December 23–29: “He Shall Come into the World to Redeem His People.” Christmas
“December 23–29: ‘He Shall Come into the World to Redeem His People.’ Christmas,” Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 (2023)
“December 23–29. Christmas,” Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: 2024 (2023)
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Joseph, Mary, and the baby Jesus in a stable
Behold the Lamb of God, by Walter Rane
December 23–29: “He Shall Come into the World to Redeem His People”
Christmas
From Nephi to Moroni, every Book of Mormon prophet was committed to the sacred purpose summarized on the book’s title page: “the convincing of [all people] that Jesus is the Christ.” One prophet saw Him as a premortal spirit, and another saw His mortal ministry in a vision. One stood on a wall to proclaim the signs of His birth and His death, and another knelt before His resurrected body, touching the wounds in His hands, feet, and side. All of them knew this essential truth: “There is no other way nor means whereby man can be saved, only through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, who … cometh to redeem the world” (Helaman 5:9).
So during this Christmas season, as believers around the world celebrate the goodness and love of God in sending His Son, ponder how the Book of Mormon has strengthened your faith in Christ. As you think about His birth, ponder why He came and how His coming has changed your life. Then you can experience the true joy of Christmas—the gift that Jesus Christ gives to you.
Ideas for Learning at Home and at Church
Jesus Christ was born to be my Savior.
It’s traditional to read the story of the Savior’s birth in the New Testament at Christmastime, but you can also find moving prophecies of this sacred event in the Book of Mormon. For example, prophecies of the Savior’s birth and ministry are found in 1 Nephi 11:13–36; Mosiah 3:5–10; and Helaman 14:1–13. What impressions about Jesus Christ come to you as you read these passages and contemplate the symbolism of the signs of His birth? How do the testimonies of these prophets strengthen your testimony of Christ and His mission?
Here are some other suggestions to help you focus on Jesus Christ at Christmastime:
Did you know that you can watch messages from previous First Presidency Christmas devotionals in the Gospel Library? Look for them in the “Christmas Videos” collection. Consider sharing these messages and music to spread Christmas cheer.
You and your family might also enjoy listening to selections from the “Christmas Music” collection in the Gospel Library.
Consider planning activities that you or your family can do in the days leading up to Christmas to feel the Spirit of Christ, such as serving someone or singing Christmas hymns together. See LighttheWorld.org for ideas.
The main reason we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ is because of His atoning sacrifice. Because of that sacrifice, He can save us from sin and death, comfort us in afflictions, and help us “be perfected in Him” (Moroni 10:32). What have you learned from the Book of Mormon this year about the Savior’s power to redeem you? Do any accounts or teachings stand out to you? Consider what the following passages teach you about the Savior’s redeeming mission: 2 Nephi 2:6; Alma 7:7–13; 11:40; and Helaman 5:9; 14:16–17. What do you feel inspired to do to show Him your gratitude?
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The Book of Mormon testifies of Jesus Christ.
“Another Testament of Jesus Christ” is more than just a subtitle for the Book of Mormon; it is a statement of its divine purpose. Ponder what you learn from the following scriptures about the Book of Mormon’s mission to testify of Christ: 1 Nephi 6:4; 19:18; and 2 Nephi 25:23, 26; 33:4, 10.
Consider recording in a journal how studying the Book of Mormon this year has brought you closer to Christ. The following prompts might help:
“Something I learned or felt about the Savior this year was …”
“Learning about the Savior in the Book of Mormon changed the way that I …”
“My favorite person [or story] in the Book of Mormon taught me that the Savior …”
Maybe there’s someone who would be blessed to know how you feel about the Book of Mormon. How might you share your experiences and testimony? You might feel inspired to give a copy as a Christmas gift. The Book of Mormon app makes sharing simple.
Bishop Gérald Caussé listed several truths from the Book of Mormon about Jesus Christ (see “A Living Witness of the Living Christ,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2020, 39–40). You might look at his list and ponder how each of these truths has changed—or could change—your life.
See also Gospel Topics, “Book of Mormon,” Gospel Library.
For more ideas, see this month’s issues of the Liahona and For the Strength of Youth magazines.
To help your children focus on the gift Heavenly Father gave us by sending His Son, you could wrap a picture of Jesus Christ like a Christmas present. You and your children could talk about favorite Christmas gifts you have received or hope to receive. Then they could unwrap the picture of Christ and discuss how He has been a precious gift for us. A song like “He Sent His Son” (Children’s Songbook, 34–35) could add to this conversation. Help your children find phrases in the song that describe blessings we have because of Jesus’s birth.
Jesus Christ was born to be my Savior.
Your children might enjoy sharing with you what they know about Jesus’s birth. The Gospel Art Book has several pictures that could help them tell the story (see nos. 28, 29, 30, 31). You could also look at pictures depicting the Savior’s life and atoning sacrifice. Why did Heavenly Father send Jesus Christ?
Your children might also enjoy drawing their own pictures of Jesus’s birth and ministry. Maybe they could draw what is described in 1 Nephi 11:13–23; Mosiah 3:5–10; Helaman 14:1–13; and 3 Nephi 1:4–22. Then they could share with you what their pictures teach about Jesus Christ.
To emphasize that the Bible and Book of Mormon both teach of Jesus’s birth, you could list the events described in Luke 2:4–14; Matthew 2:1–2; and 3 Nephi 1:15, 19–21. Then your children could search these scriptures to determine which events happened in Bethlehem, the Americas, or both. Why are we thankful to have the Book of Mormon as a second witness of Jesus’s birth?
Children love stories. Stories are one of the best ways to help children learn and remember truths. As you share the story of Jesus’s birth, consider also sharing stories from your life that have helped to strengthen your faith in the Savior.
The Book of Mormon testifies of Jesus Christ.
As you and your children conclude your study of the Book of Mormon this year, it might be a good time to share with each other your favorite stories or passages from this sacred book. Looking at some of the pictures in Come, Follow Me or Book of Mormon Stories could help your children remember what they’ve been learning this year. Help them see what these stories teach us about Jesus Christ.
You could also give your children a picture of Jesus, or let them draw their own. Invite them to hold up their pictures each time they hear Christ’s name as you read 2 Nephi 25:23, 26. Testify that the Book of Mormon was written to help us “believe in Christ” (2 Nephi 25:23).
For more ideas, see this month’s issue of the Friend magazine.
