Christmas is just around the corner! I know your mind is probably on college football and Halloween costumes but here’s something special that’s worth some thought and planning. It will help your family have a Christmas more focused on Jesus Christ.
Last year my son was serving as a missionary in Hungary. His inspired mission president and wife invited the missionaries and families to participate in this nine week experience. This is what the invite said:
BECOMING MORE LIKE HIM- Striving to become more like Christ as we draw near to Christmas.
“We want to become like Christ by learning of Him, following his righteous example and seeking to become like Him. During the weeks leading up to Christmas, we plan to work together to become more like Christ. Each week we will work on one of the Christlike Attributes as outlined in Chapter 6 of Preach My Gospel. At Christmas we will celebrate the process of learning and becoming more like Christ.”
The following list of activities may be of help as you focus on becoming more like Christ. We’ve also included links to articles and ideas for studying with children for each attribute. There are printables ready for you to print off and put around your home as you focus on each attribute each week. Carefully consider additional items which you might add to your list — to make this a personal experience for you.
— Read about the attribute in Preach My Gospel (introduce in Family Home Evening)
— Study the scriptural references in Preach My Gospel that go with the attribute
— Look for examples and stories of the attribute in the life of Christ. Share with family members.
— Read conference talks relating to that topic. Share stories with children. See ideas listed below posters.
— Record your thoughts, feelings, and impressions in your study journal.
— Every morning, ask the Lord to help you better develop that attribute in your life that day. Pray as a family about it too.
— Every morning commit to live that attribute.
— At dinner time discuss the attribute with your family or share any experiences you’ve had striving to develop that attribute.
— Every evening, report to the Lord on your progress.
— Write about your experiences and what you have learned in your personal journal.
— Share your experiences with others.
Schedule for 2015:
October 25 – October 31: Faith in Christ
Shall He Find Faith on the Earth? by Elder Joseph Wirthlin
The Sustaining Power of Faith in Times of Uncertainty and Testing by Elder Richard G. Scott
November 1 – 7: Hope
Brightness of Hope by Elder Neal A. Maxwell
The Infinite Power of Hope by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
November 8 – 14: Charity and Love
Strengthened in Charity by Sister Elaine L. Jack
Charity Never Faith by President Thomas S. Monson
November 15 – 21: Virtue
Let Virtue Garnish Your Thoughts by Bishop H. David Burton
Come Let Us Go Up to the Mountain of the Lord by Sister Elaine Dalton
November 22 – 28: Knowledge
Knowing God by Elder Bernard P. Brockbank
Seek Learning: You Have a Work to Do by Sister Mary N. Cook
November 29 – December 5: Patience
Waiting Upon the Lord: Thy Will Be Done by Elder Robert D. Hales
Patience-A Heavenly Virtue by President Thomas S. Monson
December 6 – 12: Humility
But If Not by Elder Lance B. Wickman
“To Walk Humbly With Thy God” by Elder Marlin K. Jensen
December 13 – 19: Diligence
Obtaining Help from the Lord by Elder Richard G. Scott
December 20 – 26: Obedience
The Blessings of Righteous Obedience by Elder Delbert L. Stapley
Obedience Brings Blessings by President Thomas S. Monson
This was an uplifting spiritual experience for our family. I hope it will bless your life this Christmas season.
Thank you for the printables and talk and activity links! You make this so easy to do for our families! This is such a great idea! (I remember now! ha!)
I was wondering if you happen to have all these attributes on one document that I could print and make little cards to give to the sisters in my lesson on Sunday for Relief Society? THanks so much! They are perfect!