Family Home Evening for D&C 137-138

 Before reading Doctrine and Covenants 137:1–5. Grab a paper and some crayons, colored pencils, paint, paint sticks, or something else to color with. As you read, pause between descriptions and have your children draw what they think the celestial kingdom might look like based on these verses. 

Discuss: What do you find in these verses that helps you look forward to living there? What are we doing now to prepare to live in the celestial kingdom with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ

1 The heavens were opened upon us, and I beheld the celestial kingdom of God, and the glory thereof, whether in the body or out I cannot tell.

2 I saw the transcendent beauty of the gate through which the heirs of that kingdom will enter, which was like unto circling flames of fire;

3 Also the blazing throne of God, whereon was seated the Father and the Son.

4 I saw the beautiful streets of that kingdom, which had the appearance of being paved with gold.

5 I saw Father Adam and Abraham; and my father and my mother; my brother Alvin, that has long since slept;

Now, explain that in D&C 138 Joseph F. Smith (son of Hyrum Smith) described whom he saw in the Spirit world. He listed the following people

1. Father Adam, the Ancient of Days and father of all,

2. Our glorious Mother Eve, with many of her faithful daughters who had lived through the ages and worshiped the true and living God.

3. Abel, the first martyr, was there, and his brother Seth, one of the mighty ones, who was in the express image of his father, Adam.

4. Noah, who gave warning of the flood; Shem, the great high priest

5.  Abraham, the father of the faithful

6. Isaac

7. Jacob

8. Moses

9. Isaiah

10. Ezekiel

11. Daniel

12. Elias, who was with Moses on the Mount of Transfiguration;

13. Malachi, the prophet who testified of the coming of Elijah (The Prophet Elijah was to plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to their fathers, foreshadowing the great work to be done in the temples of the Lord The prophets who dwelt among the Nephites

14. The Prophet Joseph Smith

15. Hyrum Smith

16. Brigham Young

17. John Taylor

18. Wilford Woodruff

19. Other choice spirits who were reserved to come forth in the fulness of times to take part in laying the foundations of the great latter-day work, including the building of the temples and the performance of ordinances therein for the redemption of the dead, were also in the spirit world.

Now, talk about some people that you know are in the spirit world. Tell your children a small story about a few of their ancestors that are waiting there.

Here is our version of this lesson.