Thursday, December 31, 2015
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
Sunday, December 27, 2015
Friday, December 25, 2015
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Christmas is just around the corner, and amid all the hustle and bustle, it's easy to lose sight of the stable, the star and that sacred, silent night.
Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have shared messages over the years that can help put the reason for holiday celebrations in perspective. We have compiled 26 quotes from LDS leaders about the most important aspects of this season.
To learn more: deseretnews.com A Time for Remembering
Monday, December 21, 2015
Christ Centered Christmas
by Peggy Sue Clark
• Make a “give list” instead of a list of gifts you’d like to receive.
• Improve yourself in some way that would be pleasing to the Savior.
• Make time for quiet reflection and choose uplifting holiday activities instead of marathon shopping.
• Bear your testimony out loud, either at testimony meeting or to a friend or family member.
• Read the Christmas story from the Bible (see Luke 2).
• Repent prayerfully and fully of your sins before taking the sacrament. Think only about the Savior during the sacrament.
• Write about what you’re doing to make the season meaningful, either in your journal or in a letter to yourself.
• Watch the First Presidency Christmas Devotional.
• Team up with your family and be a “Secret Santa” for an individual or a family in your ward.
• Read the December Church magazines..
• If your ward or stake is having a Christmas social, invite a less-active member to go with you and your family.
• Check out videos from your meetinghouse library about the life of the Savior.
• Listen to beautiful Christmas music. Handel’s Messiah is a great choice.
• Think of ways your family’s Christmas traditions reinforce your testimony. Focus on those aspects of your celebration.
• Keep pictures of the Savior throughout his life around the house in places you will see them often.
• If there are small children in your home or your neighborhood, organize a live Nativity. Invite friends and neighbors. Serve Christmas cookies and hot chocolate as refreshments.
• Make a “give list” instead of a list of gifts you’d like to receive.
• Improve yourself in some way that would be pleasing to the Savior.
• Make time for quiet reflection and choose uplifting holiday activities instead of marathon shopping.
• Bear your testimony out loud, either at testimony meeting or to a friend or family member.
• Read the Christmas story from the Bible (see Luke 2).
• Repent prayerfully and fully of your sins before taking the sacrament. Think only about the Savior during the sacrament.
• Write about what you’re doing to make the season meaningful, either in your journal or in a letter to yourself.
• Watch the First Presidency Christmas Devotional.
• Team up with your family and be a “Secret Santa” for an individual or a family in your ward.
• Read the December Church magazines..
• If your ward or stake is having a Christmas social, invite a less-active member to go with you and your family.
• Check out videos from your meetinghouse library about the life of the Savior.
• Listen to beautiful Christmas music. Handel’s Messiah is a great choice.
• Think of ways your family’s Christmas traditions reinforce your testimony. Focus on those aspects of your celebration.
• Keep pictures of the Savior throughout his life around the house in places you will see them often.
• If there are small children in your home or your neighborhood, organize a live Nativity. Invite friends and neighbors. Serve Christmas cookies and hot chocolate as refreshments.
Friday, December 18, 2015
Did you miss the First Presidency's Christmas Devotional?
Watch and read it here: First Presidency Christmas Devotional 2015
Thursday, December 17, 2015
12 Christmas Activities that put Christ back into Christmas
Christmas is the perfect opportunity to remember the Savior and enjoy time as a family. However, in the midst of shopping for presents and making other preparations, remembering the true meaning of Christmas can be difficult to do.
To make it easier, here are 12 fun, family activities that will help you put Christ back into Christmas:
Day One: Remember Mary, mother of Jesus
Day Two: Proclaim the Savior's birth
Day Three: Sing hallelujah
Day Four: Read about the Savior's birth
Day Five: Love like the Savior
Day Six: Picture a Savior is born
Day Seven: Create a link to God
Day Eight: The good shepherd
Day Nine: Away in a manger
Day Ten: A gift from the heart
Day Eleven: Light cometh to the world
Day Twelve: Let Earth receive her king
12 Christmas Activities that put Christ back into Christmas
Monday, December 14, 2015
12 Ways to Keep Christ in Christmas
Way #2 -Decorate your home with Christ-centered Christmas Decor
To learn more: 12 Ways to Keep Christ in Christmas
To learn more: 12 Ways to Keep Christ in Christmas
Sunday, December 13, 2015
12 Days Closer to Christ
Here are some fabulous ideas from the Heytesbury Ward on how to become closer to Christ.
For the next 12 days, we will focus on qualities of the Savior and experiences He had so that we can truly know Him better.
Day 1 - We know things about Christ, but do we actually KNOW Him?
John 17:3 - “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”
Jesus Christ loves each of us. He gave His life for us, atoned for our sins, and desires that we each come unto Him.
D&C 88:63 - “Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.”
Challenge: For the next 12 days, together we can Seek and Find, Ask and Receive, Knock and have answers opened unto us. Your challenge is to take part in this activity by reading the scriptures and doing your best to complete the challenges.
Day 2 - Jesus Christ set a perfect example for us. If we could see Him as He lived upon the earth what kind of person was He? Would we have followed Him? Would we have been His friends? Jesus Loves Children and has a kind and tender heart. He is very aware of you and wants to bless you.
Mark 10:13-16
We are not alone during times of trial. Never be afraid to turn to the Lord in times of need. He is anxious to bless you and comfort you.
Challenge: Read, memorize & never forget! John 14:18
Day 3 - Jesus Christ wants us to be happy! Jesus has given us the gift of life, the atonement and eventually eternal life.
Joy: A condition of great happiness coming from righteous living. The purpose of mortal life is for all people to have joy. A full joy will come only through Jesus Christ (Guide to the Scriptures, LDS.org)
D&C 88:33
1 Thessalonians 5:18
“...My sincere prayer is that we may adapt to the changes in our lives, that we may realize what is most important, that we may express our gratitude always and thus find joy in the journey.” President Thomas S. Monson
Challenge: Bring joy to your family! Spend time with them today! Read a book to a younger sibling, play a board game, watch an uplifting movie together, go see Christmas lights...just be together and be joyful.
Day 4 - Jesus was humble and willing to serve others.
Despite His knowledge that He was Heavenly Fathers only begotten son, he still loved and served others. He did not expect “royal treatment.” He served all men, including those who would later deny and betray Him. It is not always easy to serve!
John 13:3-5
Challenge: Perform a quiet act of service for a family member or friend. As an extra challenge, pick someone you may be struggling to get along with!
Day 5 - Jesus was talked about for being friends with those who were not popular.
The story of Zacchaeus; Luke 19:1–10.
Challenge: Reach out to someone who is “not popular” or lonely. Know that you are following Christ’s example.
Day 6 - Christ was compassionate. His heart was always turned towards those who needed help.
He remained with the Nephites to heal their sick, lame, and blind.
3 Nephi 17:5-7
Challenge: Make a list of people who are less fortunate than you (you don’t have to know them personally) make a special effort to pray for them in your family and/or personal prayers.
Day 7 - Even Jesus was tempted by Satan. He understands what it feels like to be tired, weak, and just trying your best to resist temptation.
Think how tired, hungry and weak Jesus must have been after his extremely long fast. Satan comes at moments of weakness to try to persuade us to do evil. Did you notice that angels were there to minster unto Him? We are never alone as we journey through this life!
Matthew 4:1-11
Challenge: Choose three topics in “For The Strength of the Youth” that might be a temptation in your life...read them and decide now what you will do/say when these situations come up. You can even role-play with a friend or family member.
Day 8 - Jesus loves ALL men. His atonement paid the price for ALL mankind. If He only loved those who never made mistakes, He would not have needed to make the ultimate sacrifice. All of us will make mistakes; all of us fall short of perfection. How wonderful it is to know that the Savior loves us and is there encouraging us to get back up and try again.
Jesus loved even the sinner. Luke 7:36-50
Challenge: Jesus loves and forgives all men. Write a note to someone you may have hurt asking for forgiveness or offer forgiveness to someone who has hurt you. Or, you can write a note to someone who sets a good example of Christ-like love.
Day 9 - Jesus knows how it feels to be let down by people we trust.
During his time of pain, agony, and great suffering Christ plead with his apostles, his friends, to stay close and keep watch. They were not able to do it. They fell asleep three different times even though He needed them.
Matthew 26:36-46
Challenge: Be a good friend to others. Help others when they need help. Set a goal to help one of your friends. You could help them study for a quiz, babysit siblings, do their chores, etc.
Day 10 - Jesus knows the intent of our heart and appreciates all that we can give, even if it seems small to us.
Although the widow did not have much to give, she gave with a pure heart and she gave all she had. The Savior does not keep score. The Savior asks that we all give our best and that is enough. He has made up the difference.
Mark 12:41-44
Challenge: Choose one area where you can make a commitment to give 100% effort - not be perfect, just give it your all! Maybe you want to read scriptures more often, pay your tithing, bear your testimony. Choose something you can “give back” to the Savior.
Day 11 - Jesus knows that challenges can be difficult but he gave us a perfect example of never giving up and always trusting in our Heavenly Father’s love.
Matthew 26:39
John 16:32
Speaking about the Lord’s final hours on earth Elder Holland said: "But Jesus held on. He pressed on. The goodness in Him allowed faith to triumph even in a state of complete anguish. The trust He lived by told Him in spite of His feelings that divine compassion is never absent, that God is always faithful, that He never flees nor fails us”.
Challenge: Find a picture of Christ to display prominently in your room or somewhere you will see it each day - bathroom mirror, locker, etc. Let this picture remind you of your commitment to “Come Unto Christ” even when life gets hard.
Day 12 and everyday forward - “There is no better time than now, this very Christmas season, for all of us to rededicate ourselves to the principles taught by Jesus Christ.
“Because He came to earth, we have a perfect example to follow. As we strive to become more like Him, we will have joy and happiness in our lives and peace each day of the year. It is His example, which, if followed, stirs within us more kindness and love, more respect and concern for others.
“Because He came, there is meaning to our mortal existence.
“Because He came, we know how to reach out to those in trouble or distress, wherever they may be.
“Because He came, death has lost its sting, the grave its victory. We will live again because He came.
“Because He came and paid for our sins, we have the opportunity to gain eternal life.” (President Thomas S. Monson, 2011 First Presidency Christmas Devotional)
For the next 12 days, we will focus on qualities of the Savior and experiences He had so that we can truly know Him better.
Day 1 - We know things about Christ, but do we actually KNOW Him?
John 17:3 - “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”
Jesus Christ loves each of us. He gave His life for us, atoned for our sins, and desires that we each come unto Him.
D&C 88:63 - “Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.”
Challenge: For the next 12 days, together we can Seek and Find, Ask and Receive, Knock and have answers opened unto us. Your challenge is to take part in this activity by reading the scriptures and doing your best to complete the challenges.
Day 2 - Jesus Christ set a perfect example for us. If we could see Him as He lived upon the earth what kind of person was He? Would we have followed Him? Would we have been His friends? Jesus Loves Children and has a kind and tender heart. He is very aware of you and wants to bless you.
Mark 10:13-16
We are not alone during times of trial. Never be afraid to turn to the Lord in times of need. He is anxious to bless you and comfort you.
Challenge: Read, memorize & never forget! John 14:18
Day 3 - Jesus Christ wants us to be happy! Jesus has given us the gift of life, the atonement and eventually eternal life.
Joy: A condition of great happiness coming from righteous living. The purpose of mortal life is for all people to have joy. A full joy will come only through Jesus Christ (Guide to the Scriptures, LDS.org)
D&C 88:33
1 Thessalonians 5:18
“...My sincere prayer is that we may adapt to the changes in our lives, that we may realize what is most important, that we may express our gratitude always and thus find joy in the journey.” President Thomas S. Monson
Challenge: Bring joy to your family! Spend time with them today! Read a book to a younger sibling, play a board game, watch an uplifting movie together, go see Christmas lights...just be together and be joyful.
Day 4 - Jesus was humble and willing to serve others.
Despite His knowledge that He was Heavenly Fathers only begotten son, he still loved and served others. He did not expect “royal treatment.” He served all men, including those who would later deny and betray Him. It is not always easy to serve!
John 13:3-5
Challenge: Perform a quiet act of service for a family member or friend. As an extra challenge, pick someone you may be struggling to get along with!
Day 5 - Jesus was talked about for being friends with those who were not popular.
The story of Zacchaeus; Luke 19:1–10.
Challenge: Reach out to someone who is “not popular” or lonely. Know that you are following Christ’s example.
Day 6 - Christ was compassionate. His heart was always turned towards those who needed help.
He remained with the Nephites to heal their sick, lame, and blind.
3 Nephi 17:5-7
Challenge: Make a list of people who are less fortunate than you (you don’t have to know them personally) make a special effort to pray for them in your family and/or personal prayers.
Day 7 - Even Jesus was tempted by Satan. He understands what it feels like to be tired, weak, and just trying your best to resist temptation.
Think how tired, hungry and weak Jesus must have been after his extremely long fast. Satan comes at moments of weakness to try to persuade us to do evil. Did you notice that angels were there to minster unto Him? We are never alone as we journey through this life!
Matthew 4:1-11
Challenge: Choose three topics in “For The Strength of the Youth” that might be a temptation in your life...read them and decide now what you will do/say when these situations come up. You can even role-play with a friend or family member.
Day 8 - Jesus loves ALL men. His atonement paid the price for ALL mankind. If He only loved those who never made mistakes, He would not have needed to make the ultimate sacrifice. All of us will make mistakes; all of us fall short of perfection. How wonderful it is to know that the Savior loves us and is there encouraging us to get back up and try again.
Jesus loved even the sinner. Luke 7:36-50
Challenge: Jesus loves and forgives all men. Write a note to someone you may have hurt asking for forgiveness or offer forgiveness to someone who has hurt you. Or, you can write a note to someone who sets a good example of Christ-like love.
Day 9 - Jesus knows how it feels to be let down by people we trust.
During his time of pain, agony, and great suffering Christ plead with his apostles, his friends, to stay close and keep watch. They were not able to do it. They fell asleep three different times even though He needed them.
Matthew 26:36-46
Challenge: Be a good friend to others. Help others when they need help. Set a goal to help one of your friends. You could help them study for a quiz, babysit siblings, do their chores, etc.
Day 10 - Jesus knows the intent of our heart and appreciates all that we can give, even if it seems small to us.
Although the widow did not have much to give, she gave with a pure heart and she gave all she had. The Savior does not keep score. The Savior asks that we all give our best and that is enough. He has made up the difference.
Mark 12:41-44
Challenge: Choose one area where you can make a commitment to give 100% effort - not be perfect, just give it your all! Maybe you want to read scriptures more often, pay your tithing, bear your testimony. Choose something you can “give back” to the Savior.
Day 11 - Jesus knows that challenges can be difficult but he gave us a perfect example of never giving up and always trusting in our Heavenly Father’s love.
Matthew 26:39
John 16:32
Speaking about the Lord’s final hours on earth Elder Holland said: "But Jesus held on. He pressed on. The goodness in Him allowed faith to triumph even in a state of complete anguish. The trust He lived by told Him in spite of His feelings that divine compassion is never absent, that God is always faithful, that He never flees nor fails us”.
Challenge: Find a picture of Christ to display prominently in your room or somewhere you will see it each day - bathroom mirror, locker, etc. Let this picture remind you of your commitment to “Come Unto Christ” even when life gets hard.
Day 12 and everyday forward - “There is no better time than now, this very Christmas season, for all of us to rededicate ourselves to the principles taught by Jesus Christ.
“Because He came to earth, we have a perfect example to follow. As we strive to become more like Him, we will have joy and happiness in our lives and peace each day of the year. It is His example, which, if followed, stirs within us more kindness and love, more respect and concern for others.
“Because He came, there is meaning to our mortal existence.
“Because He came, we know how to reach out to those in trouble or distress, wherever they may be.
“Because He came, death has lost its sting, the grave its victory. We will live again because He came.
“Because He came and paid for our sins, we have the opportunity to gain eternal life.” (President Thomas S. Monson, 2011 First Presidency Christmas Devotional)
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
13 Unique Nativities
While Christmas traditions vary widely from country to country, there is one small tradition that you'll see almost anywhere in the world the birth of the Savior is celebrated: the Nativity.
To learn more: 13 Unique Nativities
