The Shepherds- TESTIFY

THE SHEPHERDS- TESTIFY

"Far, Far Away on Judea's Plains"

Read Luke 2:15-18

   
 Discuss the lessons of the shepherds. Talk about the importance of turning to Christ now, and with haste. what can we learn from the shepherds' relationship with each other when they spoke "one to another" and went as a group to find the Lord?  Consider the significance of bearing testimony of the Savior.
      When the shepherds were personally invited to undertake a search for the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger, they did not concern themselves with the security of their possessions but went now and with haste. If our hearts are filled with desire to come closer to Christ, it will motivate our actions for good.
     They also said one to another and went together to find the babe. We should surround ourselves with friends that encourage us to go where the Savior is, and who want to accompany us there.
     The third lesson we learn from the shepherds is that the shepherds did not keep the joy to themselves - instead they shared it will all.

Activity: Gather as family, make shepherd's crook (candy cane) cookies - the red and white almond flavored twisted kind. Then all sit in a circle each holding a candle. One person lights their candle, shares their testimony of the Savior and how they have seen His hand in their life this past year. Then lights the candle of the person next to them.  When everyone has had a turn, place the shepherd figurine in your nativity set.

THE SHEPHERDS- symbolizes a testimony within, an inner conviction that we have come to know Christ. The shepherd is a reminder of us to come closer to the Lord, now and with haste, and then to share our testimony with others.

The Angel- SHARE THE JOY

     THE ANGEL- SHARE THE JOY

"O Little Town of Bethlehem"

Read Luke 2:9-14

What was the great joy and good tidings that the angels brought? There was so much joy in the heavens they could not be held back from proclaiming it on earth. We can participate in the rejoicing in Christ's birth and in the anticipation for His Second Coming.
       During the Christmas season there is a feeling of anticipation. This reminds us of the simple gift the angels brought to the shepherds on that first Christmas night. The anticipation of good things to come. Many of the Christmas carols inspire within us those same feelings of good tidings and great joy. As we gather together and sing the carols we testify to each other of the birth of our Savior. We 1- repeat the sounding joy, 2- encourage every heart to prepare Him room and 3- echo the wish to receive Him.
       The angels invited the shepherds to go see the Christ child and worship Him. Today the invitation is the same. Come. Prepare Him room. Invite Him in.

Activity: Gather and sing or listen to carols. Go caroling. Enjoy hot cocoa afterwards.

THE ANGEL embodies a heart that runneth over with the good tidings and great joy of the season. The angel is a reminder that the anticipation of good things to come should fill our hearts with warmth overflowing.

[Brady and Mom participated in the Stake Christmas Sing Sunday night. We have also enjoyed singing carols together and practicing harmony.  Aspen loves to listen to Christmas songs (especially Celtic Women) on the computer and dance on her table. Brandi performed "O Holy Night" with her roommates in church Sunday. That required a lot of time practicing and enjoying the music together. These are a few examples of how we are being like the angels and sharing our joy through music.]

Joseph - SERVE

 JOSEPH - SERVE

  "Away in a Manger"

 Read Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 2:1-7

Take a moment to consider what it must have felt like when Joseph realized that there was no room in the inn. Do our Christmas seasons sometimes resemble that first Christmas night- "no room?"
If we choose, we too can hear the silent promptings amidst the holiday confusion--whispers of what we might do to share an act of kindness with someone this season. Spend some time this week opening your heart to hear the quiet promptings.

Activity: This is a good time to start the Straw in the Manger tradition. For every kind deed done, add one piece of straw (or piece of cloth) to a manger so that by Christmas Eve there will be a soft bed to lay baby Jesus in.

JOSEPH represents the desires of our hearts. He reminds us of the secret acts of Christmas kindness given with sacrifice and love to the broken, the weary, the lost, or the lonely.