.jpeg)
This story appears here courtesy of TheChurchNews.com. It is not for use by other media.
By Sarah Jane Weaver, Church News
The Primary general presidency is inviting Latter-day Saint children and their families to “light the world” this Christmas season.
“I am grateful to begin another Christmas season with our united focus to ‘light the world,’” said Primary General President Joy D. Jones. “It is a season of loving and giving as we follow the example of our Savior. We will receive inspired guidance as we sincerely seek to hear Him.”
With the calendar of 25 days of service ideas, individuals and families can all make a difference in small but meaningful ways, she said.
President Jones — with her counselors, Sister Lisa L. Harkness and Sister Cristina B. Franco — said children can also take part in the Churchwide campaign by participating in child-friendly activities coordinated with service ideas for the general campaign.
“Children love to serve and do it so naturally,” Sister Jones said. “Let’s unleash their enthusiasm and power. We teach our children to have the light of the gospel in their hearts, and we know ‘that which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light, and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day’” (Doctrine and Covenants 50:24).
Sister Harkness said the Lord encouraged Latter-day Saints to “light the world” when He said, “Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness; For the power is in them” (Doctrine and Covenants 58:27-28).
“This is true for all God’s children, no matter what their age,” she said. “Children have the capability and power to ‘bring to pass much righteousness’ as they adapt the calendar’s daily suggestions in their own way. Let’s encourage our children to participate with us. They will lead out, if we let them.”
Sister Franco said her heart melts every time she sees children serving with loving and willing hearts. “Their acts of kindness brightening another’s day. Their love and laughter filling the air and bringing so much joy,” she said.
Sister Franco said she observed a young boy who pushed a friend in a wheelchair as he ran. “Their friendship was sweet as they talked and laughed, lifting each other’s spirits,” she said. “I have observed their simple acts of kindness, their sweet pictures and notes and the hugs they so freely give.
“Children reach out so easily in natural and normal ways. I learn so much from children. They are truly a blessing from heaven.”
Light the World: Adapting Ideas for Children
- Give like Jesus. Donate a book or toy to a charity for another child to enjoy.
- Who do you know that loves like Jesus? Write and send a note to tell them.
- Help others feel peace as Jesus did. Think of a story or find a picture that brings you peace and share it with your family or friend.
- Jesus’s birth brought hope. Watch “The Christ Child” with your family and talk about how Jesus’s birth brings you hope.
- Show gratitude like Jesus did. Think of someone who serves you and show your gratitude by doing something to serve them.
- Fast as Jesus did. If you are able, go without a meal or two. Talk to a loved one about how fasting like Jesus can strengthen us and others.
- Lift others like Jesus did. Decorate a family member or neighbor’s door with Christmas greetings.
- With your family, show appreciation for health-care workers. You could write them a thank-you note or draw them a picture.
- Be mindful of those you love, like Jesus was. Share your favorite book with a friend.
- Like Jesus, you can honor your family. Learn something new about a living family member and one who lived before you.
- Share like Jesus did. Think of someone you can share your favorite treat with.
- Do something to serve a friend or neighbor.
- Take time to think about Heavenly Father as Jesus did. Find a quiet place to pray and think about what brings you closer to God.
- Gather with your loved ones today. Sing your favorite song about Jesus. You could even call someone on the phone to sing for them.
- Honor your parents. Write your parents a note or card with things you love about them.
- Draw a picture of a star on a Christmas tree. Write the name of a friend who has been special to you on the star. Share the picture with your friend.
- Just like Jesus, you can feed the hungry. As a family deliver food to someone who needs it.
- Gather your family to read your favorite Christmas story.
- Send a Christmas card to a grandparent or elderly family member or neighbor.
- As a family take turns reading verses in Luke 2:1-20. You could even take turns reading with grandparents or cousins on the phone, too.
- Participate with your family in a virtual hangout.
- Think about a time that you have felt Jesus’s love. Share your story with a friend or family member.
- You can show gratitude as Jesus did. Think about the gifts God has given you and write them down or draw a picture of them. Hang them on your bedroom door for your family to see.
- Jesus cared for His loved ones. Tell each member of your family why you love them today.
- Read (or have someone read) John 8:12 today. Write or draw a picture of one way that Jesus is a light in your life and share it with your loved ones.
- Watch for ways you can participate in continuing to Light the World in 2021 as part of the Helping Hands initiative. See the January 2021 “Friend” magazine for more details.
Copyright 2020 Deseret News Publishing Company