Because I have Been Given Much

Opening Song: Hymn #219: Because I Have been Given Much

Scripture: Mosiah 2:17  And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn ^awisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the ^bservice of your ^cfellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.

It is important for children to not only learn about service while they are young, but to actively take part in serving. Whether it be others in your immediate family, a neighbor, friend, relative or even a complete stranger, it is vital to their understanding it's importance. There are many ways you can encourage service. Here is one example we are working on currently in our little family.

In our neighborhood there is a family who is expecting their first child within a couple weeks. They are not currently active in the church. The husband has been out of work for at least two years, maybe longer. They have very little, especially considering the needs of a new baby.

As luck would have it, they are expecting a baby girl. We have two girls and have been blessed with much in way of clothing for our children. So, although we may not be able to help this family out monetarily we can give them some of our childrens clothing. For our FHE activity we went through our overflowing boxes and put together a couple large bags full of clothing. Although we have never met this couple, it gives us great joy and satisfaction know we can serve them. It is wonderful to be able to include our children in this service and to see how willing they are to give to those in need.

Because I have Been Given Much

Straw Bed For Jesus

My in-laws started this for us last year, and we really enjoyed it. It was inspired by the book The Last Straw by Paula McDonald. It is a great way to remember the reason for the Christmas season.

Opening Song

We sang The Nativity from the Children's Songbook. Any song that discusses Jesus in the manger will work well.

Scripture

Luke 2. Especially versus 7, 12, and 16

Supplies

• Manger (my Father-in-law built this one, but a shoe box would work as well)
• Straw
• Baby Jesus (but you don't need the baby until Christmas Day)

Lesson

Discuss with your family the meaning of Christmas. Why do we celebrate Christmas? Why do we give gifts? How can we give gifts to Jesus? Matthew 25:40 will work well at this point (And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me).

Discuss what it would be like to lay in a manger (make sure you describe what a manger is). How would if feel? 

Tell your children that this year, you are going to work as a family to make sure the bed for baby Jesus is as soft as it can be. You will do this by doing acts of service.

For each act of service someone does, they get to put a piece of straw in the manger. The goal is by Christmas to have a nice, soft bed for baby Jesus to lay in.

This is a great way to get focus on service during this season. My children really look for ways to serve and think about serving rather than just thinking about presents (though they do plenty of that).  I really love this tradition and think you will, too!

Straw Bed For Jesus

Thanksgiving

Song: Hymn 94 Come, Ye Thankful People

Scripture: 1 Nephi 13:12-19 Nephi tells of the Gentiles coming to America.

Lesson: Tell the story of the pilgrims coming to America to escape religious persecution. Thanksgiving is a holiday we celebrate because of the gratitude the pilgrims felt for finding a new land where they could worship freely.

Discussion: Each member of the family share something he or she is thankful for.

Activity: Think of a person outside of the family who you are thankful for. Brainstorm some way you can show this person your gratitude for him/her i.e. take cookies to the home teachers, draw a picture and mail it to grandma, write a note to the bishop, rake a neighbor's leaves, etc.

Thanksgiving