experiences. Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 2, Luke 2”)

Friend January 2019 “Jesus Learned and Grew”

Friend February 2017 “When Jesus was a Child” Jesus found teaching in the temple as a child.

Friend January 2011 “Jesus as a Child”

Friend May 2009 “Jesus Christ Teaches at the Temple”

Primary Visual Aids Cutouts Set 6 “Jesus as a Young Child” Church use only

Media Library “In Favour with God (Jesus Praying with His Mother)” Image (church use only)

Media Library “Jesus Teaching the Elders in the Temple”

Media Library “Jesus Teaches in the Temple”

Media Library “The Young Jesus Coming Out of the Temple with Mary and Joseph”

Media Library “Childhood of Jesus Christ”

Media Library “Jesus and his Mother”

New Testament Coloring Book “Jesus’s Childhood”

  • Ask several children ahead of time to bring pictures of themselves as babies to share. Ask them how they have grown. Share some of the ways Jesus grew (see Luke 2:40, 52). Sing with the children “Jesus Once Was a Little Child” (Children’s Songbook, 55) or another song about the Savior.

Friend March 2018 “Jesus was a Child Too!” Action poem

  • Read Luke 2:52, and explain what “wisdom” and “stature” mean. You might ask the children to perform actions that show what it means to increase in wisdom and in favor with God and other people. For example, they could act out reading a book or helping someone in need.

Friend January 2019 “Family Night Fun”

“Lesson 5: The Childhood of Jesus Christ,” Primary 7: New Testament 

Jesus grew “in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.”

Luke 2:40, 52

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 2; Luke 2” Like Jesus, the children you teach have an important mission to prepare for. What can they learn from Jesus’s example?

  • As you read Luke 2:40, 52, tell the children to listen for the things Jesus did. Invite the children to share ways in which they have grown since they were little. Share your own experience of learning the gospel little by little. Bear your testimony of the Savior.

Friend January 2020 “Growing Like Jesus” Growing like Jesus did spiritually, physically, intellectually, and socially by setting goals in the Personal Development: Children’s Guidebook. (“Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man” (Luke 2:52).)

  • Complete activities that illustrate phrases in Luke 2:40, 52. For example, you could measure each child’s height (“Jesus increased in … stature”) or ask the children to share their favorite scripture (“waxed strong in spirit”). Help the children notice ways they are growing and share these with their families.
  • After reviewing Luke 2:40, 52, invite the children to share what they think Jesus would have been like when He was their age. How would He have treated His mother? His brothers and sisters?

I can follow Jesus’s example.

Luke 2:41–52

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 2; Luke 2” Even as a young man, Jesus was teaching the gospel in the temple. Similarly, the children in your class have much to teach those around them.

  • Invite a child to come prepared to summarize the story in Luke 2:41–52. To help the children understand the story, teach what the “Father’s business” (verse 49) means. For example, you could tell the children what you or your parents do for a job. What was the job or “business” of Joseph, Jesus’s earthly father? (see Matthew 13:55). What is the business of His Heavenly Father? (see Luke 2:46–49; see also Moses 1:39).

What is the “Father’s business”? (Luke 2:49; see Moses 1:39; General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1.2, ChurchofJesusChrist.org). What do we learn about that business from the story in Luke 2:41–49? Consider writing down some ways your family can participate in the Father’s business and placing them in a jar. During the coming week, as your family looks for ways to help with Heavenly Father’s work, they can select ideas from the jar. Plan a time when you will share your experiences. Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 2, Luke 2”)

  • With the children, read Luke 2:46–49, and ask, “How was Jesus doing His ‘Father’s business’?” Help the children list or draw on the board ways they can help do Heavenly Father’s business too.
  • To help the children build their confidence that they, like the boy Jesus, can teach the gospel, help them practice teaching each other a principle from For the Strength of Youth.

Friend February 2016

Friend February 2016

Friend December 1991 “I Have a Testimony of Jesus Christ”

Additional Resources

Red Crystal Lesson ideas

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.

Friend January 2023 “Journey to Egypt” After the Wise Men saw Jesus, an angel came to Joseph in a dream. The angel said that Jesus was in danger. He said they should go to Egypt, where they would be safe (see Matthew 2:13–14). Follow the maze to help Mary, Joseph, and Jesus find their way to Egypt.


Christmas: Old Testament

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The Old Testament teaches me about Jesus.

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.)

Little LDS Ideas

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 7:53Psalm 23:1Job 19:25Isaiah 7:149:612:2Amos 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?

Answers: Savior, Messiah, Jehovah, Shepherd, Mediator, Creator, Prince of Peace

Friend December 2022 “The Many Names of Jesus”

  • 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 22:8Exodus 17:6Psalms 18:227:1 (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 2022 “The Symbols of Christmas”

Friend December 2012 “Jesus Christ Is the Son of God”

Liahona December 2022 “How Do These Symbols Testify of Jesus Christ?”

For the Strength of Youth August 2021 “The Light of Christ”

Liahona December 2022 “Acting on Faith in Jesus Christ” Come, Follow Me Family Fun: Reminders of Christ

The Old Testament includes symbols of the Savior and His Atonement that help us learn about Him.

  1. Have each person choose one of the following symbols of Christ used in the Old Testament:
  2. Using paper or other supplies, create an ornament shaped like the chosen symbol and display it in a special place to remember the Savior.
  3. 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.

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.

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 25:8–953:3–5; 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


Christmas: New Testament

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Jesus Christ came to earth as a baby.

Matthew 2:1–12Luke 2:1–14

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 came to earth as a baby.

Matthew 1:18–252:1–12Luke 1:26–382:1–20

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 1:18–252:1–12Luke 1:26–382:1–20). 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.

John 3:16

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 made it possible for me to live with Heavenly Father again someday.

John 3:16

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 16:15–16John 3:161 Nephi 10:4Mosiah 3:8Alma 7:10–133 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).

Jesus Birth: Lesson Ideas

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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.

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 2018 “Prophecies of Jesus Christ” Match the prophecies with the picture.

Primary 4 Manual: Book of Mormon ““Lesson 46: The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ (Christmas)”

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

Matthew 1:18–25Luke 1:26–38

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.

With God nothing is impossible.

Matthew 1:18–25Luke 1:5–37

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.

  1. Set an empty container, such as a bucket or a box, at one end of the room.
  2. Give each family member a feather.
  3. 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.
  4. 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 1:21–25Luke 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

Luke 2:1–14

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.

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.

Matthew 2:1–12

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?

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.

Friend December 2015
Friend December 2015 Gifts of love

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

Samuel and the Star

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.

3 Nephi 1:4–15, 19–21

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

Come Follow Me for Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 1–7: “Lift Up Your Head and Be of Good Cheer”

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”

Friend December 1988

Friend December 1988

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 25:8–953:3–5; 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.)

Little LDS Ideas

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 22:8Exodus 17:6Psalms 18:227:1 (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

3 Nephi 1:4–15, 19–21

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

Come Follow Me for Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 1–7: “Lift Up Your Head and Be of Good Cheer”

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”

Friend December 1988

Friend December 1988

Lesson 32: Signs in America of Jesus Christ’s Birth

Jesus Christ came to earth as a baby.

Matthew 2:1–12Luke 2:1–14

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.

John 3:16

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 1:18–252:1–12Luke 1:26–382:1–20

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 1:18–252:1–12Luke 1:26–382:1–20). 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.

John 3:16

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 16:15–16John 3:161 Nephi 10:4Mosiah 3:8Alma 7:10–133 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).

Christmas: Lesson Ideas

Posted on

Focus on Jesus’s Birth

As a family, think of ways to stay focused on Jesus this Christmas.

Friend December 2018 “For Parents of Little Ones” Ways to help teach little ones the true meaning of  Christmas—the celebration of Jesus’s birth.

Friend December 2021 “Bright Idea”

Christmas Peace and Light

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.)

Friend December 2021 “Show and Tell” Christmas cards for homeless, Giving tree (Click on link for photos)

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.

Friend December 2015
Friend December 2015 Gifts of love

Help Others Come Unto Jesus

Friend December 2022 “Bright Idea”

Family Christmas

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.”

Symbols of Christmas

Clipart Library

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 22:8Exodus 17:6Psalms 18:227:1 (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)

Christmas Lights

For the Strength of Youth December 2022 “Christmas Light” Our Christmas celebrations help remind us that Jesus Christ is our true Light.

Star

  • 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.)

Little LDS Ideas

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.

The Scriptures Teach of Jesus Birth

The Old Testament Teaches of Jesus Birth

Christmas: Old Testament

Christmas New Testament

What I Like About Christmas

Friend December 2023 “Following Jesus Together” Children’s Christmas crafts, art, and favorite things about Christmas