What Is Christmas?

By Vicki F. Matsumori

“And are willing to … stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places” (Mosiah 18:9).

What is Christmas? President Thomas S. Monson, First Counselor in the First Presidency, said that Christmas is children, remembering, giving, and prophecy fulfilled (see “What Is Christmas?” Liahona, Dec. 1998, 2–6).

Christmas is children. It is joy, excitement, and hope.

Christmas is remembering. It is a time to remember and show the love Jesus asked us to have for everyone.

Christmas is giving. Sometimes we give things. Other times we give service. President Monson said we “give to our Lord and Savior the gift of gratitude by living His teachings” (Liahona, Dec. 1998, 6).

Christmas is prophecy fulfilled. The angel declared, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).

When Jesus Christ was born, a new star appeared. But not everyone understood what it meant. The Wise Men from the East knew what the star meant. They came to worship Jesus. We can be like the Wise Men. We can learn about Jesus Christ and follow Him.

What is Christmas? It is when we celebrate the gift our Heavenly Father gave to each of us: the birth of His Son, Jesus Christ. We can give thanks for this gift by showing through our example that we will always follow Him.

Advent Calendar

Remove pages 8–9, and mount them on lightweight cardboard. Cut out the numbered stars on page 5. Each day in December, read the scripture listed on the star for that date. Answer the question or do the activity. Then glue the star in the scene. Place the scene where it will remind you to follow Jesus’ example.

Illustrated by Thomas S. Child

Sharing Time Ideas

On pieces of paper, write phrases from the song “The Church of Jesus Christ” (see 2003 Outline for Sharing Time and the Children’s Sacrament Meeting Presentation). Have children stand around the perimeter of the room, holding the papers. Discuss some of the principles the song teaches—for example, belonging to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints means knowing that the Church was restored by Joseph Smith. Sing a song or hymn about the Restoration. Repeat the process for the other phrases. Ask the other children to stand by one of the papers that represents something they feel strongly about. Sing “The Church of Jesus Christ,” and have the children turn to face each phrase as it is sung. Ask them to sing as if they were bearing their testimonies.
2. Help the children see how being a missionary now can help spread the gospel. Choose a child to be a member missionary, and ask him or her to contact as many people in Primary as possible in half a minute. He or she approaches another child or adult, who stands. The member missionary shakes the other person’s hand and says, “Hello, my name is ________, and I’m a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” How many people did the member missionary contact? Repeat the activity with this difference: as soon as someone has shaken hands, that person becomes a member missionary and begins shaking hands with others. Now how many people were contacted? Explain that by living gospel principles, we are member missionaries. Read Matt. 7:24–27; Mark 12:41–44; Luke 10:25–27; John 5:39. List some ways of becoming good member missionaries. Divide into groups, and have each group role play something they can do now to be good missionaries. Sing songs or hymns about missionary work.

1
Luke 1:26–33
Who told Mary that she would have a baby?

2
Matt. 1:18–21
Why did Mary and Joseph name the baby “Jesus”?

3
Luke 2:3–6
Why did Joseph and Mary go to Bethlehem before Jesus was born?

4
Luke 2:7
Why did Mary lay baby Jesus in a manger?

5
Luke 2:8–11
To whom did the angel announce the Savior’s birth?

6
Luke 2:12
What was used for a cradle for baby Jesus?

7
Luke 2:13–14
Who joined the angel in praising God?

8
Luke 2:15–17
Where did the shepherds go after the angels left?

9
Matt. 2:1–2
How did the Wise Men know that Jesus had been born?

10
Matt. 2:7–10
Where did Herod send the Wise Men?

11
Matt. 2:11
How did the Wise Men show that they knew the young child was the Savior?

12
Matt. 2:13–15
Why did Joseph take Mary and Jesus to Egypt?

13
Matt. 5:6
Jesus Christ taught that we will be blessed for seeking righteousness. Spend at least 10 minutes reading scriptures or scripture stories.

14
Matt. 5:9
Jesus Christ taught that we should be peacemakers. Be a peacemaker in your family by not arguing with others.

15
Matt. 5:16
Jesus Christ taught that we should be good examples to others. Set an example by choosing the right.

16
Matt. 5:43–44
Jesus Christ taught that we should love our enemies. In your personal prayers, ask a blessing for someone who has been unkind to you.

17
Matt. 6:3–4
Jesus Christ taught that we should help other people. Perform a secret act of service for a member of your family.

18
Matt. 7:7–8
Jesus Christ taught us that our prayers will be answered. Volunteer to say the family prayer.

19
Matt. 7:12
Jesus Christ taught us to treat others as we would like to be treated. Write a letter to someone who is far away, such as a missionary or grandparent.

20
Luke 17:12–19
Jesus Christ praised the leper who thanked Him. Write a note or draw a picture to thank your Primary teacher for what he or she has taught you.

21
Mark 10:13–14
Jesus Christ showed that children are very important to Him. Show your love for a brother, sister, or parent by reading a story to him or her.

22
Matt. 22:37–39
Jesus Christ taught us to love our neighbors. Work with your family to do something nice for a neighbor.

23
John 13:34
Jesus Christ told us that we should love one another. Show your love to your parents by helping without being asked.

24
Isa. 9:6
The celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ is a time for joy. Write in your journal the feelings you have for Him.