Preparation: Print the scriptures or song titles below on individual sheets of yellow or gold cardstock. Cut each cardstock into a large star shape, so the scripture is in the middle of the star. Obtain a picture of Christ’s birth and a picture of His second coming. Post the two pictures on opposite sides of the board and draw a vertical line down the middle of the board between the two pictures. Place the stars facedown on a table at the front of the room. Obtain tape or magnets to attach the stars to the board during the presentation.
Alma 7:10. And behold, he shall be born of Mary, at Jerusalem which is the land of our forefathers, she being a virgin, . . . [shall] bring forth a son, yea, even the Son of God.
2 Nephi 25:19. For according to the words of the prophets, the Messiah cometh in six hundred years from the time that my father left Jerusalem; and according to the words of the prophets, and also the word of the angel of God, his name shall be Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
Isaiah 9:6. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Matthew 2:1. Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judæa in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem.
Luke 2:10-11. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Luke 21:27. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
Matthew 16:27. For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
1 Thessalonians 4:16. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first.
Doctrine and Covenants 41:4. And I will be your ruler when I come; and behold, I come quickly, and ye shall see that my law is kept.
Doctrine and Covenants 133:25. And the Lord, even the Savior, shall stand in the midst of his people, and shall reign over all flesh.
"Away in a Manger." Children’s Songbook, 42
"When He Comes Again." Children’s Songbook, 82
"He Sent His Son." Children’s Songbook, 34
Presentation: Tell the children that there are many scriptures about Jesus Christ. Today they are going to read some that tell about when he was born and some about when he will return to the earth. Explain that we refer to the time when he will return to earth as the second coming. Tell them that they will have to listen carefully, because they will have to tell if the scripture talks about his birth (the first coming) or about his return (the second coming).
Explain that we often use stars for decorations, because of the new star that appeared when Christ was born. Ask a child to come forward and select a star. Have the child read the scripture aloud to the group (younger children can repeat the scripture after you). The group then decides if the scripture is about Christ’s birth or second coming. The child puts the star on the correct side of the board. If the star has a song title on it, have all the children sing the song and then decide which side of the board the star goes on. Repeat with other children and the remaining stars.
Point to the board that is now covered with stars and explain that the scriptures contain many more testimonies of Jesus Christ. Bear your testimony of the Savior.
For singing time you may want to sing other songs that teach about Jesus’ birth or second coming, such as: "Samuel Tells of the Baby Jesus," (Children’s Songbook, 36); "Stars Were Gleaming," (CS, 37); "Once within a Lowly Stable," (CS, 41); and "Had I Been a Child,” (3rd verse, CS, 80).