From the time of Adam, righteous men looked forward to the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The prophets taught that Jesus Christ would come to save all of Heavenly Father's children from death. They also taught that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, men could be forgiven of their sins and return to Heavenly Father. Many of the prophets knew of the birth of the Savior, Jesus Christ, long before it happened.

Ask "If you had a message that you wanted people throughout the world to receive, how could you send it?" (Telephone, satellite, television, Internet, etc.)

Would that have been possible two thousand years ago?

Explain that two thousand years ago something wonderful was going to happen --Jesus Christ was going to be born. Heavenly Father wanted people all over the earth to know about it, so he sent prophets to tell the people of the signs of the Savior's birth.

SING: "'Samuel Tells of the Baby Jesus" (CS, p. 36)

Show a map of the world. Ask where else people saw a new star on the night of the Savior's birth. Explain that although Bethlehem was a great distance from Zarahemla (somewhere in the Americas), people knew of the birth of the Savior by seeing the same star. Even far away in the East, the Wise Men (GAK 203) had been watching for the star to appear. They knew that it was a sign that the Savior had been born. When they saw it, they traveled a long way to come and worship the child (see Matt. 2:1-12; including footnote 2a).

SING: Have the children stand (then sit down) each time they sing the word peace in "The Nativity Song," page 52 (Children's Songbook). Discuss with the children Christ's mission as the Prince of Peace.

Explain that just as people watched and prepared for the Savior's birth, we need to watch and be prepared for His Second Coming.

SING: "He Sent His Son" (Children's Songbook, page 34)

Isaiah was a prophet who lived in Jerusalem about 700 years before the birth of the Savior. He wrote many things about important events that had not yet taken place. Many of the wonderful prophesies of Isaiah are about the Savior. "Behold," he wrote, "a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel" [Tell the story of Isaiah using these pictures and story board]

ACTIVITY: Christ's life was the perfect example of service. As a way to serve and brighten someone else's day have the children trace both of their hands. Have them color and cut them out wishing someone else a Merry Christmas. Take all the hands to a local rest home, Meals on Wheels Program or a hospital to have them pass out each child's hand with someone's meal to wish them a Merry Christmas from your Primary.

SUMMARY: Prophets today as well as in ancient times prophesied of Christ's birth, death and resurrection. It is only because of the Savior that we have the possibility of returning to live with our Father in Heaven and our families. Share your testimony.

OTHER ACTIVITIES:

Coloring Sheet (Taken from Primary 6 Manual- Lesson 46)

SOURCES

"Isaiah Prophesies of the Savior," Friend, Mar. 1998, 34
Primary 6, 46: Prophets Foretold the Birth of Jesus Christ (Christmas), Purpose, 207
Sharing Time: The Prophets Testify of Jesus Christ's Birth, Friend, Dec. 1997, 14
Sharing Time: What a Joyful Day! Friend, Dec. 2001, 21