Guide to the Friend

The Guide to the Friend can help you find stories or articles for preparing lessons or talks for church or for family home evening. The Primary theme for December is “Jesus Christ once lived on the earth, and I have faith that He will come again.”

Family Home Evening Ideas

Look for the FHE symbol on the [original magazine] pages mentioned below.

1. Have everyone draw pictures of things they love about Christmas. Why does the Christmas season seem to make people feel so happy? Read the First Presidency’s Christmas message, “The Savior Is Born” (pp. 2–3). Why does this message bring the greatest joy of all? How can our knowledge of Jesus Christ’s birth help us feel peaceful all year, even when we may face challenges?

2. Read the poem “Jesus Is Born” (p. 19). Why is singing a good way to celebrate Christmas? Look for ideas by reading Hymns, page x. Fill the air with your own singing by choosing one verse of each family member’s favorite Christmas hymn or Primary song to sing. If possible, share your family’s holiday joy by going caroling to members of your neighborhood, ward, or branch.

3. Christmastime is fun and busy, but it can be easy to forget the real reason we celebrate it. Read “Matt and Mandy” (p. 37). As you celebrate, how can you remember why Christmas is so important? Test your memory and learn more about the Savior’s birth by doing the “Nativity Figures and Facts” activity on pages 24–25.

4. Instead of writing a list of what you want this Christmas, write a list of meaningful gifts you could give. Then read “The Last Present” (pp. 20–22). Instead of being disappointed by gifts you might not receive, you could choose to be like Jake this Christmas and look for ways to make someone else’s holiday special. Even if you don’t have money, you can find ways to sacrifice and show others that you love them. Can you think of someone lonely who might appreciate a nice letter? Make him or her a Stained Glass Window Card and some Surprise Snowballs (pp. 42–43). Choose the best gift-giving ideas on your list and follow through with them in the coming weeks.

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Topical Index to This Issue of the Friend

(FLF) = For Little Friends

(f) = Funstuf

(IBC) = inside back cover

(IFC) = inside front cover

(m) = music

(v) = verse

Baptism 10

Choose the Right 8, 34

Faith 12, 15

Family 16, 20, 23 (f), 24, 28 (FLF), 42

General Conference 11

Heavenly Father IFC, 12, 34

Holy Ghost IFC, 8

Jesus Christ IFC, 2, 10, 12, 15, 16, 19 (v), 24, 26 (f), 30 (FLF), 31 (FLF), 37, 38 (m)

Love and Kindness 4, 10, 12, 16, 20, 23 (f), 28 (FLF)

Missionary Work 16, 32

My Gospel Standards IFC, 2, 8, 10, 15, 20, 23 (f), 34, 36

Pioneers 4

Prayer IFC

Priesthood 32

Prophets 2, 18, 22, 27, 32

Quorum of the Seventy 8

Quorum of the Twelve Apostles 7, 27, 32, 35

Scriptures 12, 15, 24

Service (see Love and Kindness)

Word of Wisdom 10, 34