Friday, December 21, 2012
December 21 - The New Star
The star lesson is always short and sweet, but carries a powerful message.
Elder Neal A. Maxwell taught us: “The same God that placed that star in a precise orbit millennia before it appeared over Bethlehem in celebration of the birth of the Babe, has given at least equal attention to placement of each of us in precise orbits so that we may, if we will, illuminate the landscape of our individual lives, so that our light may not only lead others but warm them as well.” Heavenly Father knows each one of us and loves us. He wants us to share the light we have with others.
Complete Devotionals HERE.
Opening Song: In A Little Stable-piano; vocal copy
Have the children ring bells while singing.
Ornament: star
Timeline: c. 1 B.C.
“At the birth of Him who once identified Himself as the ‘bright and morning star,’ a new star appeared in the heavens. Shining brightly over Bethlehem, that star had been placed in orbit far in advance of the foretold event in order that its light could coincide in time and place with His blessed birth” (Russell M. Nelson, “Why This Holy Land?,” Ensign, Dec 1989, 13).
Elder Neal A. Maxwell taught us: “The same God that placed that star in a precise orbit millennia before it appeared over Bethlehem in celebration of the birth of the Babe, has given at least equal attention to placement of each of us in precise orbits so that we may, if we will, illuminate the landscape of our individual lives, so that our light may not only lead others but warm them as well.” Heavenly Father knows each one of us and loves us. He wants us to share the light we have with others.
The wise men followed a new star in the sky because they knew it would lead them to the Christ child. Did you know that you can be like that star and lead others to Jesus Christ? Sing or read:
I am like a star shining brightly, Smiling for the whole world to see. I can do and say Happy things each day, For I know Heav’nly Father loves me
(Children’s Songbook, page 163).
If you do what Jesus Christ wants you to do: love and help others, you will have a warm glow inside and out. “Other people will see this glow on your face and want to follow your example. By following you, they will be led to Jesus Christ, just as the shepherds and later the Wise Men were led to Him by the Christmas star” (Robin B. Lambert, “Like a Star Shining Brightly,” Friend, Dec 1997, 24).
Alma taught that when we are spiritually born of God, we receive His image in our countenances (our faces) and we experience a mighty change of heart (Alma 5:14). When we repent and try to be like Jesus every day, His spirit shines in our faces and people can feel and see a difference in us. People like to be around us when we are like Christ. Let’s find ways to let the light of Christ shine through us in helping others.
One of the most exciting signs of Christ’s birth was a new star in the heavens. Just as Christ brought light to the earth by His life and miraculous atonement and resurrection, His birth brought new physical light to the earth in the form of a beautiful new star.
Closing Song: “Stars Were Gleaming” Children’s Songbook, p. 37
Activity Ideas
Perform an act of service as a family as a way to “let your light shine.”
Make star-shaped sugar cookies and let the children frost them. Give some away.
