NEW TESTAMENT 2019
Come, Follow Me
with
Light & Love
Scripture:
1 John 1:5, 4:16
5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
Song:
Jesus Said Love Everyone Children’s Songbook Page 61
Lesson:
In the Epistles of John, he uses imagery to help us understand more about God and Jesus Christ. In 1 John 1 & 2, John tells us that God is light, and that light is truth and goodness. These things will guide us and help us find our way back to our Heavenly Father. By contrast, darkness is lies and sin. We want to stay away from these things if we want to be close to Heavenly Father. John reminds us that we can confess our sins and repent, and Jesus Christ will cleanse us from all unrighteousness. He can lead us back to the light!
At Christmas time, we use many symbols to remind us that God is light. We decorate our houses with Christmas lights, we light candles, and we decorate with stars, like the one that appeared at Jesus’s birth. As you see these things, remember that God is light.
In 1 John 3-5, John tells us that God is love, and that we should love each other. He says that it is impossible to love God and hate other people. If we love God, we believe in Him an keep His commandments.
During the Christmas season, we also look for ways to love and serve those around us a little more often. We give gifts and spend time with our families. We try to be more loving and kind. These are wonderful ways that we can show our love for Jesus, and we can feel His love in return.
Quote:
“Jesus said, ‘I am the light [that] shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not.’ That means no matter how hard it tries, the darkness cannot put out that light. Ever. You can trust that His light will be there for you… Best of all, as President Nelson has encouraged, we can bring the Savior’s light to ourselves and the people important to us by the simple act of keeping our covenants. In a variety of ways, the Lord rewards that faithful act with power and with joy.” Sharon Eubank
Q&A:
Imagine yourself in a dark, unfamiliar place. How do you feel? (Discuss ideas.)
How does hate cause us to walk in darkness? (Discuss ideas.)
Imagine yourself in a place filled with warm, beautiful light. How do you feel? (Discuss ideas.)
How does love help us have light in our lives? (Discuss ideas.)
How can we show our love for Jesus Christ? (Discuss ideas.)
Activity idea:
A Stocking for Jesus
Talk about ways you can show your love for Jesus Christ throughout the Christmas season. Hang the stocking as a reminder to do those things. As you keep the commandments or serve others, write down what you did on a slip of paper and place it in the stocking.
Treat idea:
Cherry Chocolate Chip Hearts
These heart cookies will remind you and your family that God is Love. You might even share the love and take some to a friend!
These lessons are perfect for Family Home Evening at the beginning of the week, or to recap the following Sunday. Or use portions of the lesson throughout the week to enhance your family scripture study.
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