The True Gift of Christmas

"Eternal life is to inherit a place in the celestial kingdom, where we will live in God's presence and continue as families. This gift is made possible through the Atonement of Jesus Christ" (True to the Faith, pg. 52).



Opening song: Away in a Manger (Hymns, 206)
Prayer: Collin
Scripture: John 8:12

Lesson:
Wisemen Follow a New Star
Turn off the lights and tell the story of the wisemen from the east (see Matthew 2:1-12). Provide paper crowns for the children to wear. Shine a flashlight on the ceiling to represent the new star. (Or, decorate a bedroom ceiling with glow-in-the-dark stars.) Describe how the wisemen followed the star to find baby Jesus. Why did God choose a star to be the sign of Christ's birth? How is Jesus the light of the world?

Wisemen Bring Gifts to Jesus
Use the flashlight to help you walk in the dark to the Christmas tree. Point out the star on the top of the Christmas tree. Explain that it represents the new star that appeared the night Jesus was born. Describe the gifts the wisemen brought to Jesus. What was the significance of these gifts? What gifts can we give to the Savior?

The Gift of Eternal Life
Read John 3:16. What gift did God give to the world? Because God loves us, He sent His Son to be a Savior for us. Explain that the evergreen leaves of the Christmas tree remind us to hope for eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God (D&C 14:7). Write the words "eternal life" on the gift you wrapped. Keep it under the tree to help you remember the gift of life God gave to us through His Son Jesus Christ.

Testify that Jesus is the Christ, the Savior and Redeemer of the world. Because of his atoning sacrifice, we have hope for eternal life.

Activity:
Choose a Favorite Neighborhood Light Display
Drive through your neighborhood to enjoy the Christmas light displays. Choose one house that is your favorite and leave an award certificate for best light display along with some Christmas goodies.

Gift Wrap Games
Provide an inexpensive gift that has been wrapped with multiple layers of wrapping paper. Sit in a circle and take turns rolling two dice. The first person to roll doubles will put on a pair of winter mittens and try to open the gift. Meanwhile, other family members continue to roll the dice. As soon as the next person rolls doubles, the mittens and gift are passed to them. They take a turn to unwrap the gift. Play continues until the gift is entirely unwrapped.

Closing song: Stars Were Gleaming (CS, 37)
Prayer: Mom

Refreshments:
Apricot Spice Cake with Caramel Frosting

Credits:
Conducting= Luke
Lesson= Dad
Activity= Collin
Treat= Mom