Luke 2; Matthew 2 (Jan. 14-20)

We Have Come to Worship Him

In the Manual, it explains:

From the Day of his birth, it was clear that Christ was no ordinary child. Not just because Angels declared the news, or because a new star shone brightly in the sky. But people of multiple professions, countries, ages were immediately drawn to him.

The object of this lesson is to show the children that we can "give Christ gifts" by using the gifts we have been given to help and serve those around us. It is also to remind them that just as Christ has a divine purpose, they each have a purpose in this life.

Invite Sharing:

Ask the children to tell you wheat they remember about Christ's birth. What are their favorite parts of the story?

Teach the Doctrine:

Brian and I are at an advantage this year that we are teaching children 7-8 year olds which means that we can really pick and choose activities from both the "younger children" and the "older children" sections.

Some Activities We Plan to Do:

Beforehand, gather together:

 1. a nativity set. 

2. Rolos or gold coins.

3. Frankinsense

4. Caramel Popcorn

5. Baggies.

6. A picture of yourself and co-teacher as a baby.

7. Coloring sheet from the manual and crayons.

As the children arrive to our class, we will have "Mary's Lullaby" playing. So if you would like to play a primary song or a video for the children, you may want to consider downloading it beforehand.

1. We are going to bring a nativity set and we will retell the story of Jesus Birth and one by one set up the nativity scene. Afterwards we will point to each character and have a child tell us something about that person.

2. We will ask the children if they know what the Wise Men brought for the baby Jesus: Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. I will bring Rolos in a bowl to represent Gold, Frankincense which I purchased at the store around Christmas time in an incense kit, and caramel popcorn to represent myrhh. Also, if you're interested I looked up why the Wise Men may have brought myrrh for the baby Jesus. Not only was it rare, but if applied to a baby's gums it would help to alleviate the pain associated with teething. I am also bringing ziplock baggies so that the children can take a little "gold and myrrh" home with them. On the board, we will write down some of their ideas on things we can give to Jesus, such as "being a good friend" or "praying." Have the children choose one gift from the board to work on this week. 

3. Beforehand, we will post a picture of Brian and I when we were babies. We will tell them that we used to be babies. We didn't know what our mission in life would be at that age, but as we grew our mission became more clear. Brian served an LDS mission and served the people in his area. He came back and finished school and now works as a product manager. He got married and is now a Husband and Father. I became a leader in my family, being the eldest sibling. I grew up and went to school to learn how to help others and teach children. I am the listener in my circle of friends, offering advice when it is asked of me. I am also the planner so I get things done. I a Mother and Wife. Being a helpful part of your family and a good friend to others is a very important job. Like Jesus, the children have an important mission to prepare for. What can you learn from Jesus' example? We will read Luke 2: 40, 52, we will have the children listen for things Jesus did. Invite the children to share ways that they have grown since they were little babies. 

4. Tell the children that Jesus had Joseph who was a father figure to him in his life. He taught Jesus how to do many things, like respecting others and how to be a carpenter. What have you learned from your parents that help you to be a good person? Invite the children to share what they think Jesus was like when he was their age. How do you think he treated his Mother? His siblings? His Friends? What sort of things do you think he enjoyed? 

5. I will share my testimony that they are unique and that the same Father in Heaven that made the mountains, oceans, deserts, rainforests, animals, sky and stars looked down at his creation and thought, you know what that world needs: you (and name them one by one). You are special to him and you are special to us. We all have a purpose here on Earth. Maybe you don't know what it is just yet, but if you continue to live worthily, Heavenly father will show you your gifts. It will become clear one day. Until then, continue to follow in Jesus footsteps, follow his example and you will never be lost.

I hope this has been helpful to you.