I admit it. I love to shop and wrap beautiful packages. I love the parties and the decorations. But this year I found myself feeling a little lost. A little empty inside. If I feel this way than surely, my beautiful children who are so much closer to the Savior than I, must be feeling it too. And so I decided to change up our nightly scripture readings. Instead of plowing headlong through the Book of Mormon like we always do we are going to read a scripture and do an activity that will refocus our attention on the reason for the season. Wish us luck!
1. Read John 1:1-14. Have the kids do the "dance of lights" with flashlights and all of the lights turned out!
2. Read Luke 1:5-25 Sing the first verse of "God rest ye merry gentlemen"
3. Eat a candy cane and read the story behind this traditional candy.
4. Read Luke 1:26-56 Sing the first verse of "Joy to the world"
5. Make really great, original snowflakes with help from papersnowflakes.com. Remember that Christ came to save each of us indivually and that though, like the snowflakes, we are all different He loves us each the same
6. Read Matthew 1:18-25. Sing "Silent night"
7. Purchase 12 dozen eggs and deliver them to the Road Home. (Eggs are their most needed food item.) Remeber the Savior's teachings on loving one another.
"Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:or I was hungry, and ye gave me to eat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me in;naked, and ye clothed me; I was sick, and ye visited me; I was in prison, and ye came unto me.Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee hungry, and fed thee? or athirst, and gave thee drink?And when saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?And when saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?And when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of these my brethren, [even] these least, ye did it unto me."
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8. Read Luke 2:1-7 Sing "Away in a manger"
9. Read the acrostic poem "Christmas"
C is for the Christ childwho was born nearly 2,000 years ago in a manger in Bethlehem.
"And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS." Luke 1:31
H is for the HOPE that Jesus brings to all who believe in Him and trust Him with their salvation.
"By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." Romans 5:2
I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11
R is for resurrection of Jesus Christ who was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, was both man and God, died on the cross for all of our sins, and then was raised from the dead (resurrected) and is now sitting at the right hand of God in heaven.
"For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." 2 Corinthians 5:21
I is for Israel who God chose to bring forth the promised saviour of the world.
"Of this man's seed hath God according to [his] promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:" Acts 13:23
S is for the salvation that Jesus offers to all who are willing to confess their sin, believe in Him, and confess their belief in Jesus with their mouth.
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
John 3:16
T is for the empty tomb on Easter morning.
" He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you." Matthew 28:6,7
M is for the mercy God has shown the world by sending His only Son to suffer for our sins and bridge the gap between man and God.
"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16
A is for our AWESOME GOD who lovesus all unconditionally.
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13
S is for the shining light that Jesus brought
to the world!
"Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." John 8:12
10. Read Matthew 2:1-23 Sing "The Little Drummer Boy"
11. Read
Twas the night before Jesus Came
'Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house
Not a creature was praying, not one in the house.
Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care
In hopes that Jesus would not come there.
The children were dressing to crawl into bed,
Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.
And Mom in her rocker with baby on her lap
Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.
When out of the East there arose such a clatter,
I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!
When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here.
With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray
I knew in a moment this must be The Day!
The light of His face made me cover my head
It was Jesus! returning just like He had said.
And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth
I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.
In the Book of Life which He held in His hand
Was written the name of every saved man.
He spoke not a word as He searched for my name;
When He said "It's not here" my head hung in shame.
The people whose names had been written with love
He gathered to take to His Father above.
With those who were ready He rose without a sound
While all the rest were left standing around.
I fell to my knees, but it was too late;
I had waited too long and this sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight;
Oh, if only I had been ready tonight.
In the words of this poem the meaning is clear;
The coming of Jesus is drawing near.
There's only one life and when comes the last call
We'll find that the Bible was true after all!
copyright © 1993 Bethany Farms, Carrollton, IL
12. Read Luke 2 and act out the nativity story.
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