1. Long ago in Galilee Jesus walked along the sea And told the fishermen To follow Him. Like the faithful long ago, I will choose to follow, For Jesus is calling me.
2. Jesus showed us long ago How to help the sick, the cold, To love and care for those Who need us the most. I will comfort those in need. I will strengthen feeble knees And show the love inside of me.
[Chorus] I will follow where my Savior leads. I will listen when He calls to me. I will live what I believe. And when I’m in need, He will carry me. He’s my Shepherd, and I’m His sheep.
1. The Shepherd loves His little lambs, And when they go astray, He seeks them as they wander; He calls each one by name. They listen for the Shepherd’s voice; They run to Him, and then He welcomes them with loving arms When they return to Him.
2. The Savior loves His little ones, And if I leave His side, He seeks me as I wander By day or darkest night. I’ll listen for the Savior’s call. I’ll come to Him, and then He’ll welcome me with loving arms When I return to Him.
3. The Savior marks the path for me; He shows me how to live. And if I stray or wander, I know He will forgive. So I will heed the Savior’s voice; I’ll turn away from sin, And He will fill my heart with joy When I return to Him.
Atonement
The Miracle
Friend June 2018 “The Miracle” Jesus did many miracles, but the most incredible is the one that rescued each of us. Music Video
Words: Jesus said that He would be my Shepherd. Jesus said that I would be His lamb. He calms my fears with tender words of comfort, So when He calls, I gladly follow Him. Jesus is my Friend; He’s like no other. Jesus is the Son, the Bread of Life. With Him, I’m not afraid; He is my Brother. He knows my heart. He helps me choose the right. Jesus said that He would be my Savior. Jesus said that He would be my Light. He made the stars, the oceans—my Creator, Redeemer, Lord, the Way, the Truth, the Life. So many names of Jesus, So many ways to know Him, And every name means, “I love you.” The Prince of Peace, the King of Kings, Jesus Christ salvation brings.
1. There’s a light within me— The perfect light of Christ— And I have made a promise To keep it burning bright By walking in His footsteps And following His plan In every time and every place, In every way I can.
2. One simple act of kindness Will lift a lonely soul; One gentle word that’s spoken Turns sadness to hope. One choice to be like Jesus Will spread the love He gives, And one by one the world becomes A better place to live.
Chorus: I will shine like a candle in the dark; All it takes to make a difference is a spark. And it’s easy to see that the brightest I’ll be Is when I let His light shine through me. When I let His light shine through me.
1. Jesus walked in wisdom; Jesus grew in truth. He showed love to God and man while in His youth. Jesus wants to guide me. Jesus shows the way, Calling me to come and walk with Him each day.
2. I can grow like Jesus. I will try each day— Promising to walk His path and there to stay. Standing by my Savior, safe within His care, Step by step I’ll follow, and His love I’ll share.
3. I will trust in Jesus. I will hear His call. He will never leave me, even when I fall. Jesus gives me power, lifts and comforts me, Helping me to live and grow eternally.
Chorus: I will walk with Jesus to my home above. He will bless me with His Spirit and fill me with His love, Change my heart forever and help me clearly see. I will walk with Jesus, and He will walk with me.
Read 3 Nephi 17:21–25 with your family, which describes the Savior ministering to people after His Resurrection. Talk about what it might have felt like to be there.
Draw or write these body parts on pieces of paper: hands, feet, knees, arms, eyes, and mouth. Pass them out to different family members.
Whenever a body part is mentioned in the song, have the family member holding that paper lift it up for everyone to see.
Discussion: Talk about how Jesus has a resurrected body and how one day we’ll have a resurrected body too. Jesus used His body to serve others. How can we serve others and show them love?
“Had I Been A Child” Lyrics
1. Had I been a child when Jesus cameUnto the Nephites that blessed dayAnd showed them the wounds in his hands and his feetAnd knelt with them to pray.
2. Then he might have held me safe in his arms;He might have looked in my eyes and saidA word, with his blessing of kindness and love,His hands placed upon my head.
3. Someday, when the Savior comes again,Oh, how I hope that my heart will beAs pure as the hearts of the children that dayWho gathered around his knee.
1. There is peace in Christ When we learn of Him. Feel the love He felt for us When He bore our sins. Listen to His words. Let them come alive. If we know Him as He is, There is peace in Christ.
2. There is peace in Christ When we walk with Him Through the streets of Galilee To Jerusalem. Mend the broken hearts. Dry the tear-filled eyes. When we live the way He lived, There is peace in Christ.
Chorus: He gives us hope When hope is gone. He gives us strength When we can’t go on. He gives us shelter In the storms of life. When there’s no peace on earth, There is peace in Christ.
Second ending: When there’s no peace on earth, There is peace in Christ.
1. Because He walked with men, I know the way. Because He calmed the storm, I’m not afraid. Because He bowed beneath all things, He lifted me above. Because I know He died for me, I feel His love.
2. Because He conquered death, I’ll live again. Because He is my Friend, I’ll follow Him. Because He felt all grief and pain, He calms and comforts me. And when He comes again, I’ll kneel before His feet.
Chorus: And I will praise forever The Savior of the world. And I will sing together With all the Saints on earth. Because He gave to me everything He had to give, I breathe, I see, I hope, I love, I live.
Friend May 2021 “A Statue of Jesus” Siblings ask their mom if they can go see the statue of Jesus. They can’t wait to see Jesus someday for real.
The Scriptures Teach Us About Jesus
Friend February 2021 “Feeling Christ’s Love” When Elder Takashi Wada Of the Seventy was young he read the Bible in school and wanted to know more about Jesus. Then he met the missionaries and they gave him a Book of Mormon and her learned more about Jesus. He wanted to be baptized and follow Jesus.
Jesus is Our Brother and Loves Us
Friend July 2021 “River Rock Rescue” When Elder Juan Pablo Villar of the Seventy was a boy he got stuck between two rocks! His knees were pressed against his chest and he couldn’t breathe or move. He was starting to black out when his brother reached down and pulled him out. Jesus is our older brother and he will always there to give us a hand in life.
Friend July 2021 Cover up the questions below and study the picture for one minute. Then have someone ask you the questions to see what you remember without looking! Make up some new questions to play again.
Friend February 2020 “Keep Going, Josie” Josie had been sick and was tired, but she needed to run in the big race with her teammates. She was worried about letting them down. In her first race, others kept passing her and she felt like giving up. But as her teammates passed her they encouraged her to keep going. Their words gave her strength and she was able to finish the race. She realized that Jesus does the same for her. He encourages her to keep going spiritually in life, and is there to help her if she needs it.
Friend October 2016 “A New Picture for May” In Primary class May is sad because she doesn’t know how her family shows love for each other, but her friend adds May’s picture to her family chain with Jesus. May knows Jesus loves her. (We are all brothers and sisters and Jesus is our elder brother.)
Sharing About Jesus
Friend April 2021 “I Know a Song about That!” Annie goes to a Catholic School in Ireland. One day, when the teacher was talking about Jesus walking on the water, Annie remembered a song about the story she had learned in Primary. She was invited to share the song with the class.
Jesus Took Upon Him Our Sorrows
Friend December 2021 “Carrying Spotty” Abbie got a new puppy. She helped him feel safe when he was scared. She carried him when he was tired. In Primary, Abbie learned that Jesus suffered for us and took upon him our sorrows. He can carry us through our trials. She realized that Jesus helps her kind of like she helps her puppy. He helped her feel safe when she was afraid of the dark. He helped her feel stronger when she was worried.
Friend April 2020 “The First Easter” Cut out the story and the pictures to tell the story of the first Easter.
Think of an object lesson that can help the children understand what happens when we die (our spirits and bodies separate) and when we are resurrected (our spirits and bodies come back together). For example, what happens when we remove the battery from a flashlight or the ink container from a pen? What happens when these things are reunited? Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Easter: “I Am He Who Liveth, I Am He Who Was Slain”
Assign each child one of the following scripture passages: Doctrine and Covenants 63:49; 88:14–17, 27; 138:11, 14–17. Invite the children to search their verses to find a phrase that they feel captures the message of Easter. Let them share their thoughts. If time allows, let them make cards that feature the phrases they found that they can give to family members or friends.
Show the children a picture of Joseph Smith’s First Vision. Invite the children to tell you what is happening in the picture, and ask them to find Jesus Christ.
Ask the children if they know about other times Joseph Smith saw the Savior. In your own words, tell about the experiences described in Doctrine and Covenants 76:11–24; 110:1–7. Why is it a blessing to know that Joseph Smith saw the risen Savior?
April 3, 1836, was Easter Sunday. After helping administer the sacrament to Saints gathered in the newly dedicated Kirtland Temple, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery found a quiet place behind a veil in the temple and bowed in silent prayer. Then, on this sacred day when Christians everywhere were commemorating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the risen Savior Himself appeared in His temple, declaring, “I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain” (Doctrine and Covenants 110:4).
What does it mean to say that Jesus Christ is “he who liveth”? It doesn’t just mean that He rose from the tomb on the third day and appeared to His Galilean disciples. It means that He lives today. He speaks through prophets today. He leads His Church today. He heals wounded souls and broken hearts today. So we can echo the words of Joseph Smith’s powerful testimony: “After the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony … which we give of him: That he lives!” (Doctrine and Covenants 76:22). (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Easter: “I Am He Who Liveth, I Am He Who Was Slain”)
On the board, list some truths we learn about the Savior from these verses. Invite the children to identify which verses teach the truths listed on the board. On this week’s activity page, help the children match the pictures with the scripture verses.
In addition to saving us from physical death, Jesus Christ provided a way for us to be saved from spiritual death—in other words, to be forgiven of our sins and return to God’s presence.
Write on the board two headings similar to these: What the Savior did and What I must do. Invite each child to search one of the following passages to find something that belongs under these headings: Doctrine and Covenants 18:10–13; 19:16–19; 45:3–5; 58:42–43. Share your joy and gratitude for what the Savior did for us.
Help the children learn the third article of faith. You could help them memorize it by showing pictures that go with key phrases.
Show the video “The Shiny Bicycle” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org), or tell a story of your own about a child who made a wrong choice and then repented. Help the children discuss what the child in the story did to receive forgiveness. How has the Savior made it possible for us to be forgiven?
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.
In section 133, the Lord describes His Second Coming and invites His people to prepare for this glorious event. How can you help the children look forward to the Savior’s return?Possible Activities
Hide a picture of the Savior’s Second Coming behind a cloth, as if the cloth were a curtain (you could use the image in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families or Gospel Art Book, no. 66). Invite the children to take turns moving the “curtain” aside and pretending they are looking out a window. Ask them to share how they would feel if they looked out the window and saw Jesus coming down from heaven. Read the phrase “go ye out to meet him” (verse 19), and help the children repeat the phrase.
Under each child’s chair, hide a picture depicting something we can do to prepare for Jesus Christ’s Second Coming (such as read the scriptures, share the gospel, or serve our families). Let the children find the pictures, and talk about how doing these things helps us get ready to meet the Savior when He returns.
Sing together a song about the Second Coming, such as “When He Comes Again” (Children’s Songbook, 82–83). Share your love for the Savior and your feelings about His return to the earth. Invite the children to share their feelings too.
Elder D. Todd Christofferson said, “It is supremely important to prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ” (“Preparing for the Lord’s Return,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 81). How will you help the children understand how they can participate in this critical work?
Display the picture from this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families, and invite the children to make a list of things they know about Jesus Christ’s Second Coming. Then, using Doctrine and Covenants 133:19–25, 46–52, invite them to add things to their list. Share your testimony that the Second Coming will be a joyful day for the righteous.
To help the children understand verse 19, talk to them about how a bride might prepare for her wedding (perhaps someone who was recently married could help with this conversation). How are we like a bride preparing “for the coming of the Bridegroom,” Jesus Christ? If you think it would be helpful, review with the children the parable of the ten virgins (see Matthew 25:1–13). Why is it important to prepare for the Savior’s Second Coming? What can we do now to prepare
Read to the children some of the prophecies Zechariah made about the Savior’s Second Coming, such as those in Zechariah 2:10; 14:9. Ask the children to draw pictures of what they think it will be like when Jesus comes again, or sing together a song about the Second Coming, such as “When He Comes Again” (Children’s Songbook, 82–83).
To help your family talk about Joel 2:12–13, you could place a picture of the Savior on one side of a room and the word sin on the opposite side. Invite family members to take turns facing the sign and then turning toward the Savior as they share things that can help us turn to Him “with all [our] heart.” Encourage family members to think about all aspects of their lives, including activities, work, school, and relationships. (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Hosea 1–6; 10–14 Joel”
Adam-ondi-Ahman
SECTION 116
Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet, near Wight’s Ferry, at a place called Spring Hill, Daviess County, Missouri, May 19, 1838.
1 Spring Hill is named by the Lord aAdam-ondi-Ahman, because, said he, it is the place where bAdam shall come to visit his people, or the Ancient of Days shall sit, as spoken of by Daniel the prophet.
Church History Topics “Adam-ondi-Ahman” Two years after the Kirtland Temple dedication, while searching for lands the Saints could settle in Daviess County, Missouri, Joseph Smith and a group of Church leaders found a beautiful spot near the Grand River with abundant water, wild game, and grass-covered prairies. Speaking of a prominent knoll in the area called Spring Hill, the Lord in a revelation explained that He had named it “Adam-ondi-Ahman” because “it is the place where Adam shall come to visit his people.”2
The Saints rejoiced at this news, and soon families began moving to the area. They patterned their settlement after the plat of Zion (Joseph Smith’s urban plan for Independence, Missouri) and identified a location for a temple.3 Leaders organized the Adam-ondi-Ahman Stake in 1838, one of the first in the Church.4 As many as two hundred homes were built, but the settlement at Adam-ondi-Ahman lasted only a few months. Violence soon erupted between the Latter-day Saints and other Missourians in the fall of 1838, and the Saints at Adam-ondi-Ahman were forced to abandon their homes.
According to Joseph Smith, Adam-ondi-Ahman is where God talked with Adam and the place where Adam offered up sacrifices to the Lord. At Adam-ondi-Ahman, Adam called his family together before he died so he could bless them (see D&C 107:53–56).
Adam-ondi-Ahman will also be an important place in the future: near the time of Christ’s second coming, Adam will come again to Adam-ondi-Ahman and hold a great council. All the prophets who have held keys of priesthood authority upon the earth will come to this council to give a report of their work to Adam. Jesus Christ will then come to Adam-ondi-Ahman, and Adam will return the priesthood keys to him. Christ will then return to earth to begin the Millennium, the thousand years when Christ will live on and reign over the earth.
According to Joseph Smith, Adam-ondi-Ahman is where God talked with Adam and the place where Adam offered up sacrifices to the Lord. At Adam-ondi-Ahman, Adam called his family together before he died so he could bless them (see D&C 107:53–56).
Adam-ondi-Ahman will also be an important place in the future: near the time of Christ’s second coming, Adam will come again to Adam-ondi-Ahman and hold a great council. All the prophets who have held keys of priesthood authority upon the earth will come to this council to give a report of their work to Adam. Jesus Christ will then come to Adam-ondi-Ahman, and Adam will return the priesthood keys to him. Christ will then return to earth to begin the Millennium, the thousand years when Christ will live on and reign over the earth.
Signs of the Second Coming
Have each child look up one or more of the following scriptures and identify which drawing represents the sign mentioned in the scripture:
Assure the children that if we are trying to live the gospel, we do not need to fear the Second Coming. We will be protected so that we can do the things Heavenly Father wants us to do for him, and we can look forward to being with Jesus Christ again.
Christ revealed signs of His coming as given on the Mount of Olives; 24–38, The gospel will be restored, the times of the Gentiles will be fulfilled, and a desolating sickness will cover the land; 39–47, Signs, wonders, and the Resurrection are to attend the Second Coming; 48–53, Christ will stand on the Mount of Olives, and the Jews will see the wounds in His hands and feet; 54–59, The Lord will reign during the Millennium; 60–62,The Prophet is instructed to begin the translation of the New Testament, through which important information will be made known; 63–75, The Saints are commanded to gather and build the New Jerusalem, to which people from all nations will come.
32 But my disciples shall astand in holy places, and shall not be moved;
Some people in Kirtland, Ohio, didn’t want to learn the gospel. Some even told lies about the Saints to try to stop others from learning about the gospel.Jesus told Joseph Smith that He would come to earth again soon. Before He comes, everyone on earth must hear the gospel. The Saints should be good missionaries and work hard to share the gospel.When Jesus lived on earth, He told His Apostles what would happen before He came again.Jesus told His Apostles that the temple in Jerusalem would be destroyed. The Jewish people would be scattered to many nations, and many of them would be killed. There would be many wars. People wouldn’t love each other, and they would turn their hearts from God. There would be terrible sickness, disease, and earthquakes. The sun would be dark, the moon would be like blood, and stars would fall.One important event in preparation for Jesus’ return to the earth is the restoration of His Church. Jesus said the restored gospel would be like a light in the darkness.Many things that Jesus told about have already happened. Other things are beginning to happen, and others will happen in the future.When these things happen, righteous people will know Jesus is coming soon. They will want Him to come. Many Jews will go back to Jerusalem. They will hear the gospel.Righteous Saints will build the new city of Zion, where they will be safe. They will not fight with each other. They will be happy and sing songs of joy. People who are not righteous will not be able to go to Zion.Jesus will come to earth in a bright cloud. Righteous people will see Him. All the righteous people who have died will be resurrected. They will meet Jesus in the cloud and come to earth with Him.Jesus will come to Jerusalem. He will stand on a mountain there, and it will split in half. The heavens and earth will shake. Wicked people will be destroyed.People in Jerusalem will see Jesus and ask, “What are those wounds in your hands and feet?” He will say: “I am Jesus who was crucified. I am the Son of God.” Then the people will cry because of their sins and feel sad because Jesus had been persecuted.Righteous people will be very happy to see Jesus. The whole earth will belong to them. Satan will not be able to tempt them. Their children will grow up without sin. Jesus will live with them for 1,000 years and will be their King.Jesus told Joseph Smith to send missionaries to tell everyone to repent and prepare for the Second Coming. Jesus said the Saints should also prepare. They should pray, fast, and teach each other the commandments.Jesus promised the Saints that if they would be close to Him, He would be close to them. He said they should pray, and He promised that God would answer them.The Saints should do everything they can to help Jesus. When people help Jesus, they become like Him. Then they will be ready for His Second Coming.
Signs of the Savior’s Second Coming may be difficult for some class members to understand. It might help them to work in groups and identify signs they find in Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:21–37. It might also help them better understand the importance of these signs if they compare them to road signs. Why are road signs important? How are the signs of the Second Coming like road signs? How are they different? You might even give each group pieces of paper in the shape of road signs and invite them to write on each paper a sign that will precede the Second Coming. Let them share what they found, and invite the class to discuss evidence of these signs in the world today.
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 It can be unsettling to read about the events leading up to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. But when Jesus prophesied of these events, He told His disciples to “be not troubled” (Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:23). How can you “be not troubled” as you hear about earthquakes, wars, deceptions, and famines? Think about this question as you read these verses. Mark or note any reassuring counsel you find.
You could also see “ Signs of the Times ” in the Guide to the Scriptures, available on scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
Living the gospel provides safety from the spiritual dangers of the last days.
We are living in “the last days” that Paul spoke of, and the “perilous times” have come (2 Timothy 3:1). As you read 2 Timothy 3, write down the perils of the last days that are mentioned (see also 1 Timothy 4:1–3):
Can you think of examples of these perils in the world around you—or in your own life? How do these perils, like the people described in verse 6, “creep into [your house], and lead [you] captive”? What counsel do you find in 2 Timothy 3, and elsewhere in these epistles, that could keep you and your family safe from these spiritual dangers? (see, for example, 1 Timothy 1:3–11; 2 Timothy 2:15–16; Titus 2:1–8).
Jesus Christ will gather His people before He comes again.
After reading Doctrine and Covenants 29:1–2, act out the analogy of Christ gathering His people “as a hen gathereth her chickens.” One child could pretend to be the hen and choose a corner of the room to stand in. When he or she “clucks,” have all the children gather around him or her. Children could take turns being the hen. Hold up a picture of the Savior and invite the children to gather to Him. Share with the children how Jesus helps us when we gather to Him.
What did the Lord say we must do to be gathered by Him?
One way to get the children excited about the gathering is to share the story of someone who joined the Church. For example, who introduced your family to the Church? Consider asking children in advance to find out about the first member of the Church in their families and share his or her story with the class.
Invite the children to make a list of ways they can help people gather to the Savior. For example, they could invite friends or family members to a Primary activity or to a home evening with their families.
The tenth article of faith talks about the gathering of Israel. Do any of the children have this article of faith memorized? If they do, invite them to recite it for the class. If not, help them set a goal to memorize it.
Let the children act out the parable of the wheat and the tares (see Matthew 13:24–30). Explain that the wheat represents people who make righteous choices, and the tares (harmful weeds) represent people who do not. One day, Heavenly Father will gather the righteous people to live with Him.
Give the children some examples of right and wrong choices. Ask the children to say “wheat choice” when you describe a right choice and “tare choice” when you describe a wrong choice.
Fighting with siblings/ Sharing with siblings
Doing chores when asked/ Complaining about chores
Getting angry after losing a game/ Choosing to congratulate the winner
Choosing to tell the truth about breaking something/ Choosing to lie so you don’t get into trouble.
Choosing to make fun of someone/ Choosing to be kind
Invite the children to draw different scenes from the parable of the wheat and the tares, found in Matthew 13:24–30, and share their drawings with the class. Ask them to label their drawings using the interpretation of the parable found in Matthew 13:36–43. You may need to explain that tares are harmful weeds.
If possible, display a picture of wheat and tares. Explain that the wheat and tares will grow together until the harvest (the end of the world). This teaches us that we live with both good and evil around us, and we must be careful to choose the right.
Ask the children to share how they can tell the difference between good and evil.
12 Wherefore, all things which are good cometh of God; and that which is evil cometh of the devil; for the devil is an enemy unto God, and fighteth against him continually, and inviteth and enticeth to sin, and to do that which is evil continually.
13 But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.
16 For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God.
17 But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil; for after this manner doth the devil work, for he persuadeth no man to do good, no, not one; neither do his angels; neither do they who subject themselves unto him.
When a choice needs to be made, ask yourself, “Does it persaudeth men to do evil (from the devil) or does it inviteth to do good (from God).”
Read the situations below and ask the children to tell you what kind of reactions and thoughts would be from God, and what kind of reactions and thoughts would be from Satan.
Your friends have invited you to a movie. When you get there, you realize that it is not a good, wholesome one. Your friends decide to see it anyway.
Someone wants you to try drugs, smoke, or drink alcoholic beverages, saying that using such things will make you feel good.
Some of your friends won’t include you if you don’t swear with them.
Someone tells you some gossip about a friend and suggests you pass it on.
You break the cookie jar while getting some cookies. Your mother asks you what happened.
Your friends invite you to go to the circus on Sunday after your church meetings are over.
You don’t know an answer on a test at school. You promised your parents that you would try to get a good grade.
You’re very tired and get into bed before remembering to pray.
Your brother is being mean and teasing you.
I Can Help Prepare the World to Receive Jesus Christ
The mission of the Church—God’s kingdom on earth—is to prepare the world for the return of the Savior. The children you teach are an important part of this mission. What can you do to help them participate?
As a class or in pairs, read Doctrine and Covenants 65, and count how many times the word “prepare” is written. What is the Lord asking us to prepare for? What can we do to prepare ourselves and the earth?
Show a picture of the Savior’s Second Coming (see Gospel Art Book, no. 66), and ask the children to describe what they see or what they know about this event. Give the children key words and phrases to find in Doctrine and Covenants 65 (such as “filled the whole earth” and “wonderful works”). What do these words and phrases teach us about the Second Coming and our role in preparing for it? Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 64–66”
Ponder ways you can “make known [God’s] wonderful works among the people” (verse 4).
Hosea 10:12 uses the images of sowing, reaping, time, and rain to invite us to seek the Lord. As you read this verse, what creative ideas come to mind that could inspire the children to seek Him?
Read Hosea 10:12 to the children, and invite them to do simple actions to help them understand the verse, such as pretending to plant seeds, pick vegetables from a plant, or stand in the rain. Or show pictures of seeds, plants, and rain. Help the children compare planting a seed and reaping good food to living righteously and receiving the Lord’s blessings. Testify of the blessings the Lord has rained upon you as you have tried to seek Him.
Draw a clock on the board, and ask the children to share ways we can seek the Lord at different times of the day. Invite the children to repeat with you the phrase “It is time to seek the Lord” (Hosea 10:12). Help them understand that it is always time to seek the Lord. Share what you do to remember Him all the time.
Joel Chapter 1 Call a solemn assembly and gather to the house of the Lord, for the day of the Lord is at hand.
Joel CHAPTER 2 War and desolation will precede the Second Coming—The sun and the moon will be darkened—The Lord will pour out His Spirit upon all flesh—There will be dreams and visions.
Joel Chapter 3 All nations will be at war—Multitudes will stand in the valley of decision as the Second Coming draws near—The Lord will dwell in Zion.
Read Joel 2:28 to the children, and explain that the words “all flesh” mean everyone, including “sons” and “daughters” like them. Invite the children to draw pictures of the people referred to in this verse (sons and daughters, old and young men, old and young women), including themselves. Explain that one way Heavenly Father pours out His Spirit is by giving us the gift of the Holy Ghost when we are baptized.
What could it mean for the Spirit to be “poured out” upon us? Maybe you could demonstrate this by pouring a liquid and then contrasting it with a drip or a trickle.
Invite the children to share what they know about the Holy Ghost. Help them understand that the Holy Ghost can teach us about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and can help us to know what is true (see John 14:26; Doctrine and Covenants 42:17). Share experiences to help the children understand the ways the Spirit can help us.
Friend June 2019 “The Holy Ghost is…” The Holy Ghost is a member of the Godhead, a gift that comes with baptism, and a promise from Heavenly Father. He is a comforter, warning, teacher, messenger, friend.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Hosea 1–6; 10–14, Joel” Many of the children you teach have likely been baptized and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. How can you use these scriptures to help them understand the power and blessings that come from hearing the voice of the Spirit?
Invite the children to read together Joel 2:28–29, inserting each other’s names in place of the phrases “your sons” and “your daughters.” Write on the board a sentence like The Holy Ghost can … and invite the children to take turns completing the sentence. Encourage them to include things they learn from John 14:16; Moroni 10:5; Doctrine and Covenants 42:17, and other scriptures.
Place an object in a bowl, and let the children take turns pouring water over it. Explain that the object represents us, and the water represents the Holy Ghost. When we are baptized, we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, which is one way the Lord fulfills His promise to “pour out [His] spirit.” What must we do to receive the Holy Ghost? Invite the children to share times when they have felt the influence of the Spirit.
What could it mean for the Spirit to be “poured out” upon us? Maybe you could demonstrate this by pouring a liquid and then contrasting it with a drip or a trickle.
Friend February 2018 “Funstuff: The Holy Ghost” Fill in the blank with some things you can do to feel the Holy Ghost.
When the Saints in Kirtland, Ohio, heard the revelation found in Doctrine and Covenants 45, which speaks of the last days and the Savior’s Second Coming, they received it with joy. Consider how you will help the children prepare joyfully for the Second Coming.
Help the children think about how they feel when they know that someone special is coming to visit them, like a grandparent or a friend. How do they prepare for the visit? Show a picture of the Savior, and read part or all of Doctrine and Covenants 45:44–45. Tell the children how you feel about the Savior coming again, and let them share their feelings.
Sing a song about the Savior’s Second Coming, such as “When He Comes Again” (Children’s Songbook, 82–83). Use the song to discuss ways we can prepare for Jesus to come again, such as by doing God’s will and letting our light shine for others.
It can be frightening for children to read about the wars, wickedness, and destruction that are prophesied to occur before the Savior’s Second Coming. How can you help them look forward with joy to this promised day?
Ask the children how they know when a new season is near. What signs do they look for? Explain that just as there are signs of a new season, there are signs of the Second Coming. Read together Doctrine and Covenants 45:37–38. What did Jesus say that the signs of His Second Coming would be like? To help the children discover the signs we should be looking for, assign each child (or group of children) to read a few verses from Doctrine and Covenants 45 that describe these signs. Verses 26–27, 31–33, 40–42 could be used, for example. Let the children share what they found. Which of these signs are being fulfilled today?
On separate pieces of paper, write some of the promises regarding future events that you found in your study of section 45. Some examples of these promises can be found in verses 44–45, 51–52, 55, 58–59, 66–71. List on the board the verses where the promises are found. Give the children the papers, and ask them to use their scriptures to match the verses on the board to the promises. Discuss what these promises mean, and invite the children to share which promises help them feel excited about the Savior’s Second Coming.
35 And I said unto them: Be not troubled, for, when all these things shall come to pass, ye may know that the promises which have been made unto you shall be fulfilled.
As you study Doctrine and Covenants 45:11–75, consider focusing not just on the troubling events that are prophesied but also on the blessings the Lord promises (for example, the promises in verses 54–59 about the Savior’s millennial reign). You could do this by creating lists or by labeling or marking the verses. What do you find that helps you “be not troubled” about the last days?
How can you help family members understand what it means to watch for the Savior’s Second Coming? Maybe you could think of an event that you are anticipating and share ways that you are “watching” for that event. Or you could bake something together and watch for signs that it is ready to eat. What are we doing to watch for the Savior’s Second Coming?Doctrine and Covenants 45:55.
The Saints in Joseph Smith’s time were eager to build Zion, the New Jerusalem, as described in the Book of Mormon (see Ether 13:2–9) and in Joseph Smith’s inspired revision of the Bible (see Moses 7:62–64). What do you learn about Zion—both the ancient city of Enoch’s day and the latter-day city—from Doctrine and Covenants 45:11–15, 66–71?
Today the command to establish Zion refers to establishing God’s kingdom wherever we live—wherever the children of God gather to the safety of His “everlasting covenant” (verse 9). What can you do to help build Zion where you are?
See also Gospel Topics, “Zion,” topics. ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
Reading 1 Nephi 22:26 and Revelation 20:1–3 can help your family understand how Satan “shall be bound” during the Millennium. How can we bind Satan in our lives?
The Millennium
As you discuss with the children what life on earth will be like during the Millennium, explain the following points from Doctrine and Covenants 101:22–34 (you may want to have the children look up the verses in their own scriptures):
Everyone will be able to see the Savior (v. 23).
All the wicked will be destroyed (v. 24).
People and animals will live in peace (v. 26).
Satan will not have power to tempt anyone (v. 28).
There will be neither sorrow nor death (v. 29).
A person will grow old, then be changed suddenly from mortal to immortal life (vv. 30–31).
The Lord will reveal all things about the earth and heaven, including how the earth was created and what will become of it (vv. 32–34).
Isaiah saw a time when God’s people will have peace and joy. This prophecy will be fulfilled when Jesus Christ returns to earth and reigns for a thousand years—an era called the Millennium.
Isaiah 65:17–25 describes what the earth will be like when the Savior comes again. Divide the children into small groups, giving each group a few of these verses to read. After a few minutes, make a list together on the board of how life will be different in the “new earth” described in these verses (verse 17). Why will this be a time to be “glad and rejoice for ever”? (verse 18).
Friend March 2013 Cover
Before class, prepare word strips with words and phrases from the tenth article of faith. Invite one of the children to recite the article of faith, and ask the children to put the word strips in order. Help the children understand what this article of faith teaches us about the Millennium.
In the Old Testament, the prophet Jacob (or Israel) had 12 sons. Their families, or tribes, were scattered across the earth. Heavenly Father wants all of them to come back together and learn the gospel.
Zion is a name for those who love God and for the place where they live. The New Jerusalem is the city that faithful people will build before Jesus returns to earth. When Jesus returns, He will be our King. The earth will be beautiful and clean again, like a paradise (or paradisiacal).
“Article of Faith 10” (September 2011 Friend) The pictures help illustrate what the tenth article of faith means.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 20-25” What does 2 Nephi 21:6–9 teach about what can happen when everyone follows the Savior? (see also 4 Nephi 1:15–18). How can we make our home more like this? Your children might enjoy looking at pictures of the animals mentioned in verses 6–7—animals that are usually enemies but will not hurt each other when Jesus comes again (see this week’s activity page). Your children could also draw pictures of themselves and these animals living peacefully with Jesus.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “2 Nephi 11-25” Show the children pictures of animals mentioned in 2 Nephi 21:6–7, and ask the children to name the animals. Explain that these animals are usually enemies, but Isaiah taught that after Jesus Christ comes again, there will be a time of peace, called the Millennium, when animals will not hurt each other. How can we follow the example of these animals in the way we treat each other?
Friend April 2020 “Helping with the Restoration” In 1820, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith. The Restoration of the gospel began that day 200 years ago. It continues today! Here are four ways you can help with the Restoration and prepare for the time when Jesus will return:
Friend April 2020Friend April 2020Friend April 2020Friend April 2020
3 Nephi CHAPTER 8 Tempests, earthquakes, fires, whirlwinds, and physical upheavals attest the crucifixion of Christ—Many people are destroyed—Darkness covers the land for three days—Those who remain bemoan their fate. About A.D. 33–34.
3 Nephi CHAPTER 9 In the darkness, the voice of Christ proclaims the destruction of many people and cities for their wickedness—He also proclaims His divinity, announces that the law of Moses is fulfilled, and invites men to come unto Him and be saved. About A.D. 34.
3 Nephi CHAPTER 10 There is silence in the land for many hours—The voice of Christ promises to gather His people as a hen gathers her chickens—The more righteous part of the people have been preserved. About A.D. 34–35.
3 Nephi CHAPTER 11 The Father testifies of His Beloved Son—Christ appears and proclaims His Atonement—The people feel the wound marks in His hands and feet and side—They cry Hosanna—He sets forth the mode and manner of baptism—The spirit of contention is of the devil—Christ’s doctrine is that men should believe and be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost. About A.D. 34.
Signs of Christ’s Crucifixion Occur: Disasters and Darkness
To help your children relate to the experiences described in 3 Nephi 8–9, you could retell or listen to a recording of portions of these chapters in a darkened room. Discuss what it might have been like to be in darkness for three days. Then you could talk about why Jesus Christ called Himself the Light of the World (see 3 Nephi 9:18). What did Jesus invite the people, and us, to do so He can be our light? (see 3 Nephi 9:20–22).
Just as the sun is necessary for light which living things on the earth need to live, it is necessary for us to follow Jesus because he is the light that shows the way to Eternal Life.
Turn off the lights and shine a light on a picture of Jesus as you read 3 Nephi 9:18. Then help your little ones say, “Jesus is the Light of the World.” You could also read the scripture story on pages FJ4–FJ6. Testify that Jesus knows each one of us individually. He loves us!
Show the children a map of the world, and help them find Jerusalem and the Americas. Explain that the destruction described in 3 Nephi 8 was a sign to the people in the Americas that Jesus Christ had been crucified in Jerusalem. Read together 3 Nephi 11:1–15, and ask the children to tell you when they find something in these verses that helps them feel God’s love. Share verse 37, and testify that the Savior loves all children. Bear your testimony about the truth of what you are reading.
For the Strength of Youth September 2024 “Fun Stop” The Savior has taught us that we should have a “broken heart,” which means to be humble, repentant, and meek (3 Nephi 9:20; Guide to the Scriptures, “Broken Heart,” Gospel Library). Can you break this heart symbol into seven pieces by drawing only three straight lines? There is more than one right answer. (Write on each piece a broken heart characteristic.)
3 Nephi 10
Jesus protects His people as a hen protects her chicks.
The imagery of a hen gathering her chicks can be a powerful teaching tool to help children understand the Savior’s character and mission. You could read 3 Nephi 10:4–6 while your family looks at a picture of a hen and chicks. Why would a hen need to gather her chicks? Why does the Savior want to gather us close to Him? How do we come to Him for safety?
Show a picture of a hen caring for her chicks. Read 3 Nephi 10:6, and tell the children about how a hen calls to her chicks and protects them under her wings when there is danger. Discuss how Jesus is like the hen and we are like the chicks. How can we come to Him to find safety?
Place a picture of Jesus on a wall. Invite the children to walk around the classroom as you read 3 Nephi 10:4 out loud. Tell them to move toward the picture of Jesus when they hear the words “gathered” or “gather.” Repeat this activity as you read verses 5 and 6. Share with the children how you have come to the Savior for safety, and testify that He will protect us from spiritual dangers as we keep His commandments.
Hen Craft – Let each family member choose a chick on page 9 below Have them write their name on that chick and color it. Discuss specific ways Christ can protect us and take care of us when we come to Him. Put the hen together (on page 8 below) with a brad or tape holding the wing on at the top. Have each family member take turns stating something they can do to come unto Christ and/or a way Christ has or will protect them when they’re close to Him. As they share, they can place their chick underneath the hen’s wing to visualize the comfort and safety that can come to us as we follow and stay close to Christ. (Hen and chicks designed by Crystal from theredcrystal.org).
Perhaps you could read some of these verses in a soft, “small voice” (3 Nephi 11:3). Or you could play a recording of a song like “This Is My Beloved Son” (Children’s Songbook, 76) softly so that it is difficult to hear. What did the people have to do to understand the voice from heaven? (see verses 5–7). What do we learn from their experience?
In 3 Nephi 11, we read how the Nephites could not hear the voice of God until they turned their eyes toward the voice and opened their ears.
Stand across from someone. Turn around so you’re not looking at each other.
One person is the speaker, and the other is the listener. Have the listener cover his or her ears.
Have the speaker say a phrase in a quiet voice, like “I’m trying to be like Jesus.”
See if the listener can tell what the speaker is saying.
Now have the listener uncover his or her ears and turn toward the person speaking.
The speaker repeats the same phrase.
Discussion: Was it easier to hear the voice when the listener faced the speaker? Read 3 Nephi 11:5. How can you turn your eyes and open your ears to God’s voice today?
How will you help your children feel the Spirit as you read 3 Nephi 11:1–15 together? Perhaps you could ask them to tell you when they find something in these verses that helps them feel God’s love. You could do the same with the pictures in this outline or the video “Jesus Christ Appears at the Temple” (Gospel Library). Tell your children about how you feel when you read and ponder these events. Let them share their feelings too.
As you read 3 Nephi 11:21–26, you could invite your children to stand up every time they hear the word baptize. What did Jesus teach about baptism? If your children have seen a baptism before, ask them to describe what they saw. Why does Jesus want us to be baptized?
Friend March 2021 “Matt and Mandy” Matt invites a friend to his baptism. His friend asks why he is getting baptized. Matt explains the fourth article of faith to him.
Activity 3: Heart demonstration & journal page. Print and cut out the heart. Tape two different colored papers (preferably a light and dark color) together and place behind the heart opening. Elder Hales taught “Light and darkness cannot occupy the same space at the same time. Where the light of Christ is found, the darkness of Lucifer, even Satan, must depart, defeated.” This idea is based off this quote and I hope I explain this idea in a way that makes sense. What do we allow to take up space in our heart? Is it kindness, joy, gratitude, faith, hope, love or is it anger, fear, jealously, guilt, contention, etc. Share some of these things with your family and as you do move the heart towards the dark or the light. Notice how the colors in the heart change. Do we allow so much anger to fill up our heart that there is little room for joy. Or do we allow faith to fill our heart that there is little to no room for fear? There is only so much space-what are we filling our hearts with?
Helaman CHAPTER 1 Pahoran the second becomes chief judge and is murdered by Kishkumen—Pacumeni fills the judgment seat—Coriantumr leads the Lamanite armies, takes Zarahemla, and slays Pacumeni—Moronihah defeats the Lamanites and retakes Zarahemla, and Coriantumr is slain. About 52–50 B.C.
Helaman CHAPTER 2 Helaman, the son of Helaman, becomes chief judge—Gadianton leads the band of Kishkumen—Helaman’s servant slays Kishkumen, and the Gadianton band flees into the wilderness. About 50–49 B.C.
Helaman CHAPTER 3 Many Nephites migrate to the land northward—They build houses of cement and keep many records—Tens of thousands are converted and baptized—The word of God leads men to salvation—Nephi the son of Helaman fills the judgment seat. About 49–39 B.C.
Helaman CHAPTER 4 Nephite dissenters and the Lamanites join forces and take the land of Zarahemla—The Nephites’ defeats come because of their wickedness—The Church dwindles, and the people become weak like the Lamanites. About 38–30 B.C.
Helaman CHAPTER 5 Nephi and Lehi devote themselves to preaching—Their names invite them to pattern their lives after their forebears—Christ redeems those who repent—Nephi and Lehi make many converts and are imprisoned, and fire encircles them—A cloud of darkness overshadows three hundred people—The earth shakes, and a voice commands men to repent—Nephi and Lehi converse with angels, and the multitude is encircled by fire. About 30 B.C.
Helaman CHAPTER 6 The righteous Lamanites preach to the wicked Nephites—Both peoples prosper during an era of peace and plenty—Lucifer, the author of sin, stirs up the hearts of the wicked and the Gadianton robbers in murder and wickedness—The robbers take over the Nephite government. About 29–23 B.C.
As the prophet Mormon abridged the sacred records, he occasionally used the phrase “thus we see” to emphasize important truths. What did he want us to see in Helaman 3:27–30? Throughout your study this week, you might pause occasionally to ask family members how they would complete the phrase “and thus we see” regarding what they have read. What truths do they want to emphasize?
As you read Helaman 1–6—and throughout the Book of Mormon—you may notice a pattern in the behavior of the Nephites: When the Nephites are righteous, God blesses them and they prosper. After a time, they become prideful and wicked, making choices that lead to destruction and suffering. Then they are humbled and inspired to repent, and God blesses them once again. The pattern repeats itself so often that some people call it the “pride cycle.”
Write the words Humble and Prideful on the board. Write a few examples of humble or prideful actions on slips of paper, and invite the children to take turns selecting a paper and putting it next to the word on the board that describes that action. What are some of the ways we can choose to be humble?
Consider inviting your children to draw their own version of the “pride cycle,” based on the diagram above (on a paper or on the board). Then, as you read together Helaman 3:24, 33–34 and 4:11–15, they could point to the parts of the cycle these verses describe. How can we choose to be humble—and remain that way?
In Helaman 3, Mormon described a time when the Church was so prosperous and blessed that even the leaders were surprised (see verses 24–32). Eventually some people became prideful, while others grew “stronger and stronger in their humility, … even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts” (Helaman 3:35). Notice what the more humble people did to become sanctified. The Guide to the Scriptures (scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org) defines sanctification as “the process of becoming free from sin, pure, clean, and holy through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.”
Primary 4: Book of Mormon“Lesson 28: Nephi and Lehi in Prison,” Explain that before a building is built, the workers make a strong foundation for the building to rest on for support. Have the children compare the stability of a rock and sand as foundations to build on. Put a medium-sized rock and a box lid or shallow pan with sand or salt in it on the table. Blow on the rock and then blow on the sand or salt.
Ask the children if they were building a home why they would choose rock rather than sand for a foundation. Explain that the scriptures compare Jesus Christ to the rock as being a strong foundation on which to build our lives. We build our lives on the rock foundation of Christ when we choose to live his teachings.
Invite your children to build a tower using blocks or other materials on different kinds of foundations (such as cotton balls or a flat stone). How is the solid foundation like Jesus Christ? They could add a block to the structure for each idea they share about what they can do to follow Him.
Friend August 2020 “A Strong Foundation” Helaman taught that we need to build our foundation on Jesus Christ (see Helaman 5:12). That means doing things that will bring us closer to Him. When we do, we will be able to withstand hard things in life.
Choose a rock and read the scripture on it. How does doing that thing make you strong and bring you closer to Christ?
Put the rock under the temple to build a strong foundation. Keep playing until all the rocks are in place.
To help your family visualize what it means to have “a sure foundation,” perhaps you could build a small structure together and place it on different kinds of foundations. You could then create a “mighty storm” by spraying water on it and using a fan or hair dryer to create wind. What happened to the structure when it was on the different foundations? How is Jesus Christ like “a sure foundation” in our lives?
Friend September 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities” Helaman taught his sons to build their lives on the strong foundation of Jesus Christ (see Helaman 5:12). A foundation is what something is built on. A strong foundation makes the whole building strong, even through storms. Build two towers—one on a strong foundation and one on a weak foundation. Which tower is more stable? How can we build our lives on Jesus Christ?
For younger children: Help your little ones find some thing they think is really strong. What did they find? Teach that we can be strong with Jesus Christ
Read the first few lines of Helaman 5:12, and ask the children to raise their hands when they hear who the “rock” is that should be our foundation.
Invite the children to do actions as you read Helaman 5:12. For example, they could wave their arms when you read about the devil’s “mighty storm” and stand in one place when you read about the “rock of our Redeemer.”
Invite children to color the activity page, and help them cut it out. What can we do to build our lives on the foundation of Jesus Christ? Share some of the ways you have built your life on the Savior and how doing so has blessed your life.
Sing “The Wise Man and the Foolish Man” (Children’s Songbook, 281) See herefor teaching ideas, sing-along videos, and visual aid ideas.
President George Albert Smith’s deceased grandfather George A. Smith appeared to him in a dream and asked, “I would like to know what you have done with my name.” President Smith responded, “I have never done anything with your name of which you need be ashamed” (in Teachings of Presidents of the Church: George Albert Smith [2011], xxvi). After reading Helaman 5:6–7, perhaps you could talk to your family members about remembering and honoring the names we carry, including the name of the Savior.
Read Helaman 5:6–7 together and talk about how Nephi and Lehi were named after righteous ancestors.
Invite the children to scan Helaman 5:5–14 and count how many times the word “remember” is mentioned. What did Helaman teach his sons that they should remember? How can remembering these things help us make Jesus Christ the foundation of our lives?
Invite a family member to say the first letter of their first name.
Each person in the family then tries to name a righteous person in the scriptures, or an ancestor, whose name also starts with that letter.
Play again until everyone has had a chance to use their first initial.
Discussion: How can remembering examples from the scriptures and our righteous ancestors help us make good choices?
Invite the children to scan Helaman 5:5–14 and count how many times the word “remember” is mentioned. What did Helaman teach his sons that they should remember? How can remembering these things help us make Jesus Christ the foundation of our lives?
The voice described in Helaman 5:29–30, 45–47 teaches us one way that the Holy Ghost speaks to us. To help your children understand this truth, consider reading “Chapter 37: Nephi and Lehi in Prison” (Book of Mormon Stories, 99–102). When you talk about the voice the people heard, speak in a soft voice. Repeat the story a few times, and invite the children to whisper with you.
To reinforce this principle, you could sing together “The Still Small Voice” (Children’s Songbook, 106–7). (Point out words in the scripture verse and the song that describe how the Holy Ghost speaks to us (see also Helaman 5:45–47). Help them think of other ways that the Holy Ghost can speak to us.)
Tell the children about times when the Holy Spirit has whispered to you and strengthened your testimony. Use Helaman 5:29 and your own experiences to share with the children a few examples of good things the Holy Ghost can inspire us to do.
Repentance replaces spiritual darkness with light.
The Lamanites who went to the prison to kill Nephi and Lehi were surrounded by literal darkness. When we sin, we are in spiritual darkness. Helaman 5:20–52 teaches us how our spiritual “cloud of darkness” can be lifted (verse 41).
To emphasize what Helaman 5:20–41 teaches about darkness and light, try reading or summarizing these verses in the dark, using just a flashlight for light. Your children could listen for what the people needed to do so the darkness would be removed. Then turn the lights on, and read verses 42–48 together. What do these verses teach us about repentance? What do these verses teach us about the blessings that repentance brings to our lives?
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Invite the children to imagine that they are teaching a younger child about the Holy Ghost. How could they use Helaman 5:29–33, 44–47 to teach what the voice of the Spirit feels like and some of the things the Spirit tells us? How has the Holy Ghost inspired you to repent? Invite the children to share experiences when they have felt the peace and comfort of the Holy Ghost.
Friend December 2018 “Family Night Fun” Make a cup lantern by making holes all around it and then putting a glow stick or battery candle inside. Use for example of Jesus being a light to the world.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “John 1“The symbolism of light can help children understand the Savior and His gospel. How can you inspire the children to seek the light of the Savior when the world seems dark?
“Jesus Christ is the light of the world because he is the source of the light that quickens our understanding, because his teachings and his example illuminate our path, and because his power persuades us to do good.” Dallin H. Oaks
Story: Jesus Christ is sometimes called the “true Light” (John 1:9). The scriptures teach that we should keep His commandments and follow Him. Then we will have “power to become the sons [and daughters] of God” (John 1:12).
Activity: Draw a picture of a goal you have. Have someone hide your picture somewhere in the room and turn off the lights. Now get a small light and shine it around the room. Can you find your picture now? Talk about how Jesus Christ can help you reach your goals.
Ask the children to name things that give light. Talk with them about the benefits of light, like helping plants grow, allowing us to see, and giving warmth. To understand how Jesus brings us light, they could take turns shining a light at a picture of Jesus Christ as they say, “God is light” (1 John 1:5). Testify that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ can bring light into our lives when we try to follow what They say. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1-3 John; Jude”)
Invite the children to take turns holding a picture of a light bulb or candle. As each child holds the picture, help him or her think of a way we can bring the light of Jesus Christ into our lives. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1-3 John; Jude”)
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “1–3 John; Jude” To help your family ponder John’s teachings, gather in a dark room so family members can experience the difference between walking “in darkness” and walking “in the light.” How does hatred cause us to walk in darkness and stumble? How does loving each other bring light into our lives?
Glow Stick Activity: Crystal from www.theredcrystal.org had a super fun idea to use glow sticks for this. She says to put a bunch of unactivated glow sticks in a bag or pillow case that isn’t see-through. When a child mentions something that brings more of the “light of Christ” into our lives, pull it out and let them activate the glow stick. Then set it on the table in the dark room, until all the glow sticks are on that same table making a considerable amount of light. Talk about the happiness and hope we can feel in our lives because of Jesus Christ. The printables from here would be great to attach onto the glow sticks while discussing specific things that bring more of the light of Christ into our lives: https://www.theredcrystal.org/post/come-follow-me-december-2-8-god-is-love-1-3-john-jude
Invite the children to close their eyes as you read Isaiah 60:1–3. Ask them to open their eyes when they hear the word “light” and close them when they hear the word “darkness.” Explain that Jesus Christ and His gospel are like a light that helps us see our way back to Heavenly Father.
Give each child a picture of a light (such as a sun, a candle, or a light bulb). Help them think of ways they can share the Savior’s light with others. As each idea is shared, invite them to “arise” and “shine” their light by holding up their picture. Tell the children about ways you have seen them sharing the Savior’s light.
Friend November 2015 “Be a Shining Light” Ways we can become examples so our lights will shine.
Sing together a song about sharing light, such as “Shine On” (Children’s Songbook, 144). Help the children notice words in the song that reinforce what they learn from Isaiah 60:1–3.
Ask the children to name things that give light. Talk with them about the benefits of light, like helping plants grow, allowing us to see, and giving warmth. To understand how Jesus brings us light, they could take turns shining a light at a picture of Jesus Christ as they say, “God is light” (1 John 1:5). Testify that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ can bring light into our lives when we try to follow what They say. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Revelation 1–5”)
Prepare the glow sticks before class, with the pictures on them. Have the students pick one out of a bag at a time and talk about how as members of Jesus’s Church, can be like the light. Then they can crack the glow stick and make it shine. They can put it in a vase or cup till later, when all the glow sticks are ignited. Turn out the lights and testify that all those small acts of kindness, made a big impact and chased away the darkness.
Sing a song about being a light to others, such as “Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam” (Children’s Songbook, 60–61). Share ways you have seen the children living the gospel of Jesus Christ and being a light to those around them. Share how being a light to others has helped you feel closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Revelation 1–5”)
We Light the World When We Follow Jesus
Friend January 2018 “Let Your Light Shine” President Monson discusses being a light to the world by following Jesus’s example. Activities: Trace this star, or draw your own, and write how you are shining brightly by being a good example or helping others. Also, color a star as you read each scripture about Jesus Christ’s example.
Items needed: light weight colored paper, clear stick glue, magnets, a page protector, clear tape, a lamp or lantern, a large envelope, and chalk and eraser.
Print the story pictures, stain glass pattern, and word pages (make sure and print the picture of Christ onto light weight white paper). Cut out the story pictures. Cut apart the word pages on the dotted lines. Put a magnet on the back of each item. (Optional: Put a black background paper on the word cards.)
Cut the stain glass pattern along the lines so that you have nine pieces. Using the pieces as patterns, cut out each piece from different colors of light weight paper (or print Emilie Hanson’s pre-made version) Glue the pieces to the front of the picture of the Savior. Make sure the picture of the Savior doesn’t show through the colored paper, but try not to use dark colors over the face. Using the photo above as your guide, cut the pieces into four parts. Cut out the labels and glue each one to a piece as shown above. Put the pieces into an envelope.
Cut strips of dark paper and tape them to the edges of the page protector to make a frame.
Presentation
Tell the children that they are now going to learn the third verse of the song “If I Listen with My Heart.” Explain that this verse is about the Holy Ghost being a way we can hear the Savior’s voice. The Savior communicates with us through the Holy Ghost. There are many different things that the Holy Ghost tells us that the Savior wants us to know.
Ask the children if they have ever seen a stain glass window. Explain that a stain glass window is many pieces of colored glass combined to make a beautiful picture. When light comes through the window, it’s beauty can fill us with joy and uplift and warm our souls. Explain that the Holy Ghost can also fill our lives with joy, warm our souls, and light up our life with beauty. Like the different colored pieces of stain glass, there are different things the Holy Ghost does. A few of those things are mentioned in this verse.
Put the page protector on the board. Explain that you have several colored pieces of paper inside the envelope that will make a pretty stain glass type picture on the framed page protector. Each of these colored pieces of paper has a label on it. The labels are things the Holy Ghost does that are mentioned in the verse.
Choose a child helper. Draw out the piece of colored paper from the envelope that says “teaches truth and right.” Give the piece to the child and have him or her put it on the page protector using rolled pieces of tape. Tell the children that the helpers will need to try to put each piece in the right spot on the page protector. Disclose that the picture should form a heart when completed.
Tell the children that in the July 1997 Friend there is a story about a boy named Christopher. Christopher had been given the gift of the Holy Ghost, but he had become concerned because he had never heard the still small voice. (Put the picture of the upset Christopher on the board.) Christopher told his parents how he was feeling (put picture of parents on board), and they explained that the Holy Ghost can communicate in other ways besides a still small voice. They reminded Christopher of the good feeling he had after telling the truth about spilling the red punch on the carpet. (Put the picture of the spilled drink on the board. Also put the word card next to it that says “I feel the Holy Spirit as He teaches truth and right”.) Read the card to the children and explain that it is the first line in the verse. Ask “Does the Savior want us to know truth and right?”
Choose another helper. Give that child the piece of colored paper that says “comforts”. Have the child put it on the page protector. Explain that the Holy Ghost can comfort us when we are afraid, sad, or worried. Tell the children that when Christopher was lost in the mall and was afraid, he prayed for help. He felt calm and reassured. He also felt he should sit on a bench and wait, (put on the board the picture of Christopher sitting on the bench), and his parents were able to find him there. (Put the word card on the board that says “He comforts me in times of need” next to the picture of Christopher on the bench.) Tell the children that those are the words of the next line in the verse. Ask, “Do you think Jesus wants to comfort and help us?” Explain that in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus not only suffered for our sins, but he also suffered our pains, heartaches, and fears so he would know how to comfort and help us.
Choose another helper, and give that child the piece of colored paper that says “Testifies of Christ”. Have the child put it on the page protector. Tell the children that in the story about Christopher, his parents also reminded him of the time when he was reading the scriptures, and he suddenly understood a parable that Jesus taught. (Put picture of Christopher and the scriptures on the board.) Explain that the Holy Ghost can testify to us that Jesus is the son of God and that His words are divine truth. The Holy Ghost can also help us understand His words. (Put the word card on the board that says “He testifies of Christ” next to the picture of Christopher with scriptures. Tell the children that is the next line in the verse.) Explain to the children that the Holy Ghost also testifies that Jesus is our Savior and redeemer, and that because of His sacrifice and atonement we can repent and be forgiven of our sins. Ask, “Why does Jesus want us to know this?”
Draw out the last colored piece of paper that says “Fills with peace”. Put it on the page protector, and then put the word card on the board that says “He speaks to me in quiet ways that fill my soul with peace”. Point out to the children that Christopher didn’t even realize that the Holy Ghost was speaking to him because it was in quiet ways such as warm feelings and thoughts that came to him. But those thoughts and feelings filled Christopher with peace.
Put the stain glass picture in front of a turned on lamp or lantern so that the children can see the picture of Jesus. Explain that we learn in this verse that if we listen with our hearts, we will realize that the Holy Ghost is telling us the things that the Savior wants us to know.
The chorus pages will not be needed. Hopefully by this time they know that part, but the stain glass picture can be used to help remind them of the words of the chorus.
(In Junior Primary you may want to sing each line of the verse as you put it on the board, and then review the lines at the end and try to sing the whole verse.)
To help the children memorize this verse, take off the first word card. Write its words on the board, but leave the main words blank except for the first letter. See if the children can remember what those words are, and then sing the verse. Do the same with the next word card. Continue in this manner until the children have each line memorized. Many junior Primary children know letters, so prompt them with the sound of the letter to help remind them of the word.
Safety Reminder: Use only battery powered lanterns. If you use a lamp, put the paper on the lamp shade using a straight pin. Do not put the paper near the hot light bulb.
Items needed: a lamp or lantern, and a large display board (dry erase board, or poster/foam board). Optional item: a recording of the song from http://lds.org/cm/display/0,17631,7206-1,00.html
Print all the verse one pictures and words, pictures of Jesus with the children, and a child reading the scriptures. Note: Be sure to print the three black-and-white pictures, and the large picture of the Savior onto light weight paper. Put all the pictures in page protectors, and slide the picture of the Savior behind the picture of the scriptures. Cut out the two sets of the song words, and cut out the round song notes. Tape the three pictures from the flipchart onto the display board and a set of the cut out words next to their corresponding picture
Tape one set of the song words, in random order, under the children’s chairs before Primary starts. Put a few in each row. Count how many rows there are, then put a number in a container for each row you have.
(Optional idea is to put the words that go under the chairs on hearts, and put magnets on the back of each one to make them easier to attach to the chairs.)
Introduce the name of the song, and then tell the children that the song has three verses and a short chorus. Post the two chorus picture pages on the board. Explain that each of the three verses of the song tells a way we can hear the Savior’s words if we listen with our hearts (with the spirit and with love in our hearts). Verse one tells us that even though we weren’t on the earth when Jesus was, we can still hear his words through the scriptures. (Put the picture of the scriptures on the board.) The second verse explains that the living prophet tells us what the Savior wants us to know. (Put the picture of the prophet on the board.) In the third verse we learn that the Holy Ghost also tells us what the Savior wants us to know. (Put the words “Whisperings of the Holy Ghost” on the board.)
Tell the children that when we read the scriptures, listen to the prophet, or listen to the whisperings of the Holy Ghost we can imagine that the Savior himself is telling us those words because they are his words and what he wants us to know. (Put the picture of the scriptures in front of a lamp so the picture of the Savior can be seen through the scriptures.) Explain to the children that they are going to learn the first verse of the song which is about the scriptures being a way we can hear the Savior’s voice. (Take down the other two black and white pictures from the board.) Show the display board, or put it to the left of the chorus pages on the board.
Go over each line of the verse with the children and explain the words “search” and the word “peace”. Also tell the children that the word peace is in each verse. Play a recording of the first verse for the children, or sing the verse for them so they can hear how it sounds. Have the senior children sing the verse (you may have to review and sing one line at a time with junior primary). Point out that the melody in the third phrase builds up to emphasize the word peace. Also point out to the children that there are a lot of words in the song where they have to slide their voices up or down a note. (Put the eighth notes under or above the words that do this. Angle them up or down slightly for more emphasis.) (Personal note: I do realize that some of the notes are backward. I didn’t have time to make new ones. Sorry.) Have the children sing the song again, and have them pay attention to how their voice slides up or down as they sing those words.
Senior Primary – Explain to the children that they are going to start memorizing the verse. Tell them that the words of the verse are under some of their chairs, but they can’t get them yet. Number off each row, and then have a child reach into the container of numbers and pull one out. Have all the children in that row look under the chairs and find the words. Have the children take their words off the display board. Go over the words of the song again, and see if the children can remember what words are missing. Sing the song again. Have another child pick a number from the container, and do the activity again. Continue in this manner until all the words are gone and the children have the song memorized.
To review the song the following week, show the bulletin board with the words. Cover the first line and give a child the magnet words of the first line to put in order on the board as everyone sings the song. Tell the child that he/she has until the song is finished to put the words in the right order. Do the same with the other lines in the song until you feel they have reviewed the song sufficiently.
Junior Primary – Use the following actions to help teach the song: If I (point to self) had been a little child (put hand out, palm down, as if to measure the height of a small child) when Jesus (point to a picture of Jesus) lived on earth (point down as if pointing to the earth), I (point to self) would have liked (smile and nod) to walk with him (walk in place) and listen (hand cupped around edge of ear) to his words (point to mouth). But as I (point to self) search the scriptures (one hand stretched out with palm up, like a book, and the other hand pretending to turn the pages) I can hear (hand to ear) his words (point to mouth) of peace (wrap arms around self and have a contented, peaceful expression on face). And if I (point to self) listen (hand to ear) with my heart (hands over heart) I can hear (hand to ear) the Savior’s voice (point to picture of Savior).
Have the children do the actions as they sing the song. Review by saying the words of the verse and stop at the words with actions and just do the action. See if children know what that word is.
Safety Note: Use only battery powered lanterns. If you use a lamp, put the paper on the lamp shade using a straight pin. Do not put the paper near the hot light bulbs.
