Gifts for the Savior

 

Share this story {from YW Lesson Manuel 3, Lesson 2, Coming to Know the Savior} using a picture of the Savior.

Divine Redeemer by Simon Dewey

A man died and was resurrected and waiting in a room to be interviewed. Another man was ahead of him. The door opened, the man entered, and the door closed. The man on the outside could hear the conversation on the other side of the door. The interviewer began: “I want you to tell me what you know about Jesus Christ.”

“Well, He was born of Mary in Bethlehem; he lived thirty-three years, spending the last three organizing his church, choosing his Apostles, and giving the gospel to direct our lives.”

The interviewer stopped him and said: “Yes, yes, that’s all true, but I want you to tell me what you know about Jesus Christ.”

“Well, he suffered and died so that we could have eternal life. Three days later he was resurrected so that we might return to Heavenly Father.”

“Yes, yes, that is true, but I want you to tell me what you know about Jesus Christ.” The man, a little perplexed, again began: “Well, he restored the gospel in its fullness to the earth through Joseph Smith, reorganized his church, gave us temples so we could do work to save our dead. He gave us personal ordinances for our salvation and exaltation.”

The interviewer again stopped him and said, “All of what you have said to me is true.” The man was then invited to leave the room. After he left the door opened and the second man entered. As he approached the interviewer he fell upon his knees and cried, “My Lord, my God.”

Use this section {from YW Lesson Manuel 3, Lesson 2, Coming to Know the Savior} :

Ask each young woman to consider her own situation and answer the following question in her mind.

• Are you presently well enough acquainted with the Savior that you would recognize him if you were to walk into his presence?

We discussed how each week they come to church and learn about Jesus Christ. For many of them they have been learning about Him in primary, Seminary, and at home. Then there comes a time when we must all become converted for ourselves and KNOW Christ by the way we live and keep His commandments

Be sure they understand that it is not necessary to see the Savior in order to come to know him. Even though he has promised to show himself to the righteous in his own way and time (see D&C 93:1), he also told Thomas, “Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed” (John 20:29).

Show the picture of Jesus at the door.

What is the principle this picture is trying to teach?

Then let everyone discuss this and what this means to them. The YW in my class really liked talking about this picture and it's application in their own life. This is a great edification moment that we hope to create several times throughout the lessons where the youth are teaching themselves and discovering on their own.

3 Nephi 9:14

14 Yea, verily I say unto you, if ye will ^acome unto me ye shall have ^beternal life. Behold, mine ^carm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me.

How blessed we are and can be when we open the door, letting the Savior in our life and taking part in the many blessings and gifts that He has for us.

Gifts for the Savior

Using excerpts for President Uchtdorf's[in red] {2011 First Presidency Christmas Devotional}, Of Curtains, Contentment and Christmas share the following:

In these precious moments of the holiday season, we realize what we feel and know in our heart—that Christmas is really about the Christ.

Quote from {here} Christ: The real gift of Christmas [love this]

Christmas and some of the cherished traditions of the season remind us that we, like the Wise Men of old, should seek the Christ and lay before Him the most precious of gifts

Question What are some gifts that we give the Savior daily? Let the youth come up with what gifts they feel they give the Savior daily. Then here is President Uchtodorf's...

...a broken heart and a contrite spirit. We should offer Him our love. We should give Him our willingness to take upon ourselves His name and walk in the path of discipleship. We should promise to remember Him always, to emulate His example, and to go about doing good.

We cannot offer Him the gift of perfection in all things because this is a gift beyond our capacity to give—at least for now. The Lord does not expect that we commit to move mountains. But He does require that we bring as gifts our best efforts to move ourselves, one foot in front of the other, walking in the ways He has prepared and taught.

For those who are willing to bring these gifts to the Savior, He has a gifts for us in return.

The Savior's gifts

Question: Do you have a friend who always gives better gifts than you? Someone who gives you such gifts, that try as might, you cannot give them a gift that could possibly match what they have given you? This analogy was used to try to illustrate the Savior's gifts to us. This is what President Uchtodorf said...

This may be the most one-sided gift exchange in the history of the universe. The Savior’s gifts to us are breathtaking.

1.)Let us begin with immortality. Because the Savior overcame death, all men and women—both the just and the unjust—will live forever.

2.)Then, forgiveness—even though our sins and imperfections be as scarlet, they can become white as snow because of Him.

3)And finally, eternal life—the greatest gift of all.
4) Because of the Atonement of Christ, not only are we guaranteed an infinite quantity of life, but He offers the possibility of an unimaginable quality of life as well.

Some of His divine gifts are reserved for that glorious future day when we return to His presence.

Question: What are the gift the Savior gives to us daily? Use the little presents inside the box to illustrate this section

He extends many gifts and His grace to us every day. He promises to be with us, to come to us when we need comfort, to lift us when we stumble, to carry us if needed, to mourn and rejoice with us.

Every day He offers to take us by the hand and help transform ordinary life into extraordinary spiritual experiences-President Uchtodorf

During His life, the Savior ministered to others

How does He minister to you?

Use this section to illustrate personal ways the Lord ministers to us everyday, given as gifts, much like He ministered to the people of His day

Everyday the Savior ministers and serves you in very personal ways

Has there been a time when He came to you, when you felt unable to save or heal yourself from certain situations or trials?

Was there a time you felt spiritually low or even dead, and He raised you?

Has there been something in your life that has felt impossible, [like being blind], and He personally healed you and showed you that He does His best work in impossible situations?

These are just a few example...you get the idea

Of course, we do not need a Christmas holiday or Christmas traditions to remember Jesus Christ, our Savior. But the celebrations of Christmas can help remind us of Him. The hallowed Christmas season can be an opportunity to recommit to keep the fire of the Spirit and the glory of the Son of God burning in our hearts every day throughout the year.

{Using the internet for lesson ideas}