This week's FHE lesson topic comes from the Come, Follow Me study of the Christmas story. Suggested readings include Matthew 1:18-25; 2:1-12; Luke 1:26-38; 2:1-20. Check out this week's Come, Follow Me study ideas on LDS Living for additional resources and suggestions.
Thought
“And then, of course, there’s the music. Nothing underscores the deep meaning and gentle spirit of the season quite like a Christmas carol. Whether the melodies are cheerful, reflective, or nostalgic, there’s something about Christmas that inspires glorious music. These wonderful Christmas harmonies lift our spirits and remind us of the reason for our rejoicing.”
(Dieter F. Uchtdorf “The Generous One” 2015 Christmas Devotional)
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Scripture
“And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them” (Luke 2:20).
Lesson
As you read together Luke 2:1–20, have family members point out words or phrases that inspired a Christmas song in the hymnbook. Discuss the following questions:
Why do you think there are so many hymns and songs written about Christmas? What is so significant about the event described in these verses?
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Invite each family member to share at least one way they have experienced “great joy” (Luke 2:10) because of Jesus. Read Luke 2:17 again, noting what the shepherds did after they saw the baby in the manger. Ask:
What are some ways we can—like the angels and the shepherds—help others to know of the joy and peace Jesus offers? How can we better help people to know that He is our “Saviour, which is Christ the Lord”?
(Adapted from: Dennis H. Leavitt and Richard O. Christensen, Scripture Study for Latter-day Saint Families: The New Testament, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2006])
Activity
As a family, see if you can fill in the missing words from a phrase of a Christmas hymn. Take a few minutes to discuss each line and what it teaches your family about Christ.
1. The ______ in the heavens looked down where he lay, the little Lord Jesus, asleep on the ______. (“Away in a Manger” page 206) 2. Peace on earth and mercy ______, God and sinners ______. (“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” page 209) 3. The _____ shall fail, the _____ prevail. (“I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” page 214) 4. The hopes and _____ of all the years are _____ in thee tonight. (“O Little Town of Bethlehem” page 208) 5. Radiant _____ from thy holy face, with the _____ of redeeming grace. (“Silent Night” page 204)
(Answers: 1. stars, hay 2. mild, reconciled 3. wrong, right 4. fears, met 5. beams, dawn)
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