Tag Archives: primary
Church History: Songs
Posted onJoseph Smith
Praise to the Man
Joseph Smith’s First Vision
Joseph Smith’s First Prayer/ Oh, How Lovely was the Morning
Joseph Smith’s First Prayer: Music & Video – Friend January 2017
[Verse 1]
Oh, how lovely was the morning!
Radiant beamed the sun above
Bees were humming, sweet birds singing
Music ringing thru the grove
When within the shady woodland
Joseph sought the God of love
When within the shady woodland
Joseph sought the God of love
[Verse 2]
Humbly kneeling, sweet appealing—
‘Twas the boy’s first uttered prayer—
When the pow’rs of sin assailing
Filled his soul with deep despair;
But undaunted, still he trusted
In his Heav’nly Father’s care;
But undaunted, still he trusted
In his Heav’nly Father’s care
[Verse 3]
Suddenly a light descended
Brighter far than noonday sun
And a shining, glorious pillar
O’er him fell, around him shone
While appeared two heav’nly beings
God the Father and the Son
While appeared two heav’nly beings
God the Father and the Son
[Verse 4]
“Joseph, this is my Beloved;
Hear him!” Oh, how sweet the word!
Joseph’s humble prayer was answered
And he listened to the Lord
Oh, what rapture filled his bosom
For he saw the living God;
Oh, what rapture filled his bosom
For he saw the living God
The First Vision
Friend April 2020 “The First Vision” Music and Video
- 1. Joseph had a question about the way to go, So faithfully he studied to help his knowledge grow. A scripture struck his heart, inviting him to pray, And Joseph knew that he could ask for God to show him the way.
- 2. Seeking peaceful quiet, he chose a grove of trees And prayed with all his power for God to hear his plea. The Father and the Son descended from above To answer Joseph’s question and restore the gospel with love.
- 3. From that wondrous vision, more revelations flowed. The Lord restored the gospel so everyone can know: The heavens are not closed; the Savior speaks today. He calls a prophet in our time to guide our steps in His way.
- Chorus: He prayed in faith and heaven answered. The Father and the Son knew his name. I kneel to pray. I know God loves me And hears my prayers the same.
This is My Beloved Son
Verse 3:
Joseph saw two glorious beings
Shining brighter than the sun.
God again presented Jesus:
“This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!”
On a Golden Springtime
Music: “On a Golden Springtime” (Children’s Songbook, 88)
Third Verse: On a golden springtime, in a forest glade, The Father and the Son appeared as Joseph knelt and prayed. Awake, awake, O nations all! Receive the gospel light! The gospel true is here for you. Receive its glorious light!
The Sacred Grove
Music: “The Sacred Grove” (Children’s Songbook, 87)
The Sacred Grove was green and fresh, The morning sun shone bright around, As Joseph knelt in fervent prayer, As Joseph knelt in fervent prayer Upon that sacred ground.
The Father and the Son appeared. They spoke to him as with one voice. Their message answered all his fears, Their message answered all his fears And made his heart rejoice.
My Own Sacred Grove
Friend January 2025 “My Own Sacred Grove” I Can Play It
Joseph Smith went to a grove full of trees; Seeking Gods wisdom, he fell to his knees. As he pled with the heavens, the sky filled with light, And the Father appeared with His Son, Jesus Christ, Standing above in the air Coming to answer his prayer.
Chorus: I will find my own sacred grove. Away from all of the noise in the world. I will turn to prayer, For I know He’s there I will find my own sacred grove.
So many choices with so much at stake. Life’s full of pathways, but which should I take? If I lift up in prayer in the name of the Son, Through the pow’r of the Holy Ghost answers will come. Heavenly Father is there, Ready to answer my prayer.
Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon
The Golden Plates
Music: “The Golden Plates” (Children’s Songbook, 86)
- The golden plates lay hidden Deep in the mountainside, Until God found one faithful, In whom he could confide.
- A record made by Nephi, Written in days of old; Now, in the Book of Mormon, The story is retold.
An Angel Came to Joseph Smith
Sing or say the words to “An Angel Came to Joseph Smith”(Children’s Songbook, p. 86)
- An angel came to Joseph Smith, And from the ground he took A sacred record hidden there, A precious, holy book.
- It tells of people long ago, Led by the Lord’s own hand, Who left their homes and crossed the sea To reach a favored land.
- The Nephites and the Lamanites, And all who came to dwell, Had peace when they obeyed the Lord, The sacred records tell.
- And now I’ll read the sacred book, And then I’ll understand That Heav’nly Father loves us all In each and ev’ry land.
An Angel From on High
See also “An Angel from on High,” Hymns, no. 13.
1. An angel from on high The long, long silence broke; Descending from the sky, These gracious words he spoke: Lo! in Cumorah’s lonely hill A sacred record lies concealed. Lo! in Cumorah’s lonely hill A sacred record lies concealed.
2.Sealed by Moroni’s hand, It has for ages lain To wait the Lord’s command, From dust to speak again. It shall again to light come forth To usher in Christ’s reign on earth. It shall again to light come forth To usher in Christ’s reign on earth.
3.It speaks of Joseph’s seed And makes the remnant known Of nations long since dead, Who once had dwelt alone. The fulness of the gospel, too, Its pages will reveal to view. The fulness of the gospel, too, Its pages will reveal to view.
Restoration
Jesus’ Church has been Restored
Jesus’ Church has been Restored: Friend May 2017 – Music & Video
Jesus blessed the children when He walked in Galilee, He brought a young girl back to life. He blessed the blind to see. But some forgot! His Church was lost with its authority. Now priesthood pow’r is back on earth to bless a child like me.
Heav’nly Father and His Son came to the Sacred Grove. They brought the Church to earth again so all could feel Their love. Moroni and Elijah came—and Peter, James, and John—With precious keys and blessings that for centuries were gone.
Temples all around the world, Apostles, revelation: These all are part of God’s great gift—the gospel’s restoration. The sacrament I take each week, baptism, confirmation: I’m thankful for God’s gift to me—the gospel’s restoration.
Now gospel truths are back once more, For Jesus’ Church has been restored.
The Priesthood is Restored
Pioneer Songs
I’m a Pioneer Too
Friend July 2020 “I’m a Pioneer Too” Song and Sing-Along Music Video
- From England to Samoa, From Kenya to Peru, Brave pioneers in every land Helped spread the gospel true.
- Some pioneers pulled handcarts; Some sailed across the sea. On plains and shores and mountains, they Blazed paths for you and me.
- They listened to the prophets, Built towns and temples too. Their faith was strong in Jesus Christ. Their courage saw them through.
- Chorus: The Lord has trails for me to blaze And work for me to do. Each time I bravely walk with faith, I’m a pioneer too!
When I Hear of Pioneer Children
Friend July 2016 “When I Hear of Pioneer Children”
- When I hear of pioneer children,
- Of trials and courage and faith,
- I want to be willing as they were
- To look to the Lord for my strength.
- I’ll follow the prophets as they did,
- For I want to build Zion too!
- I’ll try to have faith to do hard things
- When that’s what He needs me to do.
- When I hear of pioneer children,
- I want to be strong for my day.
- I’ll try to keep all the commandments
- And be a true Latter-day Saint.
- I’ll stand as a shining example
- That others who follow will see,
- I’ll be like those pioneer children;
- The Lord is depending on me.
Come, Come Ye Saints
Friend July 2017 “Come, Come Ye Saints” Simplified sheet music and music video
Pioneer Song Review Games
Pioneer Choosing Activity
Since it was Pioneer Day this week, I decided to have the children sing pioneer songs for music time. I started out with a choosing activity. I used the crickets and seagull idea from Sugar Doodle. I covered the outside of a metal bowl with green tissue paper to make it look like a green hill. I printed off some crickets and a seagull from clip art on Microsoft Word. I used double sided tape and taped a strong magnet to the back of each cricket. I also wrote the name of a pioneer song on the back of each cricket. I put the crickets on the bowl. I taped one end of a string to the back of the seagull. I taped the other end to a dowel rod. On the back of the seagull’s beak I attached a paper clip.
In Primary I told the story of the crickets and the seagulls. After that I had a child “fly” the seagull to the crickets and pick one up with the beak. We sang what song was on the back. I chose the following songs to put on the back of the crickets:
Pioneer Children Sang as They Walked
For this song I had the senior primary children get up and move over one seat every time they sang the word “walked”. This only works if you have all the children sitting in an even number of rows and in one section with no aisles. The children in the front row will move to the left, the children in the second row will move to the right, and so forth. When a child comes to the end of their row, they will go to the row in front of them. If they are already on the front row, they will move to the back row.
The children loved this activity. The teachers even wanted to participate, which was good because they helped any children that were unsure of what to do. (I had pages of a flip chart made by Jolly Jen posted on the board just incase someone didn’t know the words.)
For junior primary have them slowly walk randomly around the room as they sing the first two lines. Then have them stop and do the following actions: rub their hands together for washing in the stream, hammering action for work, jumping rope for play, making a tent with finger tips pressed together for camped, making a book with open palms together for read, and making praying hands for the word prayed. Then have them start walking again as they sing the last line, but this time have them walk back to their seats. On the last walk word have them sit down.
The Handcart Song
For the handcart song, I used the hand cart racing activity -July Friend 1981 Funstuff. Since we aren’t supposed to use competition in Primary, I had the teachers do this activity. The kids thought that was funny. I tied the two strings to two empty chairs in the front row. I had the words/flip-chart made by Laurie Lee posted on the board. I told the teachers they could begin racing when we started singing the second half of the song. (The children knew the second half of the song better than the first, so they were able to watch the race and sing at the same time.)
It is really hard to get those pictures to move along the string, so it was funny watching the teachers try all kinds of ways to make them
To Be a Pioneer
For this song I used the pictures found on page 3 of the July 2010 Friend (flip-chart). I posted them on a display board. You could put the do’s and don’ts on different sides. I had a child wear a bonnet to represent a pioneer. She did the actions to the first part of the song such as: pretending to push a handcart, waving goodbye, walking. Then when it came to the part “to be a pioneer” she pointed to herself.
I told the childen they could develop the characteristics of a pioneer such as courage, faith, and working for a cause that is right. I used a boy with a missionary tag to be a modern pioneer. He pointed to himself when we came to the ending part “to be a pioneer”
Friend July 2019 “To Be a Pioneer” Simplified playing version and music video.
Fun to Do
We also did Sugardoodle pioneer actions to the song Fun to Do. I had them start off with bouncing on their chair to represent riding in a wagon (Riding in wagon is fun to do). Then I asked if they could think of any other actions pioneers did. I gave them some suggestions. They came up with “getting warm by the fire is fun to do”. They put their hands out like feeling the warmth and then rubbed their hands together. They also wanted to do milking a cow.
Covenants & Promises: Stories
Posted onFriend February 2026 “My Baptism” Henry tells about his baptism and the covenant he made with Heavenly Father. After his baptism the Bishop asked him to stand on a chair and look at a picture of Jesus Christ that was hanging on the wall. Henry could also see a reflection of himself in the glass of the picture’s frame. It taught him that Jesus will always be with him when he needs Him.
Friend February 1987 Lesson ideas about covenants and promises, and the story about the promise of pythias to return to prison and save his friend who had volunteered to take his place. Trustworthy
Friend April 2021 “Trouble at the Creek” Brian doesn’t keep his promise to his mom to stay away from the creek after the storm. He crosses it on a fallen log and gets his foot stuck.
Friend May 2020 “Ali’s Head Start” Ali learns that when she is baptized she will be covenanting (promising) to bear one another’s burdens, (or in other words, she will be promising to help those who are going through a hard time). Ali decides to get a head start on her covenants when she sees children without hair as she walked through the hospital to go visit a friend. She decides to donate some of her long hair so those children can have wigs.
Friend May 2017 “Cracking the Code” Darren and Byron crack the code to notes left in their beds that represent the words “Covenant Keepers.” At FHE they learn ways they have been covenant keepers.
Friend March 1988 “Keeping the Covenants…” Stories about children keeping their baptismal covenants.
Friend May 2017 ” Conference Notes” Sister Jones told the story of five-year-old Lizzie and her big brother, Kevin. Kevin’s dad asked him if he would promise not to tease Lizzie for one day. Kevin agreed. He kept his promise! Then his mom asked him to try not teasing Lizzie for two days. He kept his promise again! Sister Jones said that when we keep our promises, we are learning to make and keep sacred covenants.
Baptism Covenants
Friend August 2019 “Ready to Be Baptized” Story with idea on how to remember baptism covenants. Also includes a bookmark with the memory aid acronym for baptismal covenants.
Friend December 2021 “Elder Soares Speaks to Children” Video About keeping baptismal covenants
Jesus Christ: Stories
Posted onLove for Jesus
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 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.
Be Perfected in Christ
Friend July 2025 “Not so Perfect” Adeline learned in primary about being perfected in Christ. She makes a check list and is determined to be perfect. The first day went great, but the second day she yelled at her sister for taking all her dolls out. She was so disappointed because she had messed up her plan to be perfect. Her mom explained that we need Christ to be perfected. If things go wrong we can always repent because of Christ’s atonement. Because of Him, our best is good enough. The grace of a loving Savior will make up the difference
Jesus is Our Savior
Friend March 2020 “Jesus’s Helping Hand” Arsen tried and tried to climb the tall hill with the rope at the play area, but he could only make it three-quarters of the way. Just before reaching the top, he would fall and slide down to the bottom of the hill. Then an employee offered her hand from the top of the hill. That experience made him think about how Jesus does the same for us. When we do the best we can but still aren’t reaching our goal, He gives His helping hand to us.
Friend April 1987 “A Parable” A parable relating the atonement to a drowning man.
Moses 1; Abraham 3
FeaturedMoses 1 God reveals Himself to Moses—Moses is transfigured—He is confronted by Satan—Moses sees many inhabited worlds—Worlds without number were created by the Son—God’s work and glory is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.
Abraham 3 Abraham learns about the sun, moon, and stars by means of the Urim and Thummim—The Lord reveals to him the eternal nature of spirits—He learns of pre-earth life, foreordination, the Creation, the choosing of a Redeemer, and the second estate of man.
I Lived with Heavenly Father Before I Was Born.
I lived as a spirit before I was born on earth.
The term intelligences can be used to describe the spirit children of God. It can also describe “the spirit element that existed before we were begotten as spirit children.” Elder D. Todd Christofferson taught, “Prophets have revealed that we first existed as intelligences and that we were given form, or spirit bodies, by God, thus becoming His spirit children—sons and daughters of heavenly parents.” Scripture Helps: Old Testament “Moses 1; Abraham 3”
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026
- Knowing about our premortal life can inspire your children to make choices based on eternal truths. To help them learn about it, you could give them some key words and phrases to find in Abraham 3:22–28, like “before the world was,” “spirits,” “make an earth,” and “prove.” What do these verses teach us about why Heavenly Father sent us to earth?
New Testament Stories “Our Heavenly Father’s Plan”
Friend January 2022 “Before We Came to Earth”
- A song like “I Will Follow God’s Plan” (Children’s Songbook, 164–65) could reinforce what Abraham 3 teaches. Maybe you could invite your children to draw pictures that go with the words.
- Help your children think of situations in which they have to choose whether or not to do what God has asked them to (see Abraham 3:25; see also For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices). Let them practice possible responses to these situations. How can the Savior help us when we make a wrong choice?
Friend January 2012 “Agency Is the Gift to Choose for Ourselves”
Friend April 2019 “What’s on Your Mind”
I Am a Child of God.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026
- After you read together God’s message to Moses in Moses 1:4, consider letting your children look at their reflection in a mirror and giving themselves a similar message: “I am a child of God.” Then they could give the same message to each other: “You are a child of God.”
- You might even find pictures of a variety of people and invite your children to point to each one and say, “This is a child of God.”
Friend August 2024 “We Are All Children of God”
Friend September 2020 “Everyone is Important” We’re all daughters and sons of our heavenly parents—not all the same, but all equally important, needed, valuable, and loved!
- Share with each other why you are glad to know you are children of God. How does this knowledge change the way you treat yourselves and others?
Friend May 2021 “A Birthday Crown” Wyatt wonders if he is special because he gets to wear a birthday crown on his birthday. His father tells him he is special because he is a child of God and that everyone else is too. When a girl was afraid to go down the slide, Wyatt remembered that everyone is special to Heavenly Father and he encouraged her and praised her.
- You and your children could compare God’s message to Moses in Moses 1:4 with Satan’s message in verse 12. How can you help your children distinguish between God’s messages to them and Satan’s?
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Moses 1; Abraham 3”
- Sing “I Am a Child of God” (Children’s Songbook, 2–3) with the children. Let them color this week’s activity page, and use it to review the truths this song teaches.
Additional Lesson Ideas
Primary 1 (Sunbeams) “Lesson One: I Am a Child of God”
We lived in Heaven: (Click on the below picture. Print the picture, or show it on an electronic device.) Explain that before we were born on earth we lived in heaven with Heavenly Father.
We were spirits there. A spirit is what is inside of us that makes us alive. When we were spirits, we didn’t have flesh and bones like our bodies have now, but we looked the same.
(Use these puppets to demonstrate what it means to be a spirit. See here for assembly instructions.)
Show the first picture again and explain that Heavenly Father is the father of our spirits, and we are his spirit children
Sing: I Am a Child of God. Tell the children they are going to sing the song “I Am a Child of God.” Explain that God is another name for Heavenly Father. (I like the Red Headed Hostess visual aids for the first verse of this song, but it does cost money. Jolly Jen has a flip chart that would work too, or you could use the below visual s from the Nursery Manual. Also see churchofjesuschrist.org/study for the music)
Who is a child of God? Toss a beanbag or soft object to a child as you say the words “I know a child of God named_____ .” Have the child say his or her own name and give the beanbag back to you. Repeat the activity until everyone has had a turn.
Print and cut out this activity. Show the pictures one at a time and ask the following:
- Is a policeman a child of God?
- Is a grandmother or grandfather
- Is a bishop
- Is a soldier
- Is a mailman or missionaries
- Is a mom or dad
- Is someone who doesn’t go to our church
- Is someone who lives in a different country or culture
Have the children take turns posting each picture under the title “Child of God.” The title can be written on the board or in a file folder or display board. You can also bring up people they know such as a neighbor.
Help the children understand that everyone is a child of God even though we may be different in age, hair color, what we do, where we live, skin color, or the church we attend, we are all children of God.
We can be like Heavenly Father
(Print and cut out these images pdf.) Use the following questions with the images. They could also be made into a matching game.
- What is a baby dog called?
- What will that puppy grow up to be?
- What is a baby chicken called?
- What will that chick grow up to be?
Explain that just as animals grow up to be like their parents, we will grow up to be like our parents.
Friend January 2017 “Kylie’s Parents” Kylie is like her earthly parents, and she is also like her Heavenly Parents. PDF version
Heavenly Father is the father of our spirits, so we can grow to be like him. Heavenly Father is loving, good, and kind. When we are loving, good, and kind, we are being like Heavenly Father. We should try to become more like Heavenly Father every day.
Have children tell or act out ways they can be loving, good, or kind.
(The images for the activity “Who is a Child of God?” are from the Friend magazine. Soldier 6/16, Bishop 1/16, etc.The images for the animals are from Pixabay: Free Images)
See also Child of God
Heavenly Father Wants Me to Live with Him Again.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Moses 1; Abraham 3”
- Show the children pictures of some of Heavenly Father’s many creations. Read Moses 1:30, and explain that Moses asked God about the purpose of these creations. Help the children search in verse 39 to find God’s answer. Teach them that Heavenly Father’s work is to help us gain eternal life, which means becoming like Him and living with Him again.
Latter day Kids Lesson ideas
- Invite a parent to come to class and talk about how he or she feels when a child returns home after being away (for example, at school or on a mission), or share feelings you’ve had during these experiences. Use this example to teach the children how much Heavenly Father wants us to return to Him.
Latter Day Kids “This is My Work and My Glory” Lesson ideas
See also Resources for Teaching Children “Plan of Salvation / Plan of Happiness”
I Can Resist Satan’s Temptations.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022
- Summarize Moses’s experience in Moses 1:12–26 in your own words, or ask one of the children to do so (see also the video “I Am a Son of God” [ChurchofJesusChrist.org]). Invite the children to search these verses (verses 13, 15, 18, 20–22, 26) to learn how Moses was able to overcome Satan. (Remember you are a son or daughter of God, listen to the Spirit, think of Jesus, and pray for strength.)
- It might be fun for them to act out things they can do to resist temptation (such as praying, walking away, or asking for help). Or bring a box of tools (or pictures of tools), and help them label each tool with a way we can resist temptation (such as praying, singing a hymn, reading the scriptures, or serving others). Let each child pick a tool and talk about a situation when the action written on that tool’s label could help us resist temptation. Read together verses 25–26, and testify that God will help us when we face temptation.
What advice can we share to help each other “judge between” God and Satan? (See also Moroni 7:12–18; Doctrine and Covenants 50:23–24.)
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.
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.
Heavenly Father has a work for me to do.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Moses 1; Abraham 3”
- As you read Moses 1:6 with your children, you might talk to them about the “work” God had for Moses. Consider using the Gospel Art Book, nos. 13–16, or Old Testament Stories, pages 64–84, to help your children see what Moses accomplished with Heavenly Father’s help. What is the work God has for us to do? (see, for example, Doctrine and Covenants 11:20).
God’s appointment of certain spirits to fulfill specific missions on earth is called foreordination.
Topics and Questions, “Foreordination,” Gospel Library.
“Foreordination does not guarantee that individuals will receive certain callings or responsibilities. Such opportunities come in this life as a result of the righteous exercise of agency, just as foreordination came as a result of righteousness in the premortal existence. …
“The doctrine of foreordination applies to all members of the Church, not just to the Savior and His prophets. Before the creation of the earth, faithful women were given certain responsibilities and faithful men were foreordained to certain priesthood duties. As people prove themselves worthy, they will be given opportunities to fulfill the assignments they then receive.”
Lesson 1: Heavenly Father’s Plan for Us,” Primary 6: Old Testament
Read and discuss Abraham 3:23 with the children. What kinds of things might we have been chosen to do on earth? Explain that we are free to choose what we will do in this life, but each of us has been foreordained to do an important work on the earth.
Additional Resources
Plan of Salvation Teaching Children the Gospel
Lesson 1: Heavenly Father’s Plan for Us,” Primary 6: Old Testament Page 1
Lesson 2: Jesus Christ Was Chosen to Be Our Savior,” Primary 6: Old Testament Page 6
Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas
Scripture Helps
- What is the book of Moses?
- What is the book of Abraham?
- What does it mean to “chosen,” or foreordained?
Come Follow Me for Living Scriptures “I Am a Child of God” Lesson ideas
Old Testament Scripture Stories “About the Old Testament” Images and Video
Friend January 2022 “I Can Read the Old Testament”
Christmas: New Testament
Posted onJesus Christ came to earth as a baby.
Children love the story of Jesus Christ’s birth. What doctrinal truths do you see in this story that you feel the children should understand?
- Read Luke 2:1–14 to the children, or describe the events in these verses by referring to “Chapter 5:Jesus Christ Is Born” (in New Testament Stories, 13–15, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Invite the children to draw pictures of these events and use the pictures to tell the story themselves. Why are we happy that Jesus was born?
Ask the children to tell you the story of the Wise Men following the star to find Jesus. If they need to be reminded of the story, see Matthew 2:1–12 or “Chapter 7: The Wise Men” (in New Testament Stories, 18, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Hide a picture of Jesus in the room. Draw or cut out a paper star and hold it in the air. Invite the children to pretend to be wise men carrying gifts, and lead them around the room to find Jesus. Help the children think of some gifts that we can give to Jesus.
Sing a few Christmas hymns or songs with the children (see Hymns, nos. 201–14; Children’s Songbook, 34–54). Ask them to share something each song teaches that they feel is important to know.
Jesus Christ came to earth as a baby.
Matthew 1:18–25; 2:1–12; Luke 1:26–38; 2:1–20
How can you help the children focus on Jesus Christ at Christmas?
- Invite one of the children to read about some of the events related to the Savior’s birth (see Matthew 1:18–25; 2:1–12; Luke 1:26–38; 2:1–20). Ask the other children to take turns drawing pictures on the board of what the scriptures are describing. What do these stories teach us about Jesus Christ?
- Invite the children to write on several slips of paper things they could do to help them focus on the Savior during the Christmas season. (They could get ideas from the video “Good Tidings of Great Joy: The Birth of Jesus Christ” on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.) Invite them to share what they wrote. Encourage the children to take the slips home and do with their families the suggestions they wrote on the slips.
- Sing Christmas songs about the Savior (see Children’s Songbook, 34–54; Hymns, nos. 201–14), and invite the children to share a favorite line or phrase from the songs.
Jesus Christ made it possible for me to live with Heavenly Father again someday.
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.
How can you help the children review what they have learned this year and understand why they need Jesus Christ in their lives?
- Label one piece of paper Who is Jesus Christ? and another Why did He come to earth? and attach them to different walls of the classroom. Invite each child to read one of the following scriptures: Matthew 16:15–16; John 3:16; 1 Nephi 10:4; Mosiah 3:8; Alma 7:10–13; 3 Nephi 27:14–15. Ask the children to look for answers, in the scriptures they read, to the two questions on the walls. Invite them to write down their answers and attach them to the wall next to the appropriate question. How can we show our gratitude for what Jesus Christ has done for us?
- Invite the children to list on the board all of the names or titles of Jesus that they can think of (see Bible Dictionary, “Christ, names of”). What do these names teach us about Jesus Christ and His mission? Why do we need Jesus Christ in our lives? To help answer this question, show the video “Why We Need a Savior—A Christmas Message about Our Savior Jesus Christ” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
The Living Christ
Posted onTable of Contents
- “We Offer Our Testimony.”
- I Can “Offer [my] Testimony” to Celebrate Jesus’s Birth.
- “He went about doing good.”
- Heavenly Father Sent His Son as a Gift to Us.
- “None Other has had so Profound an Influence.”
- Jesus Christ Invites Me to Follow His Example.
- “He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world.”
- Additional Resources
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Christmas”
In 1838, the Prophet Joseph Smith declared, “The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, 49). Years later, President Russell M. Nelson noted that “it was this very statement of the Prophet that provided the incentive for 15 prophets, seers, and revelators to issue and sign their testimony to commemorate the 2,000th anniversary of the Lord’s birth. That historic testimony is titled ‘The Living Christ.’ Many members have memorized its truths. Others barely know of its existence. As you seek to learn more about Jesus Christ, I urge you to study ‘The Living Christ’” (“Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives,” Ensignor Liahona, May 2017, 40).
“We Offer Our Testimony.”
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Christmas”
- Show the children a copy of “The Living Christ” (see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families). Point to the word Christ in the title, and let the children point to the word too. Also point out the signatures at the bottom of the page, and tell the children that in 2000, the First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles wrote their testimony of Jesus Christ, signed their names to it, and shared it with the world.
- Point out that “The Living Christ” was signed by the First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles. Read together Doctrine and Covenants 107:23. What makes Apostles different “from other officers in the church”? Choose one of the “Special Witnesses of Christ” videos to share with the children (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Why are we grateful to have special witnesses of Christ in our day?
Friend November 2019 “The Living Christ” The apostles bear testimony of Jesus .Use the hints page to fill in the blanks. The highlighted letters give the final message!
I Can “Offer [my] Testimony” to Celebrate Jesus’s Birth.
Friend December 2021 “Scripture Time Fun”“The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles” teaches us that Jesus Christ is “the light, the life, and the hope of the world.” We celebrate Christmas to remember Jesus Christ.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Christmas” In “The Living Christ” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org), the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles gave their testimony of Jesus Christ to “commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.” Consider how you will encourage the children to share their testimonies with others.
- Show a picture of Jesus Christ, and invite each child to stand and share something he or she knows about Him. If they need help, suggest truths from “The Living Christ.” Remind the children that when they tell others about Jesus, they are sharing their testimonies.
Friend December 2025 “Come, Follow Me Activities”“The Living Christ” is a testimony from prophets and apostles. Make a testimony Christmas ornament! Cut out a paper circle. Decorate one side for Christmas. On the other side, write what you know and believe about Jesus Christ. Then hang it up to remember your testimony.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Christmas”
- Tell the children how you gained your testimony of Jesus Christ and what you are doing to keep your testimony strong. Help them think of ways they could strengthen their testimonies of Jesus Christ, and invite them to choose one thing they will do. (Share with one another how you gained your testimony of Jesus Christ. Maybe you could pass around a picture of the Savior and take turns sharing something you know about Him (including truths taught in “The Living Christ”).)
- Write on the board I know that Jesus Christ … and invite the children to share ways they would complete the sentence. Suggest that they look in “The Living Christ” for ideas. What can we do to strengthen our testimonies of Jesus Christ? How are others blessed when we share our testimonies?
- You could give each child a phrase from “The Living Christ” and ask them to find or draw a picture of that phrase. Then you could help them find the phrase in “The Living Christ.” You might even compile those pictures and phrases into a book.
Friend January 2019 “The Living Christ” The prophets and apostles wrote “The Living Christ” to tell the world about Jesus. Read part of it each month and memorize the words in red. Fill in the blanks with words from the picture to learn more about this first quote. Also, color the card and collect a new one each month.
For additional teaching ideas see Testimony and Resources for Teaching Children “Testimony”
“He went about doing good.”
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025
- As you and your children read the second paragraph of “The Living Christ,” talk with them about some of the things Jesus did. You could also look at pictures from His life (see this week’s activity page and the Gospel Art Book). Invite your children to talk about what the Savior is doing in the pictures. How can we serve others as He did? The “Light the World” videos in the Gospel Library could give you 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?
“God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son.”
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025
- What gifts have we received because of Jesus Christ? Perhaps you and your children could look for these gifts in “The Living Christ” or in a song like “He Sent His Son” (Children’s Songbook, 34–35). Then they could gift-wrap something to represent those gifts. You could suggest that your children open the gifts on Christmas Day to help them remember the Savior and His gifts to us.
- 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”
“None Other has had so Profound an Influence.”
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Christmas” In “The Living Christ,” the prophets and apostles declared that no one has had greater influence on God’s children than Jesus Christ. Ponder how you will help the children learn about the Savior’s profound influence on all of us.
- Give each child a phrase or sentence from “The Living Christ,” and ask them to draw a picture of that phrase or sentence. As each child shows the class his or her picture, ask the other children to guess what the picture is illustrating and find the corresponding sentence in “The Living Christ.” How are we blessed because of Jesus Christ’s life and mission?
- Help the children find different names or titles of Jesus Christ in “The Living Christ” and underline them, if possible (some examples include Messiah, Firstborn, the first and the last, advocate, and chief corner stone). Talk about what each of these titles teaches us about Him. (Some of these titles are defined in the Guide to the Scriptures or Bible Dictionary.)
Friend February 2019 Names of Christ and Jesus is the creator of the earth.
Jesus Christ Invites Me to Follow His Example.
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Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Christmas” Part of the Savior’s “profound … influence” on the world has been His perfect example. How will you inspire the children to follow Him?
- From the second paragraph of “The Living Christ,” read to the children some of the things Jesus did. Show pictures from His life (see this week’s activity page), and invite the children to talk about what the Savior is doing in the pictures. Help them think of ways they can follow His example.
- Choose a “Light the World” video (ComeuntoChrist.org) to show the children, or tell about a time when you were blessed by someone’s Christlike service. Invite a child to act out a simple act of service, and ask the other children to guess what he or she is doing. Let each child have a turn. Help the children think of something they can do to serve someone in their family.
Friend March 2019 Following Jesus example of helping others. Make a map of where you walk and ways you can help.
For additional teaching ideas see Following Jesus’s Example
“He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world.”
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!
Additional Resources
- Resources for Teaching Children “Jesus Christ”
- Teaching Children the Gospel “Jesus Christ”
- Teaching Children the Gospel Christmas and Birth of Jesus
- Resources for Teaching Children “Christmas”
- Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “He Sent His Son” Lesson Ideas and Video
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Christmas”
To help your family understand the truths taught about the Savior in “The Living Christ,” you could select some key phrases and work together to find or draw pictures that illustrate those phrases. You could then compile those pictures and phrases into a book.
You may want to record your testimonies of Christ to commemorate the Savior’s birth.
What gifts have we received because of Jesus Christ? Perhaps family members could find answers in “The Living Christ” and then gift wrap items that represent those gifts from the Savior. Your family could open the presents on Christmas day or throughout the week and read scriptures related to each one. Here are some possible scriptures, though your family may find many others: Luke 2:10–14; 1 Peter 2:21; Mosiah 3:8; Alma 11:42–43; Doctrine and Covenants 18:10–12. You could also sing a song about the Savior, such as “He Sent His Son” (Children’s Songbook, 34–35), to find other gifts that come from Him.
Friend April 2019 “The Living Christ” He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice. He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind.
Friend May 2019 Jesus’s life didn’t begin when he was born nor end when he died. Look up the scriptures about His life before birth, his life on the earth, and his life after death and then fill in the crossword puzzle.
Friend June 2019 Jesus was resurrected and lives. Discuss the pictures of him visiting people after his death.
Friend July 2019 Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery saw a vision of Jesus Christ in the Kirtland Temple. Jesus said, “I am he who liveth.”
Friend August 2019 The Prophet Joseph Smith’s testimony of the resurrected Jesus.
Friend September 2019 Write the names of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on the foundation stones.The foundation of a building keeps it strong. The most important foundation stone is called the cornerstone. The prophets and apostles are like the foundation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jesus Christ is like the most important stone, the cornerstone.
Friend October 2019 Second Coming of Jesus Christ
Friend November 2019 “The Living Christ” The apostles bear testimony of Jesus .Use the hints page to fill in the blanks. The highlighted letters give the final message!
Liahona December 2021 “Christmas, Gathering Israel, and Family History”
A Gift for the Savior
The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles
Christ has set an example for all of us to follow. As we celebrate His birth this Christmas, let’s give Him the gift of becoming like Him. Christ said, “What manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am” (3 Nephi 27:27). Can you give the Savior a gift this Christmas by following His example?
- Read the first two paragraphs of “The Living Christ” together.
- Discuss things the Savior did to bless others.
- He “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38). How can we go about doing good?
- His gospel was a message of peace and goodwill. How can we bring good will to others?
- He entreated all to follow His example? How can we follow Christ’s example?
- Write or draw your gift idea for the Savior.
- Post it somewhere as a reminder of your goal this year.
Discussion: What can you do to bless the lives of others like the Savior did? How will setting an example of following Christ bring others to the Savior?
The Family: A Proclamation to the World
Posted onTable of Contents
- Families are important in Heavenly Father’s plan.
- Families are Central in Heavenly Father’s Plan.
- I am a “Beloved Spirit Son or Daughter of Heavenly Parents.”
- In the Premortal Life We Accepted Heavenly Father's Plan of Salvation
- Temple Ordinances Allow Family Relationships to Continue Beyond the Grave
- God's Command to Multiply and Replenish the Earth are Still in Force
- Procreation only to Occur Between Man and Woman Lawfully Wedded
- Parents Have a Sacred Duty to Raise Their Children in Love and Righteousness
- Families are Happiest when They Follow Jesus Christ.
- Disintegration of Family Brings Calamities
- Additional Teaching Ideas and Resources
Families are important in Heavenly Father’s plan.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 ” The Family: A Proclamation to the World”
- Help your children think of things that are so important that they would want to tell everyone about them. Show the children a copy of “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” and explain that prophets and apostles wrote it to tell us all how important families are to Heavenly Father.
- Why are families so important to Heavenly Father? (see also the video “What Is the Purpose of Family?” [ChurchofJesusChrist.org]).
- Share with your children something from the proclamation that you feel we all need to know. Invite the children to share their feelings about those truths. How would our lives be different if we did not know these things? You might sing together a song that relates to truths found in the proclamation, such as “I Will Follow God’s Plan” (Children’s Songbook, 164–65).
- In section IV of his message “The Plan and the Proclamation” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 30), President Dallin H. Oaks described how the family proclamation was written. Perhaps you and your children could review his description together and talk about why you are grateful the Lord inspired His servants to teach us these truths about families. (Help the children understand what the words “solemnly proclaim” in the opening paragraph mean. Ask them to share their thoughts about why the prophets and apostles want to “solemnly proclaim” truths about the family in our day.)
- You could also show your children pictures (or invite them to draw some) portraying truths found in the family proclamation. These could be pictures of a temple, a family praying or playing together, or a couple getting married. Then your children could find sentences in the family proclamation that relate to the pictures. What does the Lord teach us about these things in the proclamation?
Be sensitive. As you teach the truths taught in the family proclamation, please be aware that many children live in families that do not match the ideals described in the proclamation. Consider how you can encourage and inspire them.
Friend October 2009 “Coloring Page” “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” teaches me about families.
Families are Central in Heavenly Father’s Plan.
Friend December 2021 Scripture Time Fun for Little Ones
Trace each family member’s hand on paper. Then cut them out. Line up all the hands. Talk about how the family is part of God’s plan. Help your little ones say, “Our family is important!”
Come Unto Christ “Families Are Central to God’s Plan” Lesson Ideas
For additional teaching ideas see Teaching Children the Gospel “Family” and Resources for Teaching Children “Family”
I am a “Beloved Spirit Son or Daughter of Heavenly Parents.”
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025
- As you sing together “I Am a Child of God” (Children’s Songbook, 2–3), you could toss a ball to a child as you say, “I know a child of God named [child’s name].” Ask the child to toss the object to another child, saying the same words and inserting that child’s name. Repeat the activity until everyone has had a turn. Help your children find the phrase “beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents” in the family proclamation, and bear your testimony of this truth.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 ” The Family: A Proclamation to the World”
The family proclamation teaches that we are all children of Heavenly Parents and we are here on earth to become more like Them.
- Consider ways you could illustrate that because we are children of Heavenly Parents, we can become like Them. For example, show pictures of animals and their babies, or of yourself and your parents or children, and help the children see similarities. Testify that just as babies grow up to be like their parents, we can someday become like our Heavenly Parents.
Friend January 2017 “Kylie’s Parents” Kylie is like her earthly parents, and she is also like her Heavenly Parents. PDF version
For additional teaching ideas see Teaching Children the Gospel “Child of God” and Resources for Teaching Children “Heavenly Father”
In the Premortal Life We Accepted Heavenly Father’s Plan of Salvation
For additional teaching ideas see “Plan of Salvation” and Resources for Teaching Children “Plan of Salvation / Plan of Happiness”
Temple Ordinances Allow Family Relationships to Continue Beyond the Grave
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 ” The Family: A Proclamation to the World”
- Show the children a picture of a temple and a picture of a family. Let the children hold the pictures while you read the last sentence of the third paragraph of the family proclamation. Ask them to point to the correct pictures when you read the words “temples” and “families.” Testify that because of the ordinances of the temple, our families can be united forever. Sing together a song about eternal families, such as “I Love to See the Temple” (Children’s Songbook, 95), and help the children listen for words like “temple” and “family.”
For additional teaching ideas see Teaching Children the Gospel “Temples” and Resources for Teaching Children “Temples”
God’s Command to Multiply and Replenish the Earth are Still in Force
Procreation only to Occur Between Man and Woman Lawfully Wedded
Parents Have a Sacred Duty to Raise Their Children in Love and Righteousness
Families are Happiest when They Follow Jesus Christ.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025
- To begin a conversation about strengthening your family, you and your children could talk about what we do to make other things strong—such as our teeth, our bodies, or a building. You could then compare that to building a strong family. Help your children find the Christlike principles that lead to happiness in family life, found in paragraph 7 of the family proclamation (see also this week’s activity page).
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 ” The Family: A Proclamation to the World”
- Draw a large outline of a heart on the board, and invite the children to read paragraph seven of the proclamation. Ask them to look for things they can do to help their families be happy, and write their answers inside the heart. Invite the children to pick something that they can work on to make their homes happier.
- How should our knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ affect the way we treat our families?
Friend June 2004 “Strengthening My Family” Think about what principle or action each picture might represent and how it could strengthen your family. Glue or tape each picture to a strip of paper, and form a paper chain from the strips. (See article for additional lesson ideas.)
Friend October 2014 ““The Family: A Proclamation to the World” Came from God to Help My Family”
For the Strength of Youth December 2021 “How to Strengthen Your Family” Explanation for how each of the proclamation items helps strengthen the family.
Friend December 2021 “Scripture Time Fun”
- Sing “I Will Follow God’s Plan” (Children’s Songbook, 164–65).
- Families are an important part of God’s plan. “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” says, “Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.” We can make our families happier by following Jesus.
- Now play a game! Sit in a circle. Toss a ball or crumpled sheet of paper from person to person. When you throw the ball to someone, tell them one way you have seen them follow Jesus to help someone in your family feel happy.
Liahona December 2021 “How can you strengthen your family through compassion?:
To discuss how to achieve more “happiness in [your] family life,” you could sing together a song about families, such as “Home Can Be a Heaven on Earth” (Hymns, no. 298). What do we learn from the song and from the family proclamation that would bring more happiness to our family? How can we make sure our family is “founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ”? Consider picking one teaching you want to work on this week.
Disintegration of Family Brings Calamities
“Strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.”
How is Satan trying to weaken families in the world? How can we do our part to strengthen families? For ideas, see President Bonnie L. Oscarson’s message “Defenders of the Family Proclamation” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2015, 14–17).
Additional Teaching Ideas and Resources
Teaching Children the Gospel “Family”
Resources for Teaching Children “Family”
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 ” The Family: A Proclamation to the World”
- Share a few statements from the family proclamation that are especially meaningful to you. Invite the children to share their feelings about those truths. How would our lives be different if we did not know these things? Sing together a song that relates to truths found in the proclamation, such as “I Will Follow God’s Plan” or “Families Can Be Together Forever” (Children’s Songbook, 164–65, 188).
- Show the children pictures (or invite them to draw some) portraying truths found in the family proclamation. These could be pictures of a temple, a family praying or playing together, or a couple getting married. Invite the children to find sentences in the family proclamation that relate to the pictures. What do these sentences teach us?
- Prepare some questions that can be answered in the family proclamation, such as “How does God feel about marriage?” and “What makes a happy family?” Let each child pick a question, and help them find answers in the proclamation.
- Invite a mother and father of one of the children to share with the class how they “help one another as equal partners” in their “sacred responsibilities” in their family. Invite the children to discuss what they can do now to prepare to be righteous wives and husbands, mothers and fathers.
- Ask the children what they would say if a friend asked them why getting married or having children is important. How could we help this friend understand how important families are to Heavenly Father? Help the children find statements in the family proclamation that could help; see also the video “What Is the Purpose of Family?” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
“The divine plan of happiness.”
To help your family see the importance of families in Heavenly Father’s plan, you might write premortal life, mortal life,and life after death on three sections of a piece of paper. Search the proclamation together, and write on the paper what you learn about each of these parts of God’s plan. Why are families so important to God?
Latter Day Kids “The Family Proclamation“ Lesson ideas
Memorize the Proclamation Pictures that go with each line or paragraph.
Resources for Teaching Children “Teaching the Proclamation to Kids”
Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “The Family” Lesson ideas
Doctrine and Covenants Historical Resources “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” This is about when it was introduced to the world
Friend October 2009 “We Believe the Family Is Ordained of God” (See more lesson ideas at link.)
- “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” is modern-day revelation. Have the children listen for how many times they hear the words “reveal” or “revealed” as they repeat the ninth article of faith together. Teach that God continues to reveal His will to His children. This communication from God is called revelation. Give a copy of “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” to each child, and explain that the proclamation is revelation given in our day through God’s chosen servants. Have the boys read the title while the girls listen for what this proclamation is about (the family). Next, have the girls read the title while the boys listen for whom the revelation is to (the world). Tell the children that the proclamation teaches us what Heavenly Father wants us to know about families. It teaches us how we can strengthen our families and how to prepare to live in an eternal family.Provide each class with a different sentence or phrase from the proclamation with some words missing. Have them work together to fill in the blanks with the correct words. You may want to include the paragraph number and provide the answers in scrambled order. For example: “The _____ is _____ to the Creator’s _____ for the eternal destiny of His children” (paragraph 1: plan, family, central). Invite each class to stand and recite their completed phrase or sentence. Sing the first verse of “The Family Is of God” (Friend, Oct. 2008, 28–29). Emphasize that the proclamation on the family is revelation from God and that we need to understand and live its teachings.
A Year of Family Home Evening “Lesson 14: A Proclamation to the World & Family Goals”
Church of Jesus Christ. Org Library Gospel Topics “Family”
Liahona April 2024 “A Firm Foundation: Teaching Children the Family Proclamation” Ideas for helping children learn the proclamation.
Friend November 2025 “Learning From Conference” This conference was the 30th anniversary of “The Family: A Proclamation to the World.” President Dallin H. Oaks encouraged us to spend time doing good things with our families. What are some things you can do with your family? Write them on the card below. Then cut out the card to help you remember your ideas!
Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas
Articles of Faith: Lesson Ideas
Posted on“Lesson 36: Joseph Smith Writes the Articles of Faith,” Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History Lesson and activity ideas
In 1842 a man named George Barstow was writing a history of the state of New Hampshire, and he wanted to include a chapter about the members of the Church living in New Hampshire. Mr. Barstow did not know much about the Church and wanted to find out what the Latter-day Saints believed. Since the headquarters of the Church were in Nauvoo, Illinois, Mr. Barstow contacted his friend John Wentworth, who was the editor of a newspaper in Chicago, Illinois.
Mr. Wentworth asked Joseph Smith about the beliefs and history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Prophet answered with a letter that has become known as the Wentworth Letter. In it he told Mr. Wentworth about the First Vision and how he received and translated the gold plates, and he also described the organization of the Church and the persecution and history of the Saints. In the last part of this important letter, the Prophet listed some of the basic beliefs of the Church. This list has become known as the Articles of Faith.
Joseph Smith wrote the Articles of Faith to help people who are not members of the Church understand how The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is different from other churches. The Articles of Faith do not contain all of the teachings and beliefs of the Church, but they do explain some of our most important beliefs. They can help build faith, understanding, and a testimony of the gospel, and they also give us a good foundation for sharing the gospel with others.
The Articles of Faith were never published in Barstow’s history of New Hampshire or in Wentworth’s newspaper, but they were published by a Church newspaper in 1842. In 1880 members of the Church at the October general conference raised their hands in common consent to accept the Articles of Faith as scripture. They are now included as scripture in the Pearl of Great Price.
The Articles of Faith Teach Simple Truths of the Gospel.
Sometimes the gospel can seem big and complicated, especially to children. The Articles of Faith can help the children understand, in a simple way, some of the basic truths we believe as Latter-day Saints.
- Choose a few articles of faith that you feel are especially important for the children you teach. For each article of faith, share a picture (see this week’s activity page) or a story (from the scriptures or your life) that illustrates or clarifies a truth taught in that article. Tell the children why that truth is important to you, and let them share why it is important to them.
- Find hymns or children’s songs that can help the children understand one or more of the articles of faith. Perhaps the children can help you choose. Sing the songs together, and help the children see how the songs relate to the articles of faith.
- Invite each child to choose a key word or phrase from one of the articles of faith and share it with the class. Then let the other children guess (or find) which article of faith that word or phrase comes from. Ask the children to share why the word or phrase they picked is important.
- A few days in advance, ask a few of the children to prepare to share in class a short message about their favorite article of faith. Their message could include a picture, a song, a story or experience, or other scriptures. Invite these children to share why they like the article of faith they chose.
- Write on the board some questions people might have about our beliefs that could be answered with one of the articles of faith. Ask the children to pick a question and find an article of faith that answers it. Let them practice answering the question using the article of faith.
Friend December 2021 “Articles of Faith Quiz”
Friend December 2021 “Why I Love the Articles of Faith” Elder Thierry K. Mutombo Of the Seventy tells why he loves the Articles of Faith and tells about his favorite, the 13th Article of Faith. It reminds him of how his father taught him about honesty.
Friend December 2021 “Scripture Time Fun” “We Believe” Tree
- Sing “He Sent His Son” (Children’s Songbook, 34–35).
- The Articles of Faith teach what we believe. Joseph Smith wrote the Articles of Faith to explain the gospel to others.
- (Above) Read “Why I Love the Articles of Faith” on page 26. Cut out 13 circles to make paper ornaments. Number the circles from 1 to 13. Then draw something on the other side that reminds you of that article of faith. You can hang them on your Christmas tree or in another place in your house. As you hang each ornament, say the article of faith that goes with it.
Friend December 2021 “Scripture Time Fun for Little Ones” Choose an article of faith. Ask your little ones to repeat the words as you read it out loud. Help your little ones say, “The scriptures teach me good things.”
Consider how your family could create “mini-lessons” for the Articles of Faith. For example, throughout the week, each family member could pick one article and find a related scripture, picture, hymn, or children’s song or share a personal experience.
Or family members could take turns asking each other questions about the Church and our beliefs and then answering those questions with an article of faith.
Liahona December 2021 “For Parents: Christmas, Gathering Israel, and Family History” Come, Follow Me Family Fun: Articles of Faith Family Challenge
- Memorize one or more of the Articles of Faith with your family.
- If you have younger children in your home who haven’t memorized the Articles of Faith yet, give them a buddy to help them.
- Try the following activity:
- Sit in a circle.
- Recite an article of faith, with each person saying only one word at a time (the first person starts with the first word, the next person says the second, and so on).
- If a mistake is made, gently correct the mistake and then have the next person say the following word.
- See if you can complete the article of faith with as few mistakes as possible. Then try another one.
Discussion: How can memorizing these important articles help us in our own lives? Reciting these powerful words can help us when our minds are stressed or when we are striving to keep clean or positive thoughts. Knowing these truths can also help us when friends ask us questions about the gospel. (Idea submitted by Brenda Slade and Mitzi Schoneman)
For the Strength Youth December 2021 “Fun Stop: Articles of Faith Activity” This game is a great way to help remember the Articles of Faith. It’s also just the right mix of friendly competition, fun, and laughter.
Here’s how to play.
- Divide your group into two or more teams.
- Place some sort of a basket on the ground for each team. A bowl, garbage can, or even a hole dug into the ground will do just fine.
- Draw a line on the ground far enough away from the baskets to provide a challenge.
- Give each team 13 small and numbered objects to toss at the baskets. The simplest might be pieces of paper that they can write a number on and crumple into a ball. Or it could be rocks or sticks. Just write, draw, or paint the numbers 1 through 13 on the objects.
- Have somebody read clues from one of the Articles of Faith. As soon as a team thinks they know which Article of Faith it refers to, they try tossing that numbered item toward the basket. If they miss, they have to run and grab the object and return to the line before trying to toss again.
- As soon as a team makes a basket, freeze the game.
- If that team correctly identified the Article of Faith, they recite it together and earn a point. If they were wrong, they lose a point and the round continues.
- Take turns rotating team members who try tossing the objects into the baskets. You can also try moving the baskets closer or farther from the line (keeping the distance the same for each team) to change up the difficulty level.
- First team to reach 13 points is the winner!
Additional resources for teaching about the Articles of Faith”
- Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 36: Joseph Smith Writes the Articles of Faith,” Lesson ideas, activities, and stories.
- Resources for Teaching Children “Articles of Faith”
- Teaching Children the Gospel “Articles of Faith”
- Living Scriptures “We Believe in Revelation” Lesson ideas, video, game, refreshment idea.
Latter Day Kids “The Articles of Faith” Lesson ideas
“Chapter 38: The Wentworth Letter,” in Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith,435–47.
Learning the Articles of Faith
Friend January 2021 “Matt and Mandy” When a friend at school said she had heard that the church Mandy attends doesn’t believe in Jesus Christ, Mandy tells her the First Article of Faith.
Friend July 2024 “A Chat with Alan about the Articles of Faith” Alan is from Málaga, Spain. We asked him some questions about how he learned the Articles of Faith and how knowing the Articles of Faith helped him. (He was able to share what his beliefs were with a friend using the Articles of Faith.)
Friend August 2018 “Show and Tell”
When me and my grandma take out the trash, we practice memorizing the Articles of Faith! (Sophie A., age 7, Indiana, USA)
7th Article of Faith
Friend August 2021 Matt and Mandy have a new way to memorize the Articles of Faith—with checkers! Before making a move, the first player recites the first few words. The next player repeats it and then adds a few more words before making their move.
The Articles of Faith and Official Declarations 1 and 2
Posted onTable of Contents
The Articles of Faith
The Articles of Faith Teach Simple Truths of the Gospel.
I believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025
- Consider finding and singing hymns or children’s songs that can help your children understand one or more of the Articles of Faith. Perhaps they can help you choose the hymns and songs. Help your children see how the songs relate to the Articles of Faith.
- You and your children could work together to write questions people might have about the gospel of Jesus Christ or His Church. You could then work together to answer those questions using the Articles of Faith. Where else can we go when we have questions about the gospel?
- Is the church Christian?
- What do you believe about God?
- Do they believe in the Bible?
Matt and Mandy
- Choose a few articles of faith that you feel are especially important for the children you teach. For each article of faith, share a picture (see this week’s activity page) or a story (from the scriptures or your life) that illustrates or clarifies a truth taught in that article. Tell the children why that truth is important to you, and let them share why it is important to them.
- Invite each child to choose a key word or phrase from one of the articles of faith and share it with the class. Then let the other children guess (or find) which article of faith that word or phrase comes from. Ask the children to share why the word or phrase they picked is important.
Friend December 2021 “Scripture Time Fun” “We Believe” Tree
- Sing “He Sent His Son” (Children’s Songbook, 34–35).
- The Articles of Faith teach what we believe. Joseph Smith wrote the Articles of Faith to explain the gospel to others.
- (Above) Read “Why I Love the Articles of Faith” on page 26. Cut out 13 circles to make paper ornaments. Number the circles from 1 to 13. Then draw something on the other side that reminds you of that article of faith. You can hang them on your Christmas tree or in another place in your house. As you hang each ornament, say the article of faith that goes with it.
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “The Articles of Faith and Official Declarations 1 and 2” Consider how your family could create “mini-lessons” for the Articles of Faith. For example, throughout the week, each family member could pick one article and find a related scripture, picture, hymn, or children’s song or share a personal experience.
Discussion: How can memorizing these important articles help us in our own lives? Reciting these powerful words can help us when our minds are stressed or when we are striving to keep clean or positive thoughts. Knowing these truths can also help us when friends ask us questions about the gospel. (Idea submitted by Brenda Slade and Mitzi Schoneman)
For the Strength Youth December 2021 “Fun Stop: Articles of Faith Activity” This game is a great way to help remember the Articles of Faith. It’s also just the right mix of friendly competition, fun, and laughter.
Here’s how to play.
- Divide your group into two or more teams.
- Place some sort of a basket on the ground for each team. A bowl, garbage can, or even a hole dug into the ground will do just fine.
- Draw a line on the ground far enough away from the baskets to provide a challenge.
- Give each team 13 small and numbered objects to toss at the baskets. The simplest might be pieces of paper that they can write a number on and crumple into a ball. Or it could be rocks or sticks. Just write, draw, or paint the numbers 1 through 13 on the objects.
- Have somebody read clues from one of the Articles of Faith. As soon as a team thinks they know which Article of Faith it refers to, they try tossing that numbered item toward the basket. If they miss, they have to run and grab the object and return to the line before trying to toss again.
- As soon as a team makes a basket, freeze the game.
- If that team correctly identified the Article of Faith, they recite it together and earn a point. If they were wrong, they lose a point and the round continues.
- Take turns rotating team members who try tossing the objects into the baskets. You can also try moving the baskets closer or farther from the line (keeping the distance the same for each team) to change up the difficulty level.
- First team to reach 13 points is the winner!
Additional resources for teaching about the Articles of Faith”
- Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 36: Joseph Smith Writes the Articles of Faith,” (Page 221) Lesson ideas, activities, and stories.
- Resources for Teaching Children “Articles of Faith”
- Teaching Children the Gospel “Articles of Faith”
- Living Scriptures “We Believe in Revelation” Lesson ideas, video, game, refreshment idea.
Latter Day Kids “The Articles of Faith” Lesson ideas
“Chapter 38: The Wentworth Letter,” in Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith,435–47.
End of Plural Marriage
OFFICIAL DECLARATION 1
Since Joseph Smith’s First Vision, God has continued to guide His Church by revelation. In some cases, that revelation has included changes to the policies and practices of the Church. Official Declarations 1 and 2 announced this kind of revelation—one led to the end of plural marriage, and the other made the blessings of the priesthood available to people of all races. Changes like these are part of what it means to have a “true and living church” (Doctrine and Covenants 1:30), with a true and living prophet, led by a true and living God.
The Bible and the Book of Mormon teach that monogamy is God’s standard for marriage unless He declares otherwise (see 2 Samuel 12:7–8 and Jacob 2:27, 30). Following a revelation to Joseph Smith, the practice of plural marriage was instituted among Church members in the early 1840s (see section 132). From the 1860s to the 1880s, the United States government passed laws to make this religious practice illegal. These laws were eventually upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. After receiving revelation, President Wilford Woodruff issued the following Manifesto, which was accepted by the Church as authoritative and binding on October 6, 1890. This led to the end of the practice of plural marriage in the Church.
For more information about the historical background of Official Declaration 1, see Saints, 2:602–15; “The Messenger and the Manifesto,” in Revelations in Context, 323–31; Topics and Questions, “Plural Marriage and Families in Early Utah,” Gospel Library.
The Lord Guides His Church through His Prophet.
Official Declarations 1 and 2 are excellent examples of how prophets receive and act on revelation from God. How can you help the children increase their faith that God directs His Church by revelation?
Articles of Faith 1:9; Official Declarations 1 and 2
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “The Articles of Faith and Official Declarations 1 and 2”
9 We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
- To help your children understand the ninth article of faith, perhaps you could give them a set of scriptures and a picture of the living prophet (or a recent conference issue of the Liahona). Help the children determine which item relates to the phrase “all that God has revealed” and which item relates to the phrase “all that He does now reveal” (Articles of Faith 1:9). Why do we need both ancient and modern prophets?
Friend August 2021 “Matt and Mandy”
- Your children could learn how the words of the prophets guide us by following instructions to make something, such as food or a toy. You could compare this to the instructions Jesus Christ gives us through the prophet. What are some things the Lord has taught us through His living prophet today?
or
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 1: “Hearken, O Ye People”Play a simple game by giving instructions to one child and asking him or her to repeat the instructions for the other children. Help them see that following the child’s instructions is the same as following your instructions and that following the prophet is the same as following the Lord. Read to them the last line of Doctrine and Covenants 1:38: “Whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.”
Scripture Story Coloring Book: Pearl of Great Price Ninth Article of Faith
All Worthy Males Receive the Priesthood
OFFICIAL DECLARATION 2
Official Declaration 2 The Book of Mormon teaches that “all are alike unto God,” including “black and white, bond and free, male and female” (2 Nephi 26:33). Throughout the history of the Church, people of every race and ethnicity in many countries have been baptized and have lived as faithful members of the Church. During Joseph Smith’s lifetime, a few black male members of the Church were ordained to the priesthood. Early in its history, Church leaders stopped conferring the priesthood on black males of African descent. Church records offer no clear insights into the origins of this practice. Church leaders believed that a revelation from God was needed to alter this practice and prayerfully sought guidance. The revelation came to Church President Spencer W. Kimball and was affirmed to other Church leaders in the Salt Lake Temple on June 1, 1978. The revelation removed all restrictions with regard to race that once applied to the priesthood.
Doctrine and Covenants Stories “The Martins Family”
Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “Priesthood for All Worthy Men”
Friend March 2020 “Anthony’s Dream” Long before the church was organized in much of Africa, and before black men could hold the priesthood, Anthony had dreamed about the church and had asked the church to send scriptures so he could learn more. He taught the villagers what he learned, and he built a chapel for them to meet in. Then the announcement came that all worthy men could hold the priesthood and that the missionaries would be coming to their village. The missionaries were surprised to find so many people ready to be baptized. Now there are over 170,000 members in Nigeria.
The Primary Pad Flipchart by Sheree Peterson When I Hear the Prophet’s Voice Music
Ensign June 2016 “We Believe in Following the Prophet”
See also Teaching Children the Gospel: Prophets and Resources for Teaching Children: Prophets
Additional Resources
Doctrine and Covenants Stories “The Pearl of Great Price”
We don’t know why priesthood ordination and temple ordinances were not available to Church members of African descent for a time. Even when facing difficult unanswered questions about that policy, many Black Latter-day Saints trusted the Lord (see Proverbs 3:5) and stayed faithful to Him throughout their lives. Learning about their faith and experiences could be inspiring to you. Here are some of their accounts, found at history.ChurchofJesusChrist.org:
- “Jane Elizabeth Manning James”
- “In My Father’s House Are Many Mansions” (story of Green Flake)
- “You Have Come at Last” (story of Anthony Obinna)
- “Break the Soil of Bitterness” (story of Julia Mavimbela)
- “I Will Take It in Faith” (story of George Rickford)
- “Long-Promised Day” (story of Joseph W. B. Johnson)
- “Witnessing the Faithfulness,” Revelations in Context,332–41;
- Gospel Topics, “Race and the Priesthood,”
- history.ChurchofJesusChrist.org; BeOne.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
- Institute Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual “Chapter 56: Official Declaration 2”
- Doctrine and Covenants Historical Resources “The Articles of Faith and Official Declarations 1 and 2”
Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas