Whether you are preparing a talk, church lesson, or devotional at home with your family about Christmas, we've compiled the ultimate list of resources for you. This could also be a great list for personal study!
Our hope is this will enhance your preparation and bring the Spirit of Christ into our homes and churches. And as President Ezra Taft Benson shared, for people who put the Lord first, “He will deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, strengthen their muscles, lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, raise up friends, and pour out peace.”
But if the busyness and bustle of the holidays have you feeling overwhelmed, here are a few easy ways you can incorporate the messages of Christmas and Come, Follow Me study into your life.
Talks to Read
- Four Gifts that Jesus Christ Offers to You by President Russell M. Nelson
- Gifts of Love by President Henry B. Eyring
- Christmas Gifts, Christmas Blessings by President Thomas S. Monson
- The Reality of Christmas by Elder Gary E. Stevenson
- Seeing Christmas through New Eyes by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf
- The Wondrous and True Story of Christmas by President Gordon B. Hinckley
► You may also like: 10 talks from Christmas devotionals past that share your favorite holiday carols
Quotes to Ponder or Discuss
“Every year, regardless of our current circumstances, we can find renewed hope and joy as we remember the blessing that came into the world that first Christmas night.” —President Russell M. Nelson
“The babe Jesus of Bethlehem would be but another baby without the redeeming Christ of Gethsemane and Calvary, and the triumphant fact of the Resurrection.” —President Gordon B. Hinckley
“At this Christmas season, let us all give the best gifts. Let us sacrifice with grateful hearts our favorite toys—not the ones we’ve worn out. And let us give the gift of love, the gift of service to those around us, and the true gift of forgiveness.” —Sister Cristina B. Franco
“Giving, not getting, brings to full bloom the Christmas spirit.” —President Thomas S. Monson
“Following Christ is not a casual or occasional practice but a continuous commitment and way of life.” —President Dallin H. Oaks
“The words ‘Come unto Christ’ are an invitation. … It is the most important invitation anyone could accept.” —President Henry B. Eyring
“Following Christ is not a casual or occasional practice but a continuous commitment and way of life.” —President Dallin H. Oaks
Themes to Explore
- What does it mean to “Come, let us adore Him,” as President Nelson has asked us to do?
- What insights about Christ's mission do we learn from the different accounts of His birth in both the New Testament and the Book of Mormon?
- What symbols of Christ do we find in our Christmas decor?
- What new wisdom have you found in the words of the Christmas hymns we sing?
- How have you personally been blessed by incorporating Christ into your Christmas?
- How does your testimony of Jesus Christ influence your beliefs, your actions, and the way you treat others?
Questions to Consider
Questions for adults:
- How have the Savior and His work blessed your life? What do you feel inspired to change in your life? How will you draw on the Savior’s power?
- What stories from the Savior’s life have increased your faith in or love for Him?
- How has studying the New Testament this year contributed to a more meaningful Christmas season?
- What do we learn about Christ’s mission from some of the titles He is given in the scriptures?
Kid-friendly questions:
- What does the Nativity story teach us about Jesus?
- Why are we happy that Jesus was born?
- How can we show our gratitude for what Jesus Christ has done for us?
- What do all the different names for Christ teach us about Jesus?
Activities to Do
- Write a list together of every name you can think of for Jesus Christ (you could use the Don't Miss This study guide on the names of Christ as a place to start). You could reference this advent calendar centered on the names of Christ.
- Read “The Living Christ” together and think about stories and descriptions of the Savior’s life in the New Testament that testify of similar attributes of Christ and His mission. You could also invite each family member to write his or her testimony of Jesus Christ and, if so prompted, read it to the family.
- Visit LightTheWorld.org. Find an idea on the list of "ways to let your light shine" your family could do, donate to a Giving Machine, or "role play" as a different character from the Nativity story each day in the text series—participating in the eight character roles and their corresponding service challenges.
- As you read the nativity story, pause when the wise men deliver their gifts to the Christ child. For a few minutes, let each family member write down a “gift” they want to give to the Savior in the coming year—essentially a New Year resolution or sacrifice for the coming year, specifically centered around something that will help them become more like Jesus Christ. The gifts can include things like trusting His plan for you, studying His Atonement, more actively magnifying your calling, or something more personal.
- Kid-friendly: Assemble and color a paper Nativity diorama.
- Kid-friendly: Bring a wrapped gift or box to class with a picture of Jesus Christ inside. Attach a tag with “John 3:16” written on it, and tell the children that this is a clue about what the gift is. Read John 3:16 with the children, and invite them to guess what the gift is and open it. Ask “Why did God send us His Son?”
- Kid-friendly: Help the children finish this sentence: “Jesus Christ came to earth to BLANK.” Then show pictures related to the Savior’s atoning sacrifice, death, and Resurrection, and briefly tell about these events. You could also sing a song about why Jesus came to earth, such as “He Sent His Son”.
Videos to Watch
A daily devotional
If you’re searching for something you can turn on in the car, listen to in the kitchen, or ponder while you’re wrapping presents in the basement—check out this week‘s Sunday on Monday podcast episode centered on The Living Christ. Each of the six segments includes a short and insightful discussion, perfect for daily listening and application.
