Preparation: Gather or print out the following pictures (suggested numbers are from the Gospel Art Book, similar images are also available in the Gospel Art Kit): 1-Premortal Christ; 2 and 3-The Heavens and The Earth; 30-Jesus’ Birth; 56-Jesus Praying in Gethsemane; 59-Mary and the Resurrected Christ; 108-Partaking of the Sacrament; 111-Young Boy Praying; 120-Temple Marriage; 66-Second Coming of Christ.
Familiarize yourself with the pictures and the suggested ideas listed below. Post the pictures on the board at the front of the room before the children arrive.
Presentation: Ask the children to look carefully at the pictures posted on the board. Explain that each of these pictures can teach us something about Heavenly Father’s plan for us. Tell the children that you are going to play a game with the pictures. They should look at them carefully so they can remember each picture.
Choose one child to leave the room and another child to remove one picture from the board. Place the picture that was removed inside a folder or large envelope. If you choose, rearrange the remaining pictures. Invite the child who left the room to return and identify which picture is missing.
After the child has determined which picture is missing, hold it up for everyone to see. Briefly review what the picture depicts and help the children understand the principle being taught. After the discussion replace the picture on the board and repeat with other pictures (make sure the children only pick each picture once). Occasionally you may want to have the children sing a song to help reinforce the concept being taught.
Suggested ideas we can learn from each picture:
1-In the council in Heaven, Jesus Christ covenanted to be our Savior.
2 and 3-Jesus Christ created the world for us.
30-Jesus Christ was born and lived on the earth.
56- Jesus atoned for us by suffering for our sins in the garden of Gethsemane and by giving his life on the cross.
59-Because Jesus was resurrected, all people will be resurrected.
108-Partaking of the sacrament helps us remember Jesus Christ.
111-Heavenly Father has commanded us to pray so we can grow closer to Him and receive His guidance and help.
120-Our families are central to Heavenly Father’s plan. Our families can last forever.
66-Jesus will come to earth again.
Possible songs could include, “I Lived in Heaven” (Children’s Songbook, 2), “I Will Follow God’s Plan” (CS, 164), “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (CS, 228), “He Sent His Son” (CS, 34), and “The Third Article of Faith” (CS, 123).
Express your testimony of Heavenly Father’s plan. Encourage the children to share what they learned with their families.