Christmas Advent Calendar

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: … And his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6).

Christmas Advent Calendar Cutouts

Instructions

1. Remove pages 8–9 from The Friend. Carefully cut along the broken lines.

2. Mount the calendar on a piece of heavy paper. Glue only around the edges so the numbered flaps on the pathway and the slots can still open.

3. Remove this page from the magazine. Cut out the numbered squares, then carefully glue the square under the flap with the same number on the calendar. When the glue is dry, close all the flaps.

4. Cut out the pictures of the travelers and of the manger scene. Slip the travelers picture into the slots at the beginning of the pathway. Put aside the manger scene and add it at the end of the pathway on Christmas Day.

Beginning on 1 December, fold back one flap each day, read the information, and answer the question or do the activity.

1 Read “‘If You’re Warm, You’re Getting Closer,’” pages 10–11.	2 Read Luke 1:26–33. Who told Mary she was going to have a baby?	3 Read Matthew 1:18–21. Why did Mary and Joseph name the baby Jesus?	4 Read Luke 2:1–5. Where did Joseph and Mary live before Jesus was born?	5 Read Luke 2:6–7. What was used as a crib for Baby Jesus?	6 Sing “Away in a Manger” (Hymns, number 206).
7 Read Luke 2:8–14. Whom did an angel tell about Jesus’ birth?	8 Sing “Far, Far Away on Judea’s Plains” (Hymns, number 212).	9 Read Luke 2:15–17. What did the shepherds do after the angels left?	10 Sing “Silent Night” (Hymns, number 204).	11 Make one of the Christmas Crafts, page 5.	12 Read Matthew 2:1–3. Who was troubled by the Wise Men’s questions?
13 Read Matthew 2:4–6. What did the chief priests and scribes tell King Herod?	14 Read Matthew 2:7–10. Where did King Herod send the Wise Men?	15 Sing “When Joseph Went to Bethlehem” (Children’s Songbook, 38–39; The Friend, December 1996, 12–13).	16 Read Matthew 2:11–12. How were the Wise Men warned not to return to Herod?	17 Write a Christmas letter to a friend or family member.	18 Read Matthew 2:13–15. Who was warned to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt?
19 Read Matthew 2:16. What did Herod do when he realized the Wise Men were not returning? Why?	20 Read Mathew. 2:19–21, 23. After Herod died, where did Jesus’ family go to live?	21 Read “Gifts for the Savior,” page 29, and think of a present you can give to Jesus Christ.	22 Read “Most Wondrous Gift of All,” pages 2–3.	23 Read “Joseph Smith’s First Vision,” pages 6–7. We remember Joseph Smith’s birthday this month, too.	24 Share the story of the first Christmas with your family.

Illustrated by Julie F. Young