As I thought about buying Christmas presents and preparing for the Christmas season, I felt anxious and overwhelmed. But then I pondered and prayed and realized that being with family and feeling the Spirit of Christ through service and worship are what makes Christmas meaningful and memorable to me.
I created a Nativity Activity for our family to do this year. This could be done starting on December 1 or leading up until Christmas day depending on the Nativity pieces you have. Or you could do this as one activity on Christmas Eve.
Nativity Activity 2021
Mary
Read: Luke 1:26-38
Discuss: When was the last time you received direction from God? Share your experience.
Do: Thank your mother for something she has done for you in the past week.
Joseph
Read: Matthew 1: 18-25
Discuss: Joseph’s marriage turned out differently than he expected, but he was still obedient to the Lord. When has something turned out different from what you expected? How were you blessed for following the Lord?
Do: Thank your father for something he did for you this past week.
Donkey
Read: Luke 2:1-5
Discuss: We don’t know if Mary rode a donkey, but Mary and Joseph and their belongings had to be transported to Bethlehem. What was a trip or vacation you took recently that required preparation? How did you help that trip to happen? How did others help that trip to happen?
Do: In your prayer today, thank Heavenly Father for transportation.
Stable
Read: Luke 2:6-7
Discuss: Where were you born? What were you wrapped in? What are your mother and father’s thoughts about your birth?
Do: Clean a room in your house or put away a few items.
Baby Jesus
Read: Alma 7:10-12
Discuss: Jesus’ life experiences and His atonement allow him to understand our problems. We can help others by being compassionate during their hard times. When is a time someone helped you or when you helped someone?
Do: Look for someone today who needs a hug or smile and give a hug or smile.
Angel
Read: Luke 2:8-14
Discuss: Have you ever been afraid? What did you do? How were you able to obtain peace?
Do: Think of someone who has been an angel in your life—someone who has helped you, brought you peace, or given you good news. Thank that person.
Shepherd
Read: Luke 2:15-20
Discuss: When was a time you hurried (made haste) to do something you felt prompted to do? What happened because of your obedience?
Do: Praise a sibling today.
Lamb
Read: Alma 7:14 or Isaiah 53:7
Ponder and do: The Savior Jesus Christ offered himself as a sacrifice to atone for the sins of man. What do I need to repent of today? Ask Heavenly Father to let you know and ask the Savior for help to know what to do to repent/to change. Then do it. Report back in prayer to your Heavenly Father.
Cow
Read: Genesis 1:24-26
Discuss: How have you taken care of a pet? How has the pet blessed your life?
Do: Give your pet extra attention today.
Wiseman (3)
Read: Matthew 2:1-11 (or through 15)
Discuss: What is the best gift you’ve received? What is the best gift you’ve given?
Do: A gift can be an item, your time, or service. Give a gift today of an item, or spending time with a family member, or serving someone.