Jesus Christ Sharing time

Sharing Time/Combined Singing time- Jesus Christ is a Treasure

Jesus went about doing good. When I think of something good, I think of a treasure. A treasure is something that is precious and valuable and I can’t think of anything more important that Jesus Christ in my life. Each new thing we learn about our Savior is like a treasure. Well, we are going on a treasure hunt and see if we find some treasure stories of Jesus that can remind us of the good that Jesus has done for us. First, we will pick an object clue from the treasure chest and have someone hide it. We will sing to help the person find the treasure clue, read the scripture clue and try and find the correct picture/story about Jesus that matches. Lets see how many treasures we can learn about Jesus.

Object- A CARPENTER’S TOOL(can be made from foil).

SONG-“Jesus Once was a Little Child", CS 55

Scripture clue-(Mark 6:3) "Is not this the carpenter, the son of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon?"

Picture- "Joseph the Carpenter" from Primary picture packet 206 Story on back- Jesus learned from his father at a young age that hard work was important and worked side by side his earthly father as he carved blocks of wood into useful things. We can think about how hard our parents work or how we can be a good example like Jesus was for his father on earth.

Object-THE TEMPLE (old style)

SONG- “Tell me the Stories of Jesus” CS 57

Scripture clue- (Luke 2:46)
46 "And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions."

Luke 2:4747 "And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers".

Picture- "Young Jesus in the temple" from Primary picture packet 1-17 Story on back- Jesus grew up in the city of Nazareth. As a boy, Jesus learned many things and was strong in spirit. When Jesus was 12 years old, He went with Joseph and Mary to a celebration in Jerusalem. After the celebration, Mary and Joseph started walking home. They thought Jesus was walking with His friends. When Mary and Joseph started looking for Jesus, they could not find Him. They went back to Jerusalem to look for Jesus. They looked for three days. They found Jesus at the temple, talking with some teachers. The teachers were surprised at how much Jesus knew. Mary told Jesus she had been worried about Him. Jesus told Joseph and Mary that He had been doing Heavenly Father’s work. Jesus went back to Nazareth with Joseph and Mary. (Taken from May 2009 Friend http://www.lds.org/friend/2009/05/for-little-friends

Object- WATER to represent his baptism.

SONG- “When I am Baptized", CS 103

Scripture clue-(Matt. 3:16) "And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:"

Picture- "Baptism of Jesus" from Primary picture packet 1-18 Story on back- At the beginning of Jesus Christ’s ministry, He traveled from Galilee to the Jordan River. John the Baptist was there preaching and baptizing the people. Jesus went to John and asked to be baptized. John did not want to do it, because he thought that Jesus should baptize him. He asked Jesus why He needed to be baptized. The Savior explained that He needed to be baptized to be obedient to the commandments of Heavenly Father. We need to remember that Jesus was baptized, not because he needed to, but to show us it was important for everyone to do so. We can remember the promises we made at baptism during the sacrament. (Taken from August 1999 Friend. http://www.lds.org/friend/1999/08/the-baptism-of-jesus-christ?lang=eng&query="at+the+beginning+of+jesus+christ%e2%80%99s+ministry+he+traveled+from+galilee+to+the+jordan+river."

Object-A FISH NET (a net, to represent him gathering in his apostles, as fishers of men).

SONG- "Do as I'm doing", CS, 276

Scripture clue- (Matt. 4:18)
18 "And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers."

Matt. 4:19
19 "And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men".

Matt. 4:20
20 "And they straightway left their nets, and followed him."

Picture- "Fishers of Men" from Primary picture packet 2-24 Story on back- The disciples of Jesus just immediately dropped their nets and followed Jesus. During the sacrament, we can think of whether we can drop what we are doing and follow Jesus. The disciples didn’t sit and think for an hour and wonder if it was the right thing- They just knew! How long does it take us to obey even our parents? Obeying your parents is a commandment from the Lord and think the next time you are asked to do something from them.

Object- BAG OF DIRT

SONG- "Faith", CS 96

Scripture clue- (John 9:6) "When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay",

7 "And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing."

Picture- "Jesus heals a blind man" from Primary picture packet 1-43 Story on back- One day Jesus was walking with His disciples and saw a blind man who was born unable to see. Jesus showed God’s power when he healed the blind man. Jesus made some mud out of dirt. He put the mud on the blind man’s eyes and told him to wash his eyes. The man had faith in Jesus. He obeyed and washed the mud out of his eyes. Then he could see! We can remember during the sacrament the many times when Jesus healed the sick in the Bible and Book of Mormon. How blessed we are to have the power of the priesthood to heal us when we are sick.

Object- BREAD, SMALL CUP

SONG- “ If the Savior Stood Beside Me" (2013 Sharing time otline)

Scripture clue- (Luke 22:19)
19 "And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me."

(Luke 22:20)
20 "Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you."

Picture- "The Last Supper" from Primary picture packet 3-22 Story on back- Jesus’ disciples arranged for an upper room for the celebration feast, and Jesus and his Apostles gathered there for what would be his last supper with all of them. He taught them the ordinance of the sacrament. They sang together, and then the Savior offered a prayer, asking Heavenly Father to protect and strengthen his followers, since he knew that soon he would no longer be with them.(Taken from March 1995 Friend, "The Atonement" http://www.lds.org/friend/1995/03/the-atonement?lang=eng&query="he+taught+them+the+ordinance+of+the+sacrament."

Object- CHILDREN ORNAMENT

SONG- “I am a Child of God", CS 2

Scripture Clue- (Mark 10:14)“But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for such is the kingdom of God.”

Picture-"Jesus blessing the children" from GAK 317 Story on back- When the apostles were with Jesus, some people wanted Jesus to bless their children. The Apostle told the people not to bring their children to Jesus, because he was too tired. But Jesus said, let them come. Jesus loved the little children. He knew that they were all Heavenly Father’s children. The childen loved Jesus. He was kind and listened to them and he blessed them. We can remember during the sacrament that Jesus does love children, it doesn’t matter how old you are, he wants us to come unto Him.

Object- A SHEEP

SONG- “ I Belong To the Church of Jesus Christ” CS, 77 because as members we need to find those that don’t know the gospel or have gone astray and share our good news

Scripture clue- Luke 15: 4-5

4 "What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine ^ain the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?"

5 "And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing."

Picture- "The Shepherd" from Primary picture packet 2-44 Story on back- A story of Jesus that teaches us was that a shepherd had one hundred sheep. One day a lamb wandered off, so the shepherd left the other ninety-nine to go search for the little lost sheep. When he found it he carried it back to safety with the rest of the flock. Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and we are his sheep. He loves all of us and watches over us. He wants all of us to be together with Him in heaven. We can think during the sacrament of those that need to hear about the church or need help coming back to Jesus.

Object- GAUZE

SONG- “Jesus Has Risen” CS 70

Scripture Clue- (John 11:43) "And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.

44 "And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. "

Picture- Raising Lazarus from GAK 222 Story on back-Jesus had power over death, he showed this by raising Lazurus from the dead after he had been in the tomb for 4 days. Jesus would also live again after He died. Jesus made it possible for us also to live again too.
I hope we will continue to learn more treasures of Jesus Christ, in the name of Jesus Christ amen.

The treasures that are on the pictures came from Primary Partners, "Sharing Fun- My Eternal Family" 2008 by Jeanette Guymon-King and Mary Ross. They are copyrighted so I can't share that clipart. There are jewel clipart on the internet that can be used.

Joseph Smith Saw and Testified of Jesus Christ Sharing time

Sharing time - Joseph Smith Saw and Testified of Jesus Christ

December 2012 Week 4

 

Many people give gifts to celebrate birthdays (Hold up a wrapped picture of “The First Vision”, Gospel Art kit 403 or http://www.mormonchannel.org/sites/default/files/PI-02-first-vision-01_0.jpg).  Whose birthday do we celebrate at Christmas time?  That’s right we celebrate Jesus’ birthday.  Another important person’s birthday is in December.  Let’s open the present and discover who it is! (Have a child open the present to reveal the picture).  December 23^rd is the prophet Joseph Smith’s birthday.  (Taken from the 2012 Sharing time outline, “Choose the Right”, p. 25, http://www.lds.org/bc/content/shared/content/english/pdf/language-materials/08710_eng.pdf?lang=eng)

Joseph Smith at age 14 was confused about what church was true and he prayed to Heavenly Father for the answer.  He had a vision of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and was instructed that none of the churches on the earth were true and he was going to restore or bring back the true church.  “We are given important gifts because Joseph Smith saw and testified of Jesus Christ” (http://www.lds.org/bc/content/shared/content/english/pdf/language-materials/08710_eng.pdf?lang=eng).  We are going to discover some of these gifts today.  Let’s open the first two presents!  

PRESENT PREPARATION

Have 2 smaller boxes, 2 medium boxes, and 2 larger boxes, plus one other box – Shirt boxes work well.  Wrap the top of each box, so you can open the box without having to unwrap it (otherwise you would need another group of boxes for Senior Primary).  You can use different wrapping paper, but the boxes of the same size should look the same.  One set of presents (a small, medium and large box set) indicates “How the Gift Came to Earth”, and the other set indicates “How We Are Blessed Today Because of the Gift”.  The small present will be put inside the medium present, which will be put inside the large present.  (Thanks to my friend, Susan Jones for the wrap a box inside a box concept!).  Each present will also have a picture or item in it (in addition to containing the next smaller present).

 

PRESENT SET #1 – HOW THE GIFT CAME TO EARTH:

·         Small Present – Label it “Joseph Smith helped organize the true church”.  Put the picture the “Organization of the church” from Primary picture packet 5-20 or use https://www.lds.org/bc/content/shared/content/images/gospel-library/magazine/en09jan40b_mays.jpg inside it.

·         Medium Present – Label it “The priesthood was restored through Joseph Smith”.  Put the picture of “Joseph Smith receiving the Aaronic Priesthood” from Primary packet 3-11 inside it, as well as the Small Present.

·         Large Present – Label it “Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon”.  Put the picture of the “Golden Plates” from Gospel Art Kit 325 or https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBGEDe0tPwWtmpEXeEwcmOt_gZvJmhsqHAS9FzyaKGx6am5eERXeO-u50Wrc6cwQ_lBLTwzRbftQFnGo5RXu84vRrCjUxxxMuMgsgc_s1EXT-3dA3HDP8BoJMRm64h62SnZj7q8eKP9lfc/s400/GoldPlatesPainting.jpg inside it, as well as the Medium Present.

PRESENT SET #2 – HOW WE ARE BLESSED TODAY BECAUSE OF THE GIFT:   

·         Small Present – Label it “We have the true church on the earth today!”  Put a picture of an “LDS meetinghouse” http://lifebeforelife.org/files/2011/05/chapel.jpg inside it.

·         Medium Present – Label it “We have the priesthood today!”  Put the picture of “Blessing the sick” from Primary picture packet 1-40 inside it, as well as the Small Present.

·         Large Present – Label it “We have the Book of Mormon today!”  Put a copy of The Book of Mormon inside it, as well as the Medium Present.

SETUP OF FINAL PRESENT:  The last present is labeled, “Because Joseph Smith saw and testified of Jesus Christ, we know that Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers.”  It contains the picture “Seeking Answers”, Friend April 2010, p.  16 http://www.lds.org/churchmagazines/FR_2010_04_00___09264_000_000.pdf

Large Presents – “Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon” & “We have the Book of Mormon today!”

(Have a Primary child open the “Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon” present and reveal a picture of the “Golden Plates” from the “Golden Plates” from Gospel Art Kit 325 or https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBGEDe0tPwWtmpEXeEwcmOt_gZvJmhsqHAS9FzyaKGx6am5eERXeO-u50Wrc6cwQ_lBLTwzRbftQFnGo5RXu84vRrCjUxxxMuMgsgc_s1EXT-3dA3HDP8BoJMRm64h62SnZj7q8eKP9lfc/s400/GoldPlatesPainting.jpg )

 “One night, 17-year-old Joseph Smith went to his bedroom and prayed.  The angel Moroni appeared to Joseph three times during the night and told him about a book of gold plates hidden in a hillside.  Joseph went to the Hill Cumorah the next day.  He… “found a stone box containing the gold plates and the Urim and Thummim—“seer” stones fastened to a breastplate.  Moroni appeared to Joseph and told him not to remove anything but to come back each year for the next few years.  Joseph returned every year and was taught by Moroni.  Four years later…Moroni told Joseph to take the plates and Urim and Thummim”.  Joseph used the Urim and Thummim to translate some of the plates.  At different times he asked… other people to write down what he said as he translated from the gold plates.  In 1830, Joseph Smith took the Book of Mormon to a printer in Palmyra, New York.”  (Taken from Friend, 2004 “Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon” http://www.lds.org/friend/2004/09/coming-forth-of-the-book-of-mormon?lang=eng&query  (Have a child put the picture of the “Golden Plates” on the left side of the chalkboard)

(Have a child open the “We have the Book of Mormon today!” present and reveal a Book of Mormon)

 “…Joseph Smith, the Prophet, the instrument whom God used to translate this record, testified that “the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.” (History of the Church, 4:461.)  The Book of Mormon was written for us today.  The authors were God-inspired and God-directed in their work.  It is a record compiled by inspired men for our blessing.” (Ezra Taft Benson, Liahona May 1988 https://www.lds.org/liahona/1988/05/the-book-of-mormon-is-the-word-of-god?lang=eng&query="the+most+correct+book)  In 2011 “…the Book of Mormon [had] been fully translated into [more than] 82 languages and partially translated in 25 more…  The 150 millionth copy of the Book of Mormon was recently printed, passing another milestone in the book’s 181-year history.” http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/book-mormon-150-million

(Have a child put the Book of Mormon under the picture of the “Golden plates” on the chalkboard.  Put the two large Present lids side by side on the table.)

Medium Presents – “The priesthood was restored through Joseph Smith” &
“We have the priesthood today!”

 

(Have a Primary child open the “The priesthood was restored through Joseph Smith” present and reveal a picture of “Joseph Smith receiving the Aaronic Priesthood” from Primary packet 3-11)

“When Joseph Smith was translating the Book of Mormon, he and his scribe Oliver Cowdery had a question.  They went into the woods to pray about it.  While they were praying, “a messenger from heaven descended…” This messenger was John the Baptist.  He laid his hands on Joseph’s and Oliver’s heads and gave them the Aaronic Priesthood.  John the Baptist then commanded Joseph and Oliver to baptize each other.  A short time later, the Apostles Peter, James, and John came to earth and ordained Joseph and Oliver to the Melchizedek Priesthood.  God’s priesthood was on the earth again.” http://www.lds.org/friend/2012/10/blessings-of-the-priesthood-are-available-to-all?lang=eng&query="priesthood"

(Have a child put the picture of the “Joseph receiving the Aaronic priesthood” next to the “Golden Plates” picture on the chalkboard)

(Have a child open the “We have the priesthood today!” present and reveal a picture of “Blessing the sick” from Primary picture packet 1-40)

 “Through the priesthood we can receive wonderful blessings and ordinances.  Such blessings include those given to newborn babies, to the sick, and to children by their fathers or other worthy priesthood holders.” The priesthood is on the earth today.  “Blessings of the priesthood are available to all!” http://www.lds.org/friend/2012/10/blessings-of-the-priesthood-are-available-to-all?lang=eng&query="priesthood"

(Have a child put the picture of the “Blessing the sick” under the picture of the “Joseph receiving the Aaronic Priesthood” picture on the chalkboard.  Put the two medium Present lids on top of the corresponding large Present lids.)

Small Presents – “Joseph Smith helped organize the true church” & “We have the true church on the earth today!”

 

(Have a Primary child open the “Joseph Smith” present and reveal a picture of the “Organization of the church” from Primary picture packet 5-20 or use https://www.lds.org/bc/content/shared/content/images/gospel-library/magazine/en09jan40b_mays.jpg)

“After the Book of Mormon was translated and the priesthood authority restored, the Lord commanded the Prophet Joseph Smith to organize His Church on April 6, 1830.” (https://www.lds.org/new-era/2008/06/the-true-and-living-church?lang=eng&query="april+6+1830).  On that day, “…about 60 people met in the home of Peter Whitmer Sr.  The members sustained Joseph as the prophet and took the sacrament.  Though the Church started out with just a few members, Joseph later told some brethren in Kirtland about its destiny.  “It is only a little handful of priesthood you see here tonight, but this Church will fill North and South America—it will fill the world.” (https://www.lds.org/friend/2009/01/the-publication-of-the-book-of-mormon?lang=eng&query="april+6+1830")

(Have a child put the picture of the “Organization of the Church” next to the “Joseph receiving the Aaronic Priesthood” picture on the chalkboard)

(Have a child open the “We have the true church on the earth today!” present and reveal a picture of an “LDS meetinghouse” from  http://lifebeforelife.org/files/2011/05/chapel.jpg )

There are now more than 14 million members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Church_of_Jesus_Christ_of_Latter-day_Saints_membership_history).  There are more members of the church living outside the United States than members living inside the United States.  There are over 140 temples around the world and the church continues to grow through missionary work.  (http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/facts-and-stats )

(Have a child put the picture of an “LDS Meetinghouse” under the “Organization of the Church” picture on the chalkboard.  Put the two small Present lids on top of the corresponding medium Present lids.)

 

Final Present – Labeled “Because Joseph Smith saw and testified of Jesus Christ, we know that Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers.”

 

(Open the final present while reading the label)  Because Joseph Smith saw and testified of Jesus Christ, we know that Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers.  (Show the picture in the Present of Joseph Smith and the Boy from “Seeking Answers”, Friend April 2010, p. 16 http://www.lds.org/churchmagazines/FR_2010_04_00___09264_000_000.pdf  Point back and forth between Joseph Smith and the boy as you read)

Joseph sought his answer in a grove.

I kneel by my bed.

Joseph saw God the Father and Jesus Christ.

I listen to the whisper of the Holy Ghost.

Joseph’s prayer began the restoration of the gospel.

My prayer taught me Joseph’s answer was true.

We are two boys with two prayers.

Answered by the same listening Father.

(poem from: http://www.lds.org/friend/2010/04/a-boy-seeking-answers?lang=eng )

CONCLUSION

I know that we can pray to Heavenly Father and ask if this church is true just like Joseph Smith did.  If we do, we will receive an answer that it is and we will also be able to testify of Jesus Christ.  In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Jesus is the Light and Life of the World Sharing time

Sharing time – Jesus is the Light of Christmas

December week 3 theme- Jesus is the Light and Life of the World

 

Thanks to my dear friend Jennifer Rasmussen for the idea of using Christmas lights in Primary!

Christmas is coming and there are many symbols associated with celebrating the birth of Christ.  I have a wreath that symbolizes that Christ’s love for us is never ending, like the circle of the wreath. The color red symbolizes the Savior's sacrifice for all.  The color green symbolizes that everlasting hope of mankind, just as we see an evergreen tree remain green year round.  There is another symbol of Christmas that I would like to focus on today that represents our Savior Jesus Christ.  Light!

“What is the greatest source of light for us? No, it isn’t the sun.  It is Jesus Christ.  He said, “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). http://www.lds.org/friend/2003/10/sharing-time-the-light-of-christ?lang=eng.  It would be pretty tough to walk in darkness if there was no light helping shine the way.  Without the light of Jesus Christ it would also be difficult to follow the way of truth and righteousness.

Will you please help me get these Christmas lights to work because they seem to be missing a few light bulbs.  We need to find the missing light bulbs so they can shine brightly.  I will be looking for certain colors of light bulbs to match pictures that will help us discover how Jesus Christ is the light of the world.  The first bulb I am looking for is an orange light bulb (line up the bulbs on the table and blindfold a child and direct he or she to select in “darkness” the orange light bulb).  Can someone in darkness find the orange bulb on the table?   I guess we need a helper to find the orange bulb?

 

Orange Bulb: matching picture- Creation picture from primary picture packet 1-28 on back of orange construction paper

“Jesus Christ is the light and life of the world because all things were made by him. Under the direction and according to the plan of God the Father, Jesus Christ is the Creator, the source of the light and life of all things.”  We have all these beautiful creations on earth because of the light of our Savior.  What is your favorite thing that has been created for you? Taken from: Dallin H. Oaks, "The Light and Life of the World, Ensign November, 1987 http://www.lds.org/ensign/1987/11/the-light-and-life-of-the-world?lang=eng&query="light+and+life+of+the+world"

Ok, let’s put in the orange bulb(screw orange bulb into the Christmas decoration) and continue searching for more ways that Jesus Christ is the light of the world. (Blindfold another child and direct he or she to select in darkness the blue bulb from the table)

Blue Bulb:  matching picture-Christ’s birth from Gospel Art kit 200 on back of blue construction paper

“In the Holy Land, a star appeared in the heavens at the time of the Savior’s birth. In the New World, there was light for a day and a night and a day to mark His coming to earth as a newborn babe.” Light was very important in the birth of Jesus. Taken from First Presidency Christmas message, "Christmas Light", Friend, December 2006 http://www.lds.org/friend/2006/12/christmas-light?lang=eng&query="christmas+light “Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world. … I am the light and … life of the world” (3 Ne. 11:10–11). D&C 93:2- "And that I am the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world;” When we are born, we all have the light of Christ in us.

Ok, let’s put in the blue bulb(screw blue bulb into the Christmas decoration) and continue searching for more ways that Jesus Christ is the light of the world. (blindfold another child and direct he or she to select in darkness the green bulb from the table)

Green Bulb: Matching picture- The baptism of Jesus from primary packet 1-18 on the back of green construction paper

“Jesus Christ is … the light of the world because his example and his teachings illuminate the path we should walk to return to the presence of our Father in Heaven.” http://www.lds.org/ensign/1987/11/the-light-and-life-of-the-world?lang=eng&query="light+and+life+of+the+world"  “Even Jesus, who was perfect, was baptized (see Matt. 3:16–17).  His baptism showed that He was obedient.  Heavenly Father is pleased when we are baptized because we are following the example of Jesus Christ and we are on the path that leads back to Him.” http://www.lds.org/liahona/2000/02/sharing-time-on-the-right-path?lang=eng&query="example+of+jesus  We can know the “light of truth” as we read the scriptures and learn more of how Jesus was the perfect example.

Ok, let’s put in the green bulb(screw green bulb into the Christmas decoration) and continue searching for more ways that Jesus Christ is the light of the world. (blindfold another child and direct he or she to select in darkness the red bulb from the table)

Red Bulb:  Matching picture-Christ’s resurrection from primary packet 2-64 on the back of red construction paper

Because Jesus Christ atoned for our sins or wrongdoings, he gives us the light of hope that we can be forgiven for our sins. “The Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.” (Isa. 60:19.) Through Christ’s resurrection, we can receive everlasting light and live with Heavenly Father forever. Source: Dallin H. Oaks, "The Light and Life of the World, Ensign November, 1987

Ok, let’s put in the red bulb (screw red bulb into the Christmas decoration) and continue searching for more ways that Jesus Christ is the light of the world. (blindfold another child and direct he or she to select in darkness the yellow bulb from the table)

Yellow bulb:  matching picture- Jesus the Christ from Primary picture packet 1-3 on the back of yellow construction paper

“When we are baptized… [Christ] gives us the greatest blessing He can give us: to always have His Spirit to be with us… We have the light of Christ and the Holy Ghost to lead and guide us in an otherwise very dark and dreary world. Light and darkness cannot occupy the same space at the same time. Where the light of Christ is found, the darkness of Lucifer, even Satan, must depart [or leave].” Taken from Robert D. Hales, April 1998 Friend http://www.lds.org/friend/1998/04/in-remembrance-of-jesus?lang=eng&query="light+of+christ"

“When we live the gospel and keep the commandments, we can have the Light of Christ with us always.” http://www.lds.org/friend/2003/10/sharing-time-the-light-of-christ?lang=eng&query="light+of+christ" “Therefore, hold up your light that it may shine unto the world. (3 Ne. 18: 24.)  “Even as Jesus himself is the light of the world, so he expects his saints to set perfect examples of righteousness so that they too shall shine forth as lights to their fellow men.” (Bruce R. McConkie, Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 1:218.)

 

(Screw yellow bulb into the decoration and plug in the Christmas lights on the wreath) We can shine brightly like these Christmas bulbs and I challenge you to do so. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Jesus Was a Child Like Me Sharing time

Jesus Was a Child Like me Sharing time

Jesus Grew in Wisdom and Stature and in Favor With God and Man

December 2012 Week 2 theme

 

(Sing the song)“Jesus once was a little child, a little child like me. And he was pure and meek and mild as a little child should be. So little children, that’s you and I. Try to be like Him, try, try try.” (Taken from the Children's Songbook, 55) We are going to learn a little about what Jesus Christ’s childhood may have been like. We will pick a scroll starting with 1 and 2, they used to read scrolls back in the time of Jesus, not books or iPads, haha!  that has a number that matches a picture on the growth chart. (Growth chart was printed on yellow construction paper from this great site http://justsomethingimade.com/2010/02/vintage-measuring-tape-growth-chart-free-download/ )Then we will remove the picture and discover some things about Jesus as a child!

 

The scroll was made by wrapping construction paper around two toliet paper rolls and gluing each side to the below passages printed on construction paper. A string was glued onto the back to tie the rolls together to resemble a scroll. A number is threaded through the string so it can be matched to the corresponding picture. Might need to have a toliet paper donation drive to get enough to make the 7 scrolls, haha! You could also use the printout scroll craft from Mary H. Ross and Jeanette Guymon-King Primary Partners CTR A Ages 4-7 lesson 9 if that is available to you.

(The top picture of Jesus with the child is taken from the Primary picture packet 2-1)

 

*note: scrolls 1 &2 will need to be picked together because the pictures are taped to each other. I was attempting to make the growth chart stop at about 5'8''- 5'9'' because that is what many scholars believe that was the height of Jesus. This is just a theory, not a confirmed fact!

1.(On back of scroll labeled #1 that matches the picture of baby Jesus from  http://www.oneil.com.au/lds/pictures/nativity1.jpg   “While they were staying in the stable, Mary’s baby was born, and they called Him Jesus. Tenderly Mary wrapped her tiny Son in swaddling clothes (pieces of cloth for bundling a baby) and put Him in the manger. When she looked at Him, she realized what a miracle He was. She was His mother, and God was His father. Every child is a spirit child of our Heavenly Father, but Jesus was also an earthly child of God. He was the Only Begotten Son of God, and He would be able to do the important work that God had called Him to do in this life.” (Taken from “The Birth of Jesus December 1982 Friend http://www.lds.org/friend/1982/12/the-birth-of-jesus?lang=eng&query="birth+of+jesus"

2.(On back of scroll #2 that matches the picture of Nazareth home from Primary picture packet 2-10) “This is the kind of home that the people of Nazareth lived in. Nazareth is the town where Jesus grew up (see Matthew 2:23), and Jesus may have lived in a home like this one.” Mary and Joseph may have slept on mats. All the water the family used was carried from the well in the village in pots because there was no running water in the homes. There was also no electricity in Jesus’ home. They had to use oil lamps for light. (Taken from Primary 2 manual lesson 9 http://www.lds.org/manual/primary-2/lesson-9?lang=eng )

3.(On back of scroll #3 that matches the picture of Mary and young Jesus from cover of Sept. Ensign 2009 or http://bookofmormonresearch.org/files/2010/08/Jesus-Praying-Mother-mormon.jpg And the scriptures tell us that there “the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.” (Luke 2:40.) Heavenly Father taught Jesus how to be righteous. Jesus was also taught by his mother Mary many things, including prayer. What is something that your mother taught you as a young child?

4.(On back of scroll #4 that matches the picture of Joseph teaching Jesus by Simon Dewey http://www.josephsmith.net/images/Magazines/Ensign/Archive/ensignlp.nfo:o:1a1.jpg) and picture of Nazareth school from Primary picture packet 2-12)  Jesus learned many things from his father, Joseph. Jesus also went to school.“…the young boys of Nazareth went to school at the synagogue, or church. The schoolteacher was head of the village synagogue. He was called a rabbi. Little girls didn’t attend school and were taught at home by their mothers. “…the school does not have any books. In Jesus’ time, boys learned to read from scrolls.” How is your school different from how Jesus went to school?

5.(On the back of  scroll #5 that matches the picture of Jesus teaching in the temple from Primary picture packet 1-17 or http://www.lds.org/bc/content/shared/content/images/gospel-library/manual/36617/36617_all_010_05-questions.jpg "As Jesus grew taller and wiser, He also grew strong in spirit, and the things He did were pleasing to His Heavenly Father (see Luke 2:40). When He was twelve years old, He went with His family to the temple in Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. He had an amazing experience there. His parents thought that He was with their group when they left to travel home, but Jesus had stayed in Jerusalem. When they finally found Him, three days later, He was talking with the learned men in the temple. He was asking them questions and answering theirs. “And all that heard Him were astonished at his understanding and answers” (Taken from 1999 March Friend http://www.lds.org/friend/1999/03/sharing-time-jesus-christ-shows-us-the-way?lang=eng)

6.(On back of scroll #6 that matches the picture of Jesus and Joseph the Carpenter from Gospel Art kit 206 or http://www.askgramps.org/wp-content/uploads/Joseph-the-carpenter.jpg )  Jesus grew up in a builder’s home and he knew of slivers, beams and measurements. Jesus’ dad Joseph was a carpenter and he made many things out of wood. He learned from his dad how to build needed things around the house.  This is the kind of work Jesus’ dad did. “Jesus probably helped Joseph with his work, and Joseph may have taught Jesus to be a carpenter like himself (see Mark 6:3).” http://www.lds.org/manual/primary-2/lesson-9?lang=eng   “Jesus probably went fishing by Himself many times and helped Mary make bread.”  Taken from “Jesus Once Was a Little Child,” Friend, Dec 1979, 2 http://www.josephsmith.net/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=8d855fd1b1f9b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=21bc9fbee98db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD These may have been chores of Jesus. Do you have chores or work that you are responsible for?

7.(On back of scroll #7 that matches the picture of Jesus calming the waters from Primary picture packet 2-28 or http://www.lds.org/images/Manuals/tchg-pix.nfo:o:152.jpg   “[Jesus] lived probably not more than fifteen miles from the Sea of Galilee, where He would likely have learned much about clouds and storms and waves and sand and rocks and boats and ships. It was not much farther to the Mediterranean Sea, and here also He may have become acquainted with larger ships and tides and waves and streams and all the material that He referred to so eloquently in the sermons He gave later.” Do you like the water? Have you sailed on a boat before? Do you like the beach? Jesus probably liked these things as a child.  Taken from  “Jesus Once Was a Little Child,” Friend, Dec 1979, 2 http://www.josephsmith.net/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=8d855fd1b1f9b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=21bc9fbee98db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD

Conclusion-

“Even as a child, Jesus set an example for us to follow. We can study the gospel, obey our parents, and learn to choose the right. As we do these things, we, too, can grow strong in spirit and in wisdom and in favor with God and man.”  (Taken from http://www.lds.org/friend/1999/03/sharing-time-jesus-christ-shows-us-the-way?lang=eng  ) I hope we will all try to live our lives as Jesus, in the name of Jesus Christ amen.