Find the below study guide online at:
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/christmas-study-plan-2024/01?lang=eng
You'll have to click on the links provided to see the music and videos shown below - some of them are too big to upload here. Sorry about that!
Or access on your gospel library app
Thursday, December 19
Prophets Foretold the Birth of Jesus
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given” (Isaiah 9:6).
Prophets testify of God’s plan of salvation so they can help build the faith of others. President Russell M. Nelson said, “[Jesus Christ’s birth was] foreseen by prophets since the days of Adam [and Eve].” Study the testimonies of God’s prophets who foresaw and foretold the birth of Jesus Christ.
Scriptures and Questions
Isaiah prophesied about the birth of Jesus Christ during a time of great trouble and uncertainty for the people of Judah. How might Isaiah’s words have given the people hope?
Nephi, one of the first prophets in the Book of Mormon, was shown the Savior’s birth by an angel. What do you think the angel wanted Nephi to understand about Jesus Christ?
King Benjamin was another Book of Mormon prophet who learned from an angel about the Savior’s coming. Note the names, titles, and words the angel uses to teach about Christ and His mission. Which words seem especially important to you and why?
Samuel the Lamanite, who lived just before Christ’s birth, told of great signs in the heavens that would appear on the day the Son of God was born. Look for them in these verses and ponder what these signs might symbolize. What do they teach you about Jesus Christ?
Samuel the Lamanite Prophesies of Jesus Christ
“Samuel Tells of the Baby Jesus,” Children’s Songbook, 36
Activity for Children
Service Ideas
- Invite a neighbor to a worship service.
- Ask a coworker how you can lighten their load.
- Go caroling with a group.
Friday, December 20
An Angel Appeared to Mary and to Joseph
“Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38).
Mary was humble and had great faith in accepting her role in God’s plan of salvation as the mother of the Son of God. President Jeffrey R. Holland noted, “[Her] courage and conspicuous faith are as striking as anything ever recorded in scripture.” Similarly, Joseph was a man of integrity and humility and was divinely appointed to support Mary and raise the Savior of the world alongside her.
Scriptures and Questions
What impresses you about Mary’s responses to the angel? What evidence do you see of her courage and faith?
Video “An Angel Foretells Christ’s Birth to Mary”
As you read about Joseph’s experience, consider why he might have chosen to break his engagement with Mary privately rather than publicly (“to put her away privily” [Matthew 1:19]). What does this tell you about Joseph’s character? What else do you learn about him from his response to the angel’s message?
“When Joseph Went to Bethlehem,” Children’s Songbook, 38
Activity for Children
The angel Gabriel told Mary and Joseph that Mary would give birth to Jesus Christ, and the angel brought them comfort. We can be angels for others by helping them feel God’s love! Cut out slips of paper. On each slip of paper write a message of love, and share it with a friend or family member.
Service Ideas
- Text someone you are grateful for.
- Be kind to yourself. Practice self-care.
- Help someone research their family history.
Saturday, December 21
Elisabeth Bore John, and Zacharias Testified
“And he shall go before him in … spirit and power… to make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (Luke 1:17).
Elisabeth and her husband, Zacharias, “were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord” (Luke 1:6). Yet, despite their faithfulness, they were unable to have children. How do you show faith in God’s promises even when you aren’t experiencing blessings as you hoped?
Scriptures and Questions
Compare Zacharias’s words before he couldn’t speak and after he regained his speech. What did Zacharias learn? What can you learn from Zacharias’s experience?
After Mary learned that she would be the mother of the Son of God, she visited her cousin Elisabeth, who was also experiencing a miraculous pregnancy. How did Mary and Elisabeth support each other? Consider how you, your friends, or your family support each other.
Video "Mary and Elisabeth Rejoice Together”
Song
“Joy to the World,” Hymns, no. 201
Activity for Children
When Elisabeth and Mary were waiting for John the Baptist and Jesus to be born, they helped each other. Stand in a circle. Toss a ball or crumpled piece of paper to someone else in the circle. When the person catches the ball, they shout out a quality of a good friend (like kind, fun, or thoughtful).
Service Ideas
- Tell a loved one they matter to you.
- Visit with an elderly neighbor.
- Invite others to a Christmas celebration.
Sunday, December 22
Angels Announced Jesus’s Birth to the Shepherds
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).
The angelic announcement to the shepherds was a divine declaration that the Savior’s birth is a cause to celebrate! It replaces fear with joy, glory, peace, and goodwill. The angel said this good news “shall be to all people” (Luke 2:10), so the shepherds “made [it] known abroad” (verse 17).
Elder Neil L. Andersen observed: “What comfort and reassurance Joseph and Mary must have felt as they realized there was purpose in the difficulty that surrounded them. The angels had declared His coming and His noble mission.” As humble shepherds worshipped at the manger, they were adding their witness to Mary’s and Joseph’s that this baby was God’s Son and a divine plan was at work.
Scriptures and Questions
What words and phrases stand out as you study the angels’ message to the shepherds?
What good news has God given you that you want to share?
Video “Shepherds Learn of the Birth of Christ”
Shepherds Learn of the Birth of Christ
Song
“Far, Far Away on Judea’s Plains,” Hymns, no. 212
Activity for Children
Service Ideas
- Help a loved one clean their home.
- Leave a gift on a neighbor’s doorstep.
- Make a Christmas playlist and share it with a friend.
- You can also share the Gift of Christmas Music playlist from The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square with family and friends.
Monday, December 23
The Lord Provides a Night Without Darkness in the Americas
“Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, … and on the morrow come I into the world” (3 Nephi 1:13).
“The scriptural story of Jesus Christ,” President Russell M. Nelson taught, “is indeed a two-hemisphere story. While Mary and Joseph in the East were making preparations for the holy child’s birth in Bethlehem, Nephi in the West was being taught by the premortal Messiah. To Nephi the Lord said, ‘Be of good cheer; … on the morrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfil all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets’ [3 Nephi 1:13].”
As you reflect on the birth of Christ, consider the convergence of heavenly signs and earthly witnesses testifying that Jesus was born to save.
Scriptures and Questions
These verses describe what happened in the Americas on the eve of Jesus Christ’s birth in Bethlehem. As you read them, imagine yourself among the believers on that sacred night. What might you have felt or thought or done?
What does this Book of Mormon event add to your understanding of Jesus Christ and His mission?
Video “Nephi Prays and Signs of Christ’s Birth Appear”
Song
“Star Bright,” Hymns—For Home and Church, no. 1204
Activity for Children
Service Ideas
- Take a walk with a friend.
- Volunteer at your local library.
- Clean up trash in your community.
Tuesday, December 24
Jesus Christ Was Born and Presented in the Temple
“She brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger” (Luke 2:7).
Jesus Christ was born to be the Savior of the world. Mary and Joseph journeyed to Bethlehem. Away from the crowded inn, Mary gave birth to Jesus in a stable. Angels appeared to shepherds, who then went to see the baby Jesus. After the shepherds left to tell everyone what they had seen and heard, “Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19).
Video “The Christ Child”
Simeon had been waiting for the Messiah, and he finally received a personal prompting that the day had come. Following that prompting to the temple, Simeon was blessed with a one-on-one encounter with the Messiah he had been seeking.
Anna spent much of her time in the temple. One day, Anna had a unique and personal experience with the Savior.
Scriptures and Questions
What have you felt or learned about as you read the Christmas story?
What do you think individuals who saw baby Jesus (such as the shepherds, Simeon, and Anna) shared with others about their firsthand experiences? What do you feel inspired to tell people about Him?
Song
“What Child Is This?,” Hymns—For Home and Church, no. 1203
Activity for Children
Use the Nativity cutouts to make your own Nativity scene. You can also use a prepared play script to tell the Nativity story or use your imagination to create your own script.
Service Ideas
- Pray for someone by name.
- Call someone you miss.
- Give a friend a hug.
Wednesday, December 25
The Wise Men Worshipped Jesus and Gave Gifts
“Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him” (Matthew 2:2).
We don’t know much about the Wise Men mentioned in Matthew 2, but we know they looked forward to the coming of the Messiah. They were willing to travel far to worship Him. And their gifts have inspired a long tradition of giving at Christmastime. “We cannot doubt,” President Dallin H. Oaks said, “that they were led by the Lord for His sacred purpose. … These wise men were of another land and culture, so a witness to them was a reminder that the Messiah was born for all people.”
Their simple story reminds us to reflect on our hope in Christ’s coming, our diligence in worshipping Him, and the gifts we can give to Him.
Scriptures and Questions
How might the Wise Men’s journey apply to you?
How do you seek, find, or worship Jesus Christ?
Video “The Wise Men Seek Jesus”
Song
“With Wondering Awe,” Hymns, no. 210
Activity for Children
The Wise Men found Jesus in Bethlehem and worshipped Him. Can you find all these hidden items?
Service Ideas
- Give your favorite book to a loved one.
- Give your neighbor a compliment.
- Donate to a local charity.
Giving Machines enable people to give clean water, goats, meals, toys, and more through a unique giving experience. Your donations go directly to global and local charities that impact people worldwide.
One Drop At A Time: The Giving Machines | #LightTheWorld
