Sharing Time:

Celebrate Christmas Unselfishly

By Pat Graham

Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me (Matt. 25:40).

When Jesus lived on earth, He gave gifts of love to everyone. He thought more of what He could give others than of what they would give Him. Even when He was tired, He continued to bless people.

Jesus asked us to love others as He did. Christmas is an especially good time to be unselfish and to give gifts of love. Your family could make a Christmas chain to give to someone. The figures attached to the chain could include photos of each person in your family or drawings of shepherds, Wise Men, stars, or a nativity scene. The chain could be used for a table centerpiece, a mantel or tree decoration, or a window trimming. When you present your gift, be sure to express your love for the person to whom you are giving it.

Instructions

1. Cut strips of ribbon or heavy colored paper with a few strips extra wide, then make loops and link them together with staples or glue.

2. Add photos, shapes, or figures to the extra-wide links (see illustration).

Sharing Time Ideas

1. Each class could select a person (homebound person, widow or widower, bishop, teacher, etc.) to make Christmas chain for. Teacher could prepare paper pieces, collect photos or take group photo, and class could make chain.

2. Ask someone to sing “Because I have Been Given Much” (Hymns, no. 219). Children could hum while putting chain together.

3. Read and discuss Mosiah 18:27–28 and Matthew 25:34–40 [Matt. 25:34–40].

Illustrated by Pat Hoggan