LESSON 46: The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ

PURPOSE To teach the children that the Book of Mormon is a second witness of Jesus Christ.

Away in a Manger 1. Away in a manger, no crib for his bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head; The stars in the heavens looked down where he lay, The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay. 2. The cattle are lowing, the poor baby wakes; But little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes. I love thee, Lord Jesus; look down from the sky And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh. 3. Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay Close by me forever, and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in thy tender care, And fit us for heaven, to live with thee there. * Asleep, asleep, asleep, the Savior in a stall! [2nd part] Asleep, asleep, Asleep, asleep, asleep, the Lord of all. [2nd part] asleep, asleep, asleep, the Lord, the Lord of all. Words: attr. to Martin Luther, 1483–1546 Music: Charles H. Gabriel, 1856–1932

OUR OPENING PRAYER WILL BE GIVEN BY (Enter Name Here)

The New Testament records the birth of Jesus in Jerusalem. The Book of Mormon is a second written witness of Jesus Christ and tells what happened in the Americas when he was born.

1 Nephi 10:4  4 Yea, even asix hundred years from the time that my father left Jerusalem, a bprophet would the Lord God raise up among the cJews—even a dMessiah, or, in other words, a Savior of the world. Lehi (600 B.C.)

Mosiah 3:5; 5 For behold, the time cometh, and is not far distant, that with power, the aLord bOmnipotent who creigneth, who was, and is from all deternity to all eternity, shall come down from heaven among the children of men, and shall dwell in a etabernacle of clay, and shall go forth amongst men, working mighty fmiracles, such as healing the sick, raising the dead, causing the lame to walk, the gblind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear, and curing all manner of diseases. King Benjamin (124 B.C.)

Alma 7:10;  10 And behold, he shall be aborn of Mary, at bJerusalem which is the cland of our forefathers, she being a dvirgin, a precious and chosen vessel, who shall be overshadowed and econceive by the power of the Holy Ghost, and bring forth a son, yea, even the Son of God. Alma (83 B.C.)

Samuel the Lamanite (6 B.C.) 2 And behold, he said unto them: Behold, I give unto you a sign; for afive years more cometh, and behold, then cometh the Son of God to redeem all those who shall believe on his name. Samuel the Lamanite (6 B.C.)

What signs of Jesus Christ’s birth were given in Bethlehem What signs of Jesus Christ’s birth were given in Bethlehem? (Luke 2:6–14; Matthew 2:1–2.) Which sign was seen in Bethlehem and in America? (3 Nephi 1:21.) What were the other signs given in America? (3 Nephi 1:15, 19.)

LESSON 46: The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ

In Today’s Lesson we will be jumping thru time and scriptures, using both the Book of Mormon and the Bible. We will be discussing the foretelling of our Savior’s birth and the events that happened around it. It is important to have two scriptural witnesses of the birth and mission of Jesus Christ, so we can receive more of the word of God and be a witness to the truth of what is said.

GO TO THE VIDEO GO TO THE SLIDES DISCUSSION TIME

Many people come to live on earth. Some of them choose to obey God’s commandments; some do not. The ancient prophets taught the people about Heavenly Father’s plan and about Jesus Christ. 2 Nephi 2:19–21; Jacob 7:10–11; Moses 5:13–15

The prophets said Jesus’s father would be Heavenly Father. His mother would be a very good woman named Mary. He would be born in Bethlehem. Isaiah 7:14; Micah 5:2; 1 Nephi 11:18–21; Alma 7:10

Many people would hate Him. The prophets said that many people would not believe that Jesus was the Savior. He would look like other people and not be rich. Many people would hate Him.

King Benjamin said Jesus Christ would soon be born on the earth King Benjamin said Jesus Christ would soon be born on the earth. His mother’s name would be Mary. Mosiah 3:5, 8

Jesus would perform miracles Jesus would perform miracles. He would heal the sick and bring the dead back to life. He would make the blind see and the deaf hear. Mosiah 3:5

Jesus would suffer and die for the sins of all people Jesus would suffer and die for the sins of all people. Those who repent and have faith in Jesus will be forgiven of their sins. Mosiah 3:7, 11–12

Speaking with power from God, Abinadi told the people about their wickedness. He read God’s commandments to them. Mosiah 13:6–7, 11–24

He told them Jesus Christ would be born on the earth He told them Jesus Christ would be born on the earth. Jesus would make it possible for people to repent, be resurrected, and live with God. Mosiah 13:33–35; 15:21–23

Abinadi told the people to repent and believe in Jesus Christ or they would not be saved. Mosiah 16:13

One day the angel Gabriel came to Mary One day the angel Gabriel came to Mary. He told Mary that God would bless her. Luke 1:26, 28–30

Gabriel told Mary that she would be the mother of the Son of God Gabriel told Mary that she would be the mother of the Son of God. His name would be Jesus, and He would be the King of all righteous people. Luke 1:31–33

Mary said that she would obey Heavenly Father and be the mother of Jesus. Luke 1:34–35, 38; 1 Nephi 11:18–21

One night an angel came to Joseph in a dream and told him that Mary’s baby was the Son of God. The angel told Joseph to marry Mary and to name her baby Jesus. Jesus was to be the Savior of the world. Matthew 1:20–21

Samuel told the Nephites that Jesus Christ would be born in five years and that he would save all those who believed in him. Helaman 14:2

Samuel told them about the signs of Jesus’ birth. A new star would appear, and the night before Jesus would be born it would not get dark. Helaman 14:3–5

On the night Jesus was born, shepherds were taking care of their sheep in the fields near Bethlehem. An angel came to them. The shepherds were afraid. Luke 2:8–9

The angel told them not to be afraid. He had wonderful news: The Savior, Jesus Christ, was born in Bethlehem. They would find Him lying in a manger. Luke 2:10–12

The shepherds went to Bethlehem, where they saw the baby Jesus. Luke 2:15–16

Some wise men lived in another land. They knew what the prophets had said about the birth of Jesus. When they saw a new star in the sky, they knew that a new king had been born. Matthew 2:1–2

The Wise Men went to see Herod, a king of the Jews, in Jerusalem. They asked him where the new king was. Herod told them to look in Bethlehem. When they found the baby they were to come back and tell Herod. Matthew 2:1–2, 8

The Wise Men went to Bethlehem and found Jesus. They worshipped Him and gave Him gifts. They were told in a dream not to go back to Jerusalem and tell Herod where the baby was. They didn’t. Matthew 2:11–12

Jesus explained to his disciples that Heavenly Father had sent him to earth to give his life for all people. 3 Nephi 27:14

He said everyone who repents, is baptized in his name, and obeys his commandments will be held guiltless before Heavenly Father. 3 Nephi 27:16

Jesus explained that He had been sent to earth to help us all return to Heavenly Father. He said that He would suffer for our sins and die on a cross so that we could have eternal life. John 3:12–17

He said that we need to believe in Him and choose the right. If we do what is right, we will live forever in the kingdom of God. John 3:18–21

In Alma 7:23-24 we learn about how Heavenly Father wants us to show our Gratitude for Jesus Christ, Let’s read those verses.  23 And now I would that ye should be ahumble, and be bsubmissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive.  24 And see that ye have afaith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works.

DISCUSSION TIME

Six hundred years before the Savior’s birth, what did Nephi say the name of the Son of God would be? (2 Nephi 25:19.) What did Nephi and Isaiah prophesy about the Savior’s mother? (1 Nephi 11:13, 18; Isaiah 7:14.) What did Alma prophesy would be the name of the mother of the Son of God? (Alma 7:10.)

Who was Jesus’ Father? (Luke 1:35). Heavenly Father Who was Joseph? Joseph was Mary’s husband. Even though Heavenly Father was the Father of both Jesus Christ’s body and spirit, Joseph took care of Jesus and raised him as a father would raise a son.) Just before the birth of Jesus, what did the angel tell Joseph to name the baby? (Matthew 1:21.)

What signs did Samuel the Lamanite give about the birth of Jesus What signs did Samuel the Lamanite give about the birth of Jesus? (Helaman 14:2–5.) What signs were given in Jerusalem? (Luke 2:8, 10–12; Matthew 2:1–2, 9–10.)

Why is it important that we have two scriptural witnesses of the birth and mission of Jesus Christ? (2 Nephi 29:8.)

Why did Heavenly Father send his Son, Jesus Christ, to earth Why did Heavenly Father send his Son, Jesus Christ, to earth? (2 Nephi 9:21–22; 3 Nephi 27:13–14; John 3:16)

How does Heavenly Father want us to show our gratitude for Jesus Christ? (Alma 7:23–24.)

ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES

Can you follow the example of Jesus Christ by choosing an individual gift of service to give someone for Christmas? As you go through this next week the week and the week that follows through the Christmas holiday, think of all the sacrifices Jesus has done for us, and what services you may do for others that will show you can follow the example set by Jesus Christ.

Do you have any family traditions that remind you of the birth and life of Jesus Christ? Would you like to share some of those with us now?

What are some of your Christmas experiences that help you remember Jesus Christ throughout the year?

Testimony I want to testify to you that Jesus Christ is the son of God I have gratitude for having the Bible and the book of Mormon that witnesses of Jesus Christ life and mission by having both of these resources available to me it bears special witness to the birth of the son of God. Would any of you like to express your feelings about the Savior what he means to you? However challenge you to take time during this Christmas season to think about Jesus Christ and all he has done for us and all he will do for us and what his being here means to us.

OUR CLOSING PRAYER WILL BE GIVEN BY (Enter Name Here)

THE END

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Luke 2:6–14 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her afirstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the binn. 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the aglory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you agood tidings of great bjoy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is aborn this day in the city of David a bSaviour, which is Christ the cLord. 12 And this shall be a asign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 aGlory to God in the highest, and on earth bpeace, good will toward men. Return

Matthew 2:1–2 1 NOW when Jesus was aborn in Bethlehem of Judæa in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2 Saying, aWhere is he that is born bKing of the Jews? for we have seen his cstar in the east, and are come to dworship him. Return

3 Nephi 1:21 21 And it came to pass also that a new astar did appear, according to the word. Return

3 Nephi 1:15, 19 15 And it came to pass that the words which came unto Nephi were fulfilled, according as they had been spoken; for behold, at the going down of the asun there was bno darkness; and the people began to be astonished because there was no darkness when the night came. 19 And it came to pass that there was no darkness in all that night, but it was as light as though it was mid–day. And it came to pass that the sun did rise in the morning again, according to its proper order; and they knew that it was the day that the Lord should be aborn, because of the bsign which had been given. Return

2 Nephi 25:19 19 For according to the words of the prophets, the aMessiah cometh in bsix hundred years from the time that my father left Jerusalem; and according to the words of the prophets, and also the word of the cangel of God, his dname shall be Jesus Christ, the eSon of God. Return

1 Nephi 11:13, 18 13 And it came to pass that I looked and beheld the great city of Jerusalem, and also other cities. And I beheld the city of Nazareth; and in the city of aNazareth I beheld a bvirgin, and she was exceedingly fair and white. 18 And he said unto me: Behold, the avirgin whom thou seest is the bmother of the Son of God, after the manner of the flesh. Return

Isaiah 7:14 14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a asign; bBehold, a cvirgin shall conceive, and bear a dson, and shall call his name eImmanuel. Return

Alma 7:10 10 And behold, he shall be aborn of Mary, at bJerusalem which is the cland of our forefathers, she being a dvirgin, a precious and chosen vessel, who shall be overshadowed and econceive by the power of the Holy Ghost, and bring forth a son, yea, even the Son of God. Return

Luke 1:35 35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The aHoly Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the bSon of God. Return

Matthew 1:21 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his aname bJESUS: for he shall csave his people from their sins. Return

Helaman 14:2–5 2 And behold, he said unto them: Behold, I give unto you a sign; for afive years more cometh, and behold, then cometh the Son of God to redeem all those who shall believe on his name. 3 And behold, this will I give unto you for a asign at the time of his coming; for behold, there shall be great lights in heaven, insomuch that in the night before he cometh there shall be no darkness, insomuch that it shall appear unto man as if it was day. 4 Therefore, there shall be one aday and a night and a day, as if it were one day and there were no night; and this shall be unto you for a sign; for ye shall know of the rising of the sun and also of its setting; therefore they shall know of a surety that there shall be two days and a night; nevertheless the night shall not be darkened; and it shall be the night before he is bborn. 5 And behold, there shall a new astar arise, such an one as ye never have beheld; and this also shall be a sign unto you. Return

Luke 2:8, 10–12 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you agood tidings of great bjoy, which shall be to all people. 12 And this shall be a asign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. Return

Matthew 2:1–2, 9–10 1 NOW when Jesus was aborn in Bethlehem of Judæa in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2 Saying, aWhere is he that is born bKing of the Jews? for we have seen his cstar in the east, and are come to dworship him. 9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. Return

2 Nephi 29:8 8 Wherefore murmur ye, because that ye shall receive more of my word? Know ye not that the atestimony of btwo nations is a cwitness unto you that I am God, that I remember one dnation like unto another? Wherefore, I speak the same words unto one nation like unto another. And when the two enations shall run together the testimony of the two nations shall run together also. Return

2 Nephi 9:21–22 21 And he cometh into the world that he may asave all men if they will hearken unto his voice; for behold, he suffereth the pains of all men, yea, the bpains of every living creature, both men, women, and children, who belong to the family of cAdam. 22 And he suffereth this that the resurrection might pass upon all men, that all might stand before him at the great and judgment day. Return

3 Nephi 27:13–14 13 Behold I have given unto you my agospel, and this is the gospel which I have given unto you—that I came into the world to do the bwill of my Father, because my Father sent me. 14 And my Father sent me that I might be alifted up upon the bcross; and after that I had been lifted up upon the ccross, that I might ddraw all men unto me, that as I have been lifted up by men even so should men be lifted up by the Father, to stand before me, to be ejudged of their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil— Return

John 3:16 16 ¶ For aGod so bloved the cworld, that he dgave his eonly begotten fSon, that whosoever gbelieveth in him should not perish, but have heverlasting ilife. Return

Alma 7:23–24 23 And now I would that ye should be ahumble, and be bsubmissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive. 24 And see that ye have afaith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works. Return