Primary Lesson #46 Supplement

PRIMARY LESSON 46 SUPPLEMENT

PROPHECIES ACTIVITY: Write each of the prophecies from the lesson on a piece of paper and wrap each one up in a present; be sure that you have at least one for each child. Have them unwrap the present and read the scripture to the class. Discuss ways in which prophecies are gifts to us from a loving God.

NATIVITY PUZZLE: Cut a large picture of the nativity into puzzle pieces, one piece for each student. On the back of each piece, write a reference to scriptures that prophesy of the birth of the Savior (for example: Isa. 7:14; 1 Ne. 11:13, 15, 18; 2 Ne. 25:19; Hel. 14:2–5). Place the puzzle pieces in a random pattern on the floor. Have one child come up and toss a beanbag until he/she hits one of the pieces. He/she looks up the scripture reference and choose one child to read the scripture aloud. Have all the children respond to what the prophecy or sign is and where and when it would take place. Have a member of the class hang its puzzle piece on the wall, trying to put the puzzle together. After the puzzle is completed, sing “Once within a Lowly Stable,” (CS, p. 41) or “The Nativity Song,” (CS, pp. 52–53). Testify that just as the prophets foretold the birth of Jesus Christ, they have also told us that He will come again to the earth. (Adapted from The Friend.)

PICTURE BOX ACTIVITY: Sydney S. Reynolds, “Sharing Time: When He Comes Again,” Friend, Dec. 1999, 35: make a three-sided picture box of the reason we celebrate Christmas.

GIFT GIVING ACTIVITY: Tell the story of the Wise Men (Matt. 2:1–11). Point out that the chief priests knew from the prophecies where Christ would be born. The Wise Men brought gifts to Jesus. In many cultures, at Christmastime a child will hang up a stocking or put out a shoe to receive a gift. We give presents to each other at Christmas, but do we remember to give a present to the One whose birthday we celebrate? Talk about the kinds of gifts we might give to the Savior (reading the scriptures an extra five minutes each day, praying one more time daily, writing in our journals, bearing testimony to a friend, repenting of a sin or overcoming a shortcoming, forgiving an enemy, doing a kind deed, etc.). Pass out to each child a paper in the shape of a stocking, a shoe, a gift box, etc. or use the ornaments from “Nativity Ornaments,” Friend, Dec. 2001, 31. Have the children decorate the fronts of them, then write on the backs a gift they will give the Savior at Christmas (or they could write their gifts on separate pieces of paper and tape them to the backs of the objects). Children could also think of gifts they could give to Jesus and list them with the shortest line first and all lines centered to form a Christmas tree. They could invite their families to do either activity in a family home evening. (Adapted from The Friend.)

WHAT’S IN A NAME?: Bring a book of baby names that gives the meaning of the names. Look up each child’s name and tell the meaning. Then read Matthew 1:23 and discuss how Jesus was “God with us.” (You can also read Matthew 28:20 to see how this was fulfilled.)

VISUAL AIDS: “The Christmas Story,” Friend, Dec. 2004, 43, contains pictures you can use to tell the story of Christ’s birth.

CHRISTMAS IN THE AMERICAS: “Christmas in the Americas,” Friend, Dec. 1994, 32–33, contains pictures that could be used for telling the story.

ISAIAH’S PROPHECIES: “Isaiah Prophesies of the Savior,” Friend, Dec. 2001, 36, contains a ‘string picture’ that you could make before class or have your students make during class. “Isaiah Prophesies of the Savior,” Friend, Mar. 1998, 34, contains pictures that could be used for a flannel board, puppets, etc.

ADVENT CALENDAR: Vicki F. Matsumori, “Sharing Time: What Is Christmas?” Friend, Dec. 2003, 34 contains an advent calendar that could be used in class as you teach this lesson.