FHE
with
Are We True Believers?
Scripture:
3 Nephi 1:19-21
19. And it came to pass that there was no darkness in all that night, but it was as light as though it was mid-day. And it came to pass that the sun did rise in the morning again, according to its proper order; and they knew that it was the day that the Lord should be born, because of the sign which had been given.
20. And it had come to pass, yea, all things, every whit, according to the words of the prophets.
21. And it came to pass also that a new star did appear, according to the word.
Song:
Samuel Tells of Baby Jesus Children’s Songbook page 36
Lesson:
The prophets testify of Jesus Christ’s birth, life, atonement and return.
Samuel the Lamanite testified of Jesus Christ and prophesied of His birth. Some of the people believed him and repented, but there were many who did not. What joy they must have felt when they saw the sign of the birth of Jesus Christ!
Prophets today still testify of Jesus Christ. We can try to be like the “true-believers” in Samuel’s day by following the prophet, trying to keep the commandments and sharing the message that Jesus Christ is our Savior.
Quote:
“Through the Holy Spirit of Truth, may we all know “the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom [He has] sent.” (John 17:3.) Then may we live Their teachings and be true Christians in deed, as well as in word.” Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
Q&A:
Do modern-day prophets continue to testify of Jesus Christ, as ancient prophets did? (Yes.)
Non-believers in Christ were called “anti-Christs.” What are the believers called? (Christians.)
What can we do to show we are faithful Christians as we wait and watch for the signs of the second coming of Jesus Christ? (Discuss ideas.)
What holiday do Christians celebrate to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ? (Christmas.)
Why do we give gifts at Christmas time? (Discuss ideas.)
The wise men brought the savior gifts. As true Christians, what gifts can we give our Savior? (Discuss ideas. [You might include: Giving to the poor, sharing the gospel with non-members, keeping sacrament covenants/promises, trying to be like Jesus in all we do, etc.])
What gift has the Savior given us? (Discuss ideas.)
Story:
Jenny’s Gift
“Finally, the last present is wrapped!” Mother exclaimed as she taped the red bow to the present she had been wrapping for Grandpa.
“This one’s for Brice, here’s one for Scott, this ones for Grandma…” Ten-year-old Brenda said out loud as she re-arranged the packages in little piles, according to who they were for. “Wow, this is going to be the best Christmas ever!” Brenda excitedly exclaimed.
Four-year-old Jenny looked up from the picture she was coloring of baby Jesus in the manger. “Mommy, did you forget someone?” she asked.
Mother looked down at her long list of names. “No. Everyone’s name is crossed off,” she answered. “Thank goodness, I’ve been wrapping for weeks now!”
Brenda picked up a childishly wrapped present. “It says, ‘From: Jenny,’ but who’s it to?” she asked.
Jenny smiled proudly, “Daddy helped me wrap all my presents, but that one. I wrapped it all by myself.”
“I can tell,” Brenda drawled.
Jenny’s face turned red at her sister’s sarcasm. “I know how to write my name, but I didn’t know how to write His!” she whispered.
Mother gave Brenda the “that wasn’t very nice” look, before putting her hand on Jenny’s shoulder. “Whose name sweetie?” she asked.
Jenny pointed to the picture she was coloring.
“Jesus?”
Jenny nodded her head and then looked over at Brenda, “It is His birthday, you know!”
Brenda jumped up from where she was sitting and gave her little sister a big hug. “Oh, Jenny. I’m so sorry I hurt your feelings,” she apologized. “Of course, it’s His birthday! And you’re the only one sweet enough to remember to give Him a present.”
Jenny smiled. “There’s really nothing in the box. It’s in here,” she whispered while pointing to her heart.
“But the present will help me remember what I’m giving Him!”
by Margie Nauta Lee
Activity idea:
Our Gifts for Jesus
Write down some of the gifts your family can give to the Savior. Encourage family members to work hard to give these gifts to our Savior, not just at Christmas time, but throughout their lives. They will then be prepared as they faithfully watch for the signs of Jesus’ return, like the Christians who waited for the “sign” Samuel the Lamanite had given them.
Treat idea:
Fattigmann Bakkels (Poor Man’s Cakes)
These delicious fried cakes can be decorated as gift boxes to remind your family of the gifts we can give to the Savior this Christmas Season.