Suggested Lesson Development

Attention Activity

As appropriate, use the following activity or one of your own to begin the lesson.

List the following people on the chalkboard: a shepherd, Simeon, a wise man from the east, Herod, a person at an inn, Anna, an angel, Mary.

Read the following responses to the birth of Jesus Christ. Ask class members to match each response with the appropriate person:

  1. I traveled a great distance to find him, gave him gifts, and worshiped him. (A wise man from the east; Matthew 2:1–2, 9–11.)
  2. I made no room for him. (A person at an inn; Luke 2:7.)
  3. Having received a witness from the Holy Ghost, I took the child up in my arms and knew that I could die in peace. (Simeon; Luke 2:25–32.)
  4. I said, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (An angel; Luke 2:13–14.)
  5. I went quickly to see him. (A shepherd; Luke 2:15–16.)
  6. I was troubled and tried to kill him. (Herod; Matthew 2:3–4, 16).
  7. After seeing him in the temple, I expressed gratitude and spread the news of his birth. (Anna; Luke 2:36–38.)
  8. I pondered the event in my heart. (Mary; Luke 2:19.)

Ask class members to ponder the following questions during the lesson:

Scripture Discussion and Application

As you teach the following scripture passages, help class members understand why we should rejoice in the Savior’s birth. Discuss ways to follow the example he set in his youth.

1. Jesus Christ is born.

Read and discuss Luke 2:1–7. Display some of the pictures listed in the “Preparation” section.

2. Angels and many others rejoice at Jesus’ birth.

Discuss Luke 2:8–39. Invite class members to read selected verses aloud. Display some of the pictures listed in the “Preparation” section.

If you are using the video presentation “Luke II,” show it now.

3. Wise men come to worship the child Jesus. Herod seeks to kill him.

Read and discuss selected verses from Matthew 2. Display some of the pictures listed in the “Preparation” section.

4. Guided by the Father, Jesus prepares in his youth for his ministry.

Read and discuss Luke 2:40–52. Display some of the pictures listed in the “Preparation” section. Explain that every year Joseph and Mary and other faithful Jews celebrated the Feast of the Passover in Jerusalem. As was customary, Jesus accompanied them when he reached the age of 12 (Luke 2:41–42).

Conclusion

Testify of the truths you have discussed in this lesson. Encourage class members to rejoice in the birth of the Savior and follow the example he set in his youth.