FAmily Home Evening for Matthew 8; Mark 2-4; Luke 7

 Read or Summarize Mark 4:35-41

35 And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.

36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.

37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.

38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?

39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?

41 And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

Discuss 

What are the things that are part of your family’s “storm of life?” What makes them scared? What things seem overwhelming? Oftentimes we feel alone in our trials, and we wonder if anyone knows of and cares about our suffering. Just as Jesus cared about those on the boat, He cares about us. If we follow Him and pray to Heavenly Father in His name. We can feel His peace in our lives. Discuss ways that we can bring the peace of the Savior into our lives.

Activity

Have each person repeatedly say something that makes them scared or overwhelms them, all at the same time. Have one person hold up a picture of Jesus and say, “Peace be still.” Then, have everyone be silent. This represents how inviting the Savior into our lives can bring us peace, calmness, and quiet when our lives bring us noise, turmoil, and unrest.

Click on the picture below to see how we did this lesson

Family Home Evening for Matthew 6-7

 Read Matthew 6:5-13

5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Discussion

Today, we are going to talk about prayer. In the scripture above, Jesus taught us 3 important things about prayer.

1. You can pray anywhere! You don’t have to wait until you are in a church building to pray. You can pray in your closet, on the bus, in the car, outside, inside, or wherever you are. Remember though, prayer is personal and sacred, so don’t pray to make people think that you are really great person, because you believe in God. Keep your personal prayers between you and Heavenly Father.

2. Jesus said not to use “vain repetitions” in prayer. Do you know what this means? It means that you should think about what you are saying when you pray. Don’t just memorize what to say and say the same things every time you pray.

3. Heavenly Father knows what you need, before you ask. So you don’t need to say big, long prayers for Heavenly Father to know what you need. He loves you and is willing to answer the simplest of prayers.

To teach your children how to pray, start with the order of prayer.

1. Start with addressing Heavenly Father by name. Just like when you are talking to your earthly parents, you say, “Mom” or “Dad.” When we pray, we are beginning a conversation with our Heavenly Father. So begin your prayers with “Heavenly Father.”

2. Thank Heavenly Father for the blessings that He’s given you.

3. Ask Heavenly Father for things that you need.

4. Thank Him again for your blessings.

5. Close, “In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.”

Activity 

Help children to develop prayers that are personal and nonrepetitive by thinking about things they are grateful for and things or people they could pray for. Make a list and review it before prayers, to help them learn to develop sincere, personal prayers.

Click the picture below to see how we did this lesson

Family Home Evening for Matthew 5; Luke 6

 Read Matthew 5:14-16

Activity

You will need a candle or flashlight and a bucket or something to cover the light source with.

To help children better understand the meaning of this scripture, turn off all of the lights in the room. Point out that sometimes there are so many things in the world that are evil and make people feel sad or scared. This sadness could make people feel dark inside, just like the room is dark. In this scripture, Jesus says that we are the light of the world. (Light the candle or turn on the flashlight.) Tell your children to notice how the light helps them to see the room and where they are going a lot better.

The light that we shine comes from following the example that Jesus showed us. When people know that we follow Jesus, and they see us do good things, then they will follow the light that we shine back to our Heavenly Father.

Sometimes, it is hard to make the right choice and tell people what we believe, because it might make us unpopular, we are worried that we might offend people, or some people may get angry with us. If we hide what to believe, it is the same as covering the light we have, or “putting t it under a bushel,” as the scripture said. (Cover the light) If we are trying to help people have hope, should we hide our light? No. We want everyone we meet to understand how happy believing in Heavenly Father’s great plan of happiness can make us. 

Our happiness leads us to serve others, and people will see how many good things we do, and some will believe in and thank Heavenly Father for sending good friends, for service that you might do for them, or for the joy and happiness that the gospel brings.

Discuss

How will you let your light shine before men?

Click on the picture below to see how we did this lesson

 

Family Home Evening for John 2-4

 Read John 3:16-17

16 ​​​For ​​​God​ so ​​​loved​ the ​​​world​, that he ​​​gave​ his ​​​only​ begotten ​​​Son​, that whosoever ​​​believeth​ in him should not perish, but have ​​​everlasting​ ​​​life​.

​​​17 ​For God ​​​sent​ not his Son into the world to ​​​condemn​ the world; but that the world through him might be ​​​saved​

Activity

Put a picture of Jesus in a box. If possible, you could put small pictures of Jesus in the box, so that you can give one to each child. Wrap the box like a present. 

Explain that a long time ago Heavenly Father gave the world a special gift. Though His gift was very special, not everyone understands His gift. Those that believe in His gift and accept it, will live forever and be happy forever. Some people think that this gift was given to curse them or make them so that they have to live by too many rules, but through this gift, the whole world can be saved. The scripture we just read tells us who this gift was. Can you guess who it is? (Allow them to open the box). 

Explain that Jesus is God’s gift to the world, because He loves us. We can feel God’s love when we think about Jesus and when we look at pictures of Jesus. Tell your children to put their picture of Jesus in a place where they can see it often.

Discuss

How does Jesus help us feel God’s love?

Click the picture below to see how we did this lesson

Family Home Evening foe Matthew 4; Luke 4-5

 Read Matthew 4:1-4

1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.

2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.

3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.

4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Discuss

 What is fasting?

• Fasting is a commandment from the Lord where we humble ourselves before Him by voluntarily refraining from eating and drinking. In the Church today, one Sabbath day each month is set aside for the purpose of fasting. Members of the Church go without food and water for two consecutive meals in a 24-hour period and then contribute the money that would have been spent for that food to those in need, in the form of fast offerings. (Gospel Topics, “Fasting and Fast Offering”)

How can what Jesus said to Satan (vs 4 above) help us in our fasts?

• Instead of focusing on how hungry our bodies are, we could focus on ways to feed our spirits. Make a list of things that you could do as individuals and family to increase spiritual food, while fasting.

How has your life been blessed by fasting?

• Discuss ways that you and/or your family have been blessed by following this commandment.

Click the picture below to see how we did this lesson

Family Home Evening for Matthew 3; Mark 1; and Luke 3

 Read 

Matthew 3:16-17

16 ​And Jesus, when he was ​​​baptized​, went up ​​​straightway​ out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the ​​​Spirit​ of God descending like a ​​​dove​, and lighting upon him:

​​​17 ​And lo a ​​​voice​ from heaven, saying, This is my ​​​beloved​ ​​​Son​, in whom I am well pleased.

Mark 1:9-11

9 ​And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was ​​​baptized​ of John in Jordan.

​​​10 ​And straightway coming ​​​up​ out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a ​​​dove​ descending upon him:

​​​11 ​And there came a voice from heaven, ​saying,​ Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Luke 3:21-22

21 ​Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being ​​​baptized​, and praying, the heaven was opened,

​​​22 ​And the ​​​Holy Ghost​ descended in a bodily shape like a ​​​dove​ upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.

Discuss

Have members of your family seen someone be baptized or confirmed a member of the Church? 

What did family members feel when they were baptized or when they witnessed a baptism?

How is being baptized and confirmed like a new birth? 

When we are baptized, all of our sins and wrong doings are washed away, so we are as clean as we were the day that we were born. 

When we are born into this world, we have parents to guide us and help us along the way. After being confirmed we receive a spiritual guide to help us. This spiritual guide is the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost will be your constant companion and help you to know and understand what Heavenly Father and Jesus would like you to know. He will also be there to give you warnings and help you choose the right.

Why are we fully immersed in water when we are baptized? 

We are baptized by immersion. This means that we go fully under the water, before being brought back up. “Baptism symbolizes death, burial, and resurrection and can only be done by immersion (“Baptism,” Bible dictionary).

Think about when we physically die, we are buried completely in the ground, and when Jesus returns to the earth, we will be resurrected and come out of the grave. The same with baptism. To be spiritually reborn, we must bury the natural man (our sins) completely under water, and then we are spiritually reborn, as we rise from the water.

Why do we wear white when we are baptized?

When we are baptized, we wear white to symbolize that we are clean and pure from all of our sins.

 Why is the gift of the Holy Ghost described as a “baptism of fire”?

The Holy Ghost acts as a cleansing agent to purify them and sanctify them from all sin. Thus it is often spoken of as “fire”. (Bible Dictionary, “Holy Ghost”)

Click on the picture below to see how we did this lesson.

Family Home Evening for John 1

 Read John 1:35-36

35 ​​​Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples;

​​​36 ​And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the ​​​Lamb​ of God!

Discuss

Why might John the Baptist have called Jesus “the Lamb of God”? Consider the following quotes from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s message “Behold the Lamb of God” and Elder Gerrit W. Gong’s message “Good Shepherd, Lamb of God” in your discussion: 

Behold the Lamb of God

Reverently, but audible enough for those nearby to hear, John uttered the admiration that still moves us two millennia later: “Behold the Lamb of God.”

It is instructive that this long-prophesied forerunner to Jesus did not call Him “Jehovah” or “Savior” or “Redeemer” or even “the Son of God”—all of which were applicable titles. No, John chose the earliest and perhaps most commonly recognized image in the religious tradition of his people. He used the figure of a sacrificial lamb offered in atonement for the sins and sorrows of a fallen world and all the fallen people in it.

Good Shepherd, Lamb of God

• As Lamb of God, our Savior knows when we feel alone, diminished, uncertain, or afraid. In vision, Nephi saw the power of the Lamb of God “[descend] upon the saints of the church of the Lamb, and upon the covenant people of the Lord.” Though “scattered upon all the face of the earth … they were armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory.”

Also, consider these thoughts:

Adam and Eve were commanded to make a sacrifice of a firstborn, unblemished lamb, when they were cast out of the Garden of Eden. They were taught that this represented the sacrifice of the Lamb of God, for the salvation of men. We don’t sacrifice animals any more, because Jesus, the Lamb of God Atoned for our sins and gained victory over death, fulfilling the ultimate sacrifice for us. Now, we partake of the sacrament every week, sacrifice a broken heart and a contrite spirit, and promise Jesus to always remember Him and keep His commandments.

Activity 

Discuss as a family how you can better prepare your family to partake of the sacrament each week. To help you get ideas, read these excerpts from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s message “Behold the Lamb of God”

“Behold the Lamb of God”

• My beloved brothers and sisters, with the exciting new emphasis on increased gospel learning in the home, it is crucial for us to remember that we are still commanded to “go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day.” In addition to making time for more home-centered gospel instruction, our modified Sunday service is also to reduce the complexity of the meeting schedule in a way that properly emphasizes the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper as the sacred, acknowledged focal point of our weekly worship experience. We are to remember in as personal a way as possible that Christ died from a heart broken by shouldering entirely alone the sins and sorrows of the whole human family.

• Inasmuch as we contributed to that fatal burden, such a moment demands our respect.Thus, we are encouraged to come to our services early and reverently, dressed appropriately for participation in a sacred ordinance. “Sunday best” has lost a little of its meaning in our time, and out of esteem for Him into whose presence we come, we ought to restore that tradition of Sabbath dress and grooming when and where we can.

• As for punctuality, a late pass will always be lovingly granted to those blessed mothers who, with children and Cheerios and diaper bags trailing in marvelous disarray, are lucky to have made it to church at all. Furthermore, there will be others who unavoidably find their ox in the mire on a Sabbath morning. However, to this latter group we say an occasional tardiness is understandable, but if the ox is in the mire every Sunday, then we strongly recommend that you sell the ox or fill the mire.

• In that same spirit, we make an apostolic plea for the reduction of clamor in the sanctuary of our buildings. We love to visit with each other, and we should—it is one of the joys of church attendance—but it ought not be pursued so vocally in space specifically dedicated for worship.

• Brothers and sisters, this hour ordained of the Lord is the most sacred hour of our week. By commandment, we gather for the most universally received ordinance in the Church. It is in memory of Him who asked if the cup He was about to drink could pass, only to press on because He knew that for our sake it could not pass. It will help us if we remember that a symbol of that cup is slowly making its way down the row toward us at the hand of an 11- or 12-year-old deacon.

To see how we did this lesson, click on the picture below

Family Home Evening for Matthew 2; Luke 2

 Read or Summarize Luke 2

Each of these people were influenced by the younger life of the Savior. As you read these accounts, think about how the experiences of these people make you feel and testify to you of the Savior’s divine mission and purpose.

Joseph

• Joseph was from the lineage of King David. He was the same David that we learned about last year. The one that killed Goliath. 

• Joseph was there when Simeon and Anna the Prophetess testified of Him and he “marveled at those things which were spoken of him.” (vs 33)

• Took care of Jesus and had to travel 3 days to find Jesus, when He stayed in Jerusalem to teach at the temple, when He was 12-years-old

• Taught Jesus how to make things out of wood, as a carpenter.

Mary

• Jesus was her firstborn son. She took care of Him, just like your parents take care of you.

• Most of the things that Mary learned from raising Jesus, she kept close and pondered them in her heart.

• Mary knew that Jesus would go through a lot, and it was really hard for her to watch her son go through it.

• When Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, to teach in the temple, she was scared and worried that Jesus was lost.

Shepherds

• Were visited by angels that told them that Jesus was born.

• They went with haste to see Jesus

• And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

• As they bore testimony of what they saw, many people also came to see Jesus. 

• They returned from seeing Jesus glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen.

Angels

• Told people where to find Jesus

• Praised God and sang songs to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Simeon

• It was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord Christ.

• The Spirit told him to go the temple and he got to see Jesus, when Mary and Joseph brought Him to be circumcised. 

• He took Jesus, blessed God, and said, “Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.”

Anna the Prophetess

• Was also at the temple with Simeon. 

• Thanked God and bore testimony to everyone who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

You can click the following pictures to see video accounts of the events in Luke 2 (Anna is not in these videos. Her account will need to be read from Luke 2:36-38).

Discuss

Think about how these people were changed by their interactions with the young Savior. How has learning about the Savior’s childhood helped your testimony increase?

Click the picture below to see how we did this lesson

Family Home Evening for Matthew 1; Luke 1

 Read Luke 1:37

37 ​For with God nothing shall be ​​​impossible​.

Discuss

In Luke 1, we read about 2 things that seem impossible. They are the stories of Zacharias and Elizabeth and Mary, the mother of Jesus. Read or summarize these stories. Our summaries are below:

Zacharias and Elizabeth were too old to bare children. They continued in faith and Zacharias was visited by an angel in the temple. He was told that Elizabeth would bare a son, and that his name would be John. Zacharias doubted that with God all things are possible. His voice was taken from him, until Elizabeth took their baby boy to be circumcised. Many people thought Zacharias would name his only son after him, but at the temple, he wrote in the sand that the baby’s name would be John. He was able to speak again after this. This baby is John the Baptist, who baptized Jesus. Click the picture to see this story.

Mary was not married yet. An angel came to her and told her that she would become the mother of Jesus. Mary couldn’t believe it was possible at first. The Angel told Mary that with God, all things are possible. Mary told the angel that she would do whatever God needed her to do.

Click the picture to see this story.

Discuss

Has there ever been anything that seemed almost impossible for you to do? With the New Year barely beginning, think about a way that you could ask God to help you learn or do something that is hard or seems impossible. Maybe you could work on developing a talent, break a bad habit, set a goal to do a major act of service every month (or 12 times this year, see www.justserve.org for ideas), or something else of your choosing. Write it down where you can reflect on it often. In your daily prayers, ask Heavenly Father to help you achieve your goal. This will help your family gain a personal testimony of how “with God, all things are possible.”

Click here to see how we did this lesson

Family Home Evening for "We Are Responsible for Our Own Learning"

 Read Matthew 13:3-8

3 And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow;

4 And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, (click the “by the wayside” link below) and the fowls came and devoured them up:

5 Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: (Click the “stony places” link below)

6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.

7 And some fell among thorns; (click the” thorns” link below) and the thorns sprung up, and choked them:

8 But other fell into good ground, (click the “soil” link below) and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.

Discuss

This story is called a parable. Jesus taught a lot of gospel principles, using parables. A parable is a story, used to teach a lesson. The story you just read is not really about planting seeds. It is actually about how you develop your testimony.

Read Matthew 13:19-23 to learn about what each seed represents.

19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.

20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;

21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

Discuss

Which place do you want to plant your testimony? How can you help each other in “growing” your testimonies?

By the Wayside	Stony Places
Thorns	Soil

Click the picture below, to see how we did this lesson

Christmas 2022 Family Home Evening

 For this week, start (or continue) a Christmas tradition that will help your family come closer to Jesus Christ. Help your children learn and remember the true meaning of Christmas. We give and receive Christmas gifts, because God gave us His Only Begotten Son. Jesus was the first Christmas gift. You might consider discussing as a family some traditions you want to start. Some ideas might include serving someone in need, inviting a friend to watch the First Presidency Christmas Devotional with you (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/broadcasts?lang=eng&opt-out-beta=true&video=11519526796484774745&mode=watch), writing your own Christmas song, or finding a creative way to share the message of Christ’s birth. Click this link to take you to the video, we made last year, of a tradition we have done to come closer to Jesus. 

Click the picture below to see our new tradition.