Christmas Song Fortune Teller

Christmas Song Fortune Teller

Add some fun to family time with this fun little fortune teller to decide on the next Christmas song to sing together.

Find the FREE printable HERE
Perfect to use with 24 Days of Christmas Music night HERE

24 Days of Christmas Day 24

24 December 

Light of the World 

John 8:12  12 ¶Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Carol: Silent Night Hymn #204

Tonight is Christmas Eve Read the real story of the Savior’s Birth

Luke 1:26-38, 46-47

Luke 2:1-20

Matthew 2:1-14

24 Days of Christmas Day 23

23 December 

Firstborn

D&C 93:21  21 And now, verily I say unto you, I was in the beginning with the Father, and am the Firstborn;

Carol: The First Noel Hymn #213

Story: The Other Wise Man

An adapted version can be found here

24 Days of Christmas Day 22

22 December 

Judge

Acts 10:38, 42  38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

 42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.

Carol: With Wondering Awe Hymn #210

Lesson: The Gifts of the Wise men

Have Gold coins (Chocolate gold coins will work nicely), myrrh and frankincense (Found at a health food store)  ready to show as needed.

The Gifts of the Wise men

Matthew 2-11

...And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him; and when they opened their trea­sures, they presented unto him gifts: Gold, and frankincense, and Myrrh.

Isn’t it interesting that Matthew, the tax collector, (who knows the value of things) is the one to record the gifts that were brought to the Savior?

Gold . Gold has been used for Centuries by numerous cultures; even mentioned in the account of the Garden of Eden, (Genesis 2:11) Gold is a symbol of royalty, kingship, and power. It was imported to Ancient Israel and was held in high esteem for its great beauty, rarity, and resistance to corrosion. It symbolizes "A Priestly King" Representing the celestial or godly nature of Christ, including His incorruptibility, purity, and wisdom and was a worthy gift for the Son of God.

Frankincense came from Oman and was considered so valuable that it was worth more than its weight in gold.  Frankincense is the resin from the Boswellia tree. Small slits are made in the bark and the sap slowly bleeds out and dries into the white "tears".  Thus its white color represents purity. It symbolizes sacrifice, communion with God, and resurrection. The ancient Israelites used frankincense only in offerings of purity to their God and never associated with any sin or wrongdoing; thus making frankincense a pure offering literally to the living King.

Myrrh was worth seven times its weight in gold and also is the natural sap from the Cammiphora tree.  It is a balm related to suffering, healing, anoint­ing, and atonement.  It is very significant be­cause it was one of the first gifts to Jesus and the final offering to him as he was on Golgotha as a deadening agent to relieve his suffering. He refused the wine and Myrrh mixture because he had "already drank the bitter cup". Myrrh has a bitter taste and thus represents mortality and sacrifice. 

“That there were three gifts has provoked the tradition that there were three wise men. The number three, how­ever, represents that which is godly or divine in nature and origin, and it is likely for this reason that there were three gifts—that is, Jesus was godly/divine in His nature and origin and the wise men were sent of God.” -Alonzo Gaskill

What could be a more fitting gift for the Savior than gold symbolic that He is King, Frankincense representing pure worship, and Myrrh to acknowledge His sacrifice? These costly gifts to the Holy family are believed to have provided the means to travel to Egypt.  These three gifts listed by Matthew symbolize Christ, His nature, and the gifts He would bring to the world.

24 Days of Christmas Day 21

21 December 

Son of Man

 Matt 9:6, heading  6 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.

Carol: When Joseph Went to Bethlehem - #38

Words of the Prophets

John A. Widtsoe

There are men who object to Santa Claus, because he does not exist! Such men need spectacles to see that Santa Claus is a symbol; a symbol of the love and joy of Christmas and the Christmas spirit. In the land of my birth there was no Santa Claus, but a little goat was shoved into the room, carrying with it a basket of Christmas toys and gifts. The goal of itself counted for nothing; but the Christmas spirit, which it symbolized, counted for a tremendous lot.

Ezra Taft Benson

As a boy, I loved going to the canyon to cut our Christmas tree, and I always tried to get one that reached to the ceiling. Though we received only a few gifts, our stockings were filled with fruit, nuts, and candy, and Santa always left something. Like all children, we suffered terrible anticipation at Christmastime--until, that is, we happened onto the Santa Claus costume in the bottom of an old trunk. Suddenly the secret was out. So that was why Father was always out doing chores when Santa came on Christmas morning. 

From The Joys of Christmas, a booklet of President Benson's testimony on the true meaning of the season.

Howard W. Hunter

How is Christmas regarded today? The legend of Santa Claus, the Christmas tree, the decorations of tinsel and mistletoe, and the giving of gifts all express to us the spirit of the day we celebrate; but the true spirit of Christmas lies much deeper than these. It is found in the life of the Savior, in the principles He taught, in His atoning sacrifice—which become our great heritage.

Emphasis added. From "The Real Christmas," a 1972 BYU Devotional.

24 Days of Christmas Day 20

20 December 

Exemplar (Example)

1 Pet. 2:21  21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

A Shining Star in the Heavens Family Home Evening

Song Suggestions:      “Stars were Gleaming” Children's Songbook p 37

                                                              “With Wondering Awe” hymn p 210

                                                              “He Sent His Son” Children's Songbook p 34

Scripture: Mark 4:22 “For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.”

Opening Prayer: Assigned

Lesson:          Frontiers of Science: A Star Is Born

Closing Prayer: Assigned

Treat:      Shining Star Cookies

Frontiers of Science: A Star Is Born

By Dr. Sherwood B. Idso

In a revelation given to Moses the Lord says that there is no end to His works, and that “as one earth shall pass away, and the heavens thereof even so shall another come. …” (Moses 1:38.) So it is that as astronomers press forward in their quest to probe ever deeper into the vast reaches and mysteries of space, many evidences of this continuing process of creation are brought to light.

Consider the stars. Perhaps the most well-known case of a new star appearing in the heavens is that of the star of Bethlehem heralding the birth of Christ. What exactly was it? Although there are many possibilities—a new star, a comet, or a great stellar explosion—we really do not know its true nature. We do know, however, that stars are continually going through a process similar to that described by the Lord in conversing with Moses.

Indeed, even now astronomers are observing and studying objects in the heavens that could well have been created since the time of Christ’s earthly mission.

A prime example is the exciting discovery this past year of a newborn star in the center of the Orion Nebula, the great cloud of unorganized dust and gas in the constellation Orion. Although it is difficult to see through very dense nebulae to their centers, new instruments at the Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona allowed scientists there to detect the new star, as well as several other objects that may well be protostars or clumps of matter that are still in the formative stage and have not yet reached true stardom. The new star that has been identified is estimated to have “turned on” within only the past few thousand years, which is a very short time after the manner of the Lord’s reckoning.

But exactly how is a new star formed? And how is the birth of a star and its companion planets related to the “passing away” of another solar system?

One current theory is that as a great cloud of interstellar material swirls through space, portions of it become more dense than others and begin to draw together.

Coincidentally, a nearby star may explode in a supernova. Some astronomers believe that when this happens, an expanding shock wave from the supernova may wrap itself around some of these localized dense pockets of dust and compress them even more. Once these compressed dust clouds become so packed together that they exceed a certain critical density, their own gravity then causes them to contract into compact spheres. At this point temperatures and pressures at their centers rise dramatically, and the spheres ignite—that is, they begin to produce energy by nuclear fusion and take their places among the shining lights of the universe.

Thus, the explosive death of one star can lead to the creation of several new stars and planets as the Lord presides over the continuing process of creation.

We must consider ourselves fortunate indeed to be able to behold and to comprehend in some small degree the enormity and grandeur of the work of our Heavenly Father, wherein He prepares worlds without number for the habitation of His children. It is no exaggeration to say that when we contemplate the heavens with their suns, moons, and planets, we contemplate God. For as the Lord has said, “… any man who hath seen any or the least of these hath seen God moving in his majesty and power.” (D&C 88:47.) What greater reason can we have to cast our eyes heavenward?

Let us all look up and marvel at the work and glory of our Creator.

Friend, Dec. 1979, 32

Shining Star Cookies

1 cup softened butter

1 cup brown sugar

2 eggs

½  teaspoon salt

½  teaspoon baking soda

3 ¼  cups sifted flour

colored hard candy broken into small pieces, jolly ranchers, lifesavers etc.

 Mix butter, sugar, and eggs together in bowl. Combine salt, baking soda, and flour, and add to sugar mixture a little at a time. Knead dough, then chill several hours. Pinch off small ball of dough and place on parchment paper. Roll dough with hands into long strips. Repeat several times, storing remaining dough in refrigerator. Cover cookie sheet with parchment paper. Place a strip of dough on the cookie sheet and cut out a star shape or other shape, gently pulling away the extra dough.  Using a smaller cookie cutter cut out a window in the middle.   Bake at 325ºF (160ºC) for 5–8 minutes. Remove cookies from oven. Fill “windows” in middle with thin, even layer of candy pieces. Return to oven and bake about 8–10 minutes more. Watch closely to make sure cookies don’t burn. After cookies cool and harden, peel off any parchment that sticks to them. 

Another festive recipe can be found HERE

24 Days of Christmas Day 19

19 December 

Savior 

D&C 43:34  34 Hearken ye to these words. Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. Treasure these things up in your hearts, and let the solemnities of eternity rest upon your minds.

Carol: Angels We Have Heard on High Hymn #203

Story: A Brother Like That

A Brother Like That

Dan Clark

Paul received an automobile from his brother as a Christmas present. On Christmas Eve when Paul came out of his office, a street urchin was walking around the shiny new car, admiring it.

"Is this your car, Mister?" he asked.

 Paul nodded. "My brother gave it to me for Christmas." The boy was astounded. "You mean your brother gave it to you and it didn't cost you nothing? Boy, I wish..." He hesitated. Of course Paul knew what he was going to wish for. He was going to wish he had a brother like that. But what the lad said jarred Paul all the way down to his heels.

"I wish," the boy went on, "that I could be a brother like that."

Paul looked at the boy in astonishment, then impulsively he added, "Would you like to take a ride in my automobile?"

"Oh yes, I'd love that."

After a short ride, the boy turned and with his eyes aglow, said, "Mister, would you mind driving in front of my house?" Paul smiled a little. He thought he knew what the lad wanted. He wanted to show his neighbors that he could ride home in a big automobile. But Paul was wrong again.

"Will you stop where those two steps are?" the boy asked. He ran up the steps. Then in a little while Paul heard him coming back, but he was not coming fast. He was carrying his little crippled brother. He sat him down on the bottom step, then sort of squeezed up against him and pointed to the car. "There she is, Buddy, just like I told you upstairs. His brother gave it to him for Christmas and it didn't cost him a cent. And some day I'm gonna give you one just like it...then you can see for yourself all the pretty things in the Christmas windows that I've been trying to tell you about."

Paul got out and lifted the lad to the front seat of his car. The shining-eyed older brother climbed in beside him and the three of them began a memorable holiday ride.

That Christmas Eve, Paul learned what Jesus meant when he had said: "It is more blessed to give..."

The Speak Easy Volume 6

24 Days of Christmas Day 18

18 December 

Lord 

Rev. 22:21  21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Game night

Nativity cards

Nativity Bingo

Christmas Charades

Nativity Taboo

My favorite nativity cards for Canes can be found HERE for part 1 and HERE for part 2

Christmas charades here

Nativity Taboo here

To play canes (played like spoons but with candy canes) you will need candy canes 1 cane less than the people playing. Place the pile of cane in the center of the table.  Separate the cards so that there are as many groups of 4 as there are players. Set the extra cards aside. Shuffle the cards and deal then all out.  Each player gets 4 cards and decides which group they want to collect to get a complete group.  The cards that don’t match the group are placed face down on the table and players trade cards. 1 to 1, 2to 2 and so on until the player get 4 matching cards. The first person to get 4 matching cards takes one of the canes if any of the other players see that a cane has been taken they may take one (they don’t have to have a match).  The last person to notice doesn’t get a cane. Shuffle the cards, put the canes back in the middle and continue with a new round.

The canes are sure to be broken but when the game is over you can snack on the canes.

Nativity cards can ALSO be used to play GO FISH, OLD MAID (remove 3 of one group of cards), MEMORY (remove half of each group).

Some of my favorite Free Nativity Bingo cards:HERE and here

24 days of Christmas Day 17

17 December 

Messiah

2 Ne. 25:19  19 For according to the words of the prophets, the Messiah cometh in six hundred years from the time that my father left Jerusalem; and according to the words of the prophets, and also the word of the angel of God, his name shall be Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

THE INKEEPERS TALE

Dr. Ralph F. Wilson

They think I'm some kind of cruel, heartless landlord. Someone must have told them that. But they're wrong, just plain wrong, and it's time to set the record straight, once and for all.

People say I'm an innkeeper. I suppose you'd call it an inn. To us it's just a big house. My grandfather, Joshua ben-Yahoudi, built it back when his trading business was at a peak. And he built it big enough to fit all fourteen kids.

Well, a few years ago, the missus and I were just rattling around in that big house--kids grown up and all--and we were thinking, maybe we could take in a few travelers. Rachel has always been mighty good in the kitchen, so we just let out word that we'd take people in, and they started to come. Every night we'd have a person or two, sometimes more. People would always come back when they came to town again, intent on another bowl of Rachel's lamb stew.

Then came that blankety-blank census the governor thought up. Taxation, pure and simple! People from all over the province flooded into town that week. Filled us clean up. Rachel and I slept in the main room where we always do, and we started putting guests in the other three rooms. They kept coming. Then we doubled up two or three families to a room. They kept coming. Finally, when we had filled the main room with four families plus Rachel and me, we started turning people away.

I must have gotten in and out of bed ten times that night, stumbling over bodies to get to the door. "No more room, sorry folks. No more room. Come back in the morning. We have a couple of families leaving then." They'd mutter something and head back to their party, and sleep somewhere next to a house under the shelter of a blanket. I just couldn't make any more room. That's the honest truth.

But I did make room for one more couple. Joseph was a burly man with big arms and strong hands, down from Nazareth, I think he said. He wouldn't take "no" for an answer. I would say, "No, I'm sorry," and he'd tell me about his "little Mary." Well, when I saw "little Mary" she wasn't very little. She was just about as pregnant as a woman can get, and awfully pale. While Joseph was pleading, I saw her grab her tummy in pain, and I knew I couldn't let her have that baby outside in the wind and sleet.

The barn. That would just have to do, I told myself, and led them and their donkey out back. Now it was pretty crowded, so I shooed several animals into the pen outside to make room in one dry corner. Joseph said, "We sure are grateful, sir." Then with a serious look, he asked me, "Do you know where I can find a midwife in these parts? We might need her tomorrow or the next day."

That man didn't know much about having babies, it was plain enough to see. I ran to Aunt Sarah's house and pounded on the door until her husband came. "One of the travelers is having a baby," I told him. "I'll wait while Aunt Sarah gets dressed." I stopped a moment to catch my breath. "And tell her to hurry."

By the time we got back to the barn, Joseph had "little Mary" settled on some soft, clean hay, wrapped up in a blanket, wiping the perspiration off her brow, and was speaking softly to her as she fought the waves of pain. Aunt Sarah sent me to get my Rachel, and then pushed Joseph and me out of the barn. "This ain't no place for men," she said.

We waited just outside in the shelter of the barn for hours, it seemed like. Well, all of a sudden, we hear a little cry. "You've got a baby boy," Aunt Sarah was saying as we peeped around the corner. She hands the young-un to Rachel, and she wraps it up in those swaddling bands she had saved. Cute little thing, I tell you.

Well, Joseph goes over to Mary and gives her a big hug, and a kiss on the cheek, and Rachel hands Mary the baby, and then comes over to me and takes my hand. "Remember when our Joshua was born?" she whispers.

The lantern was blowing almost out, the cattle were lowing softly, and baby Jesus was asleep in his mother's arms. That's how I left them as I walked Aunt Sarah home. Chilly wind, though the sleet had stopped.

By the time I got back, Rachel was in bed, and I was about ready to put out the light, step over sleeping bodies, and get under the warm covers, when I heard some murmuring out by the barn.

I'd better check, I told myself. When I peeped in, I saw shepherds. Raggedy, smelly old shepherds were kneeling down on the filthy barn floor as if they were praying. The oldest one was saying something to Joseph about angels and the Messiah. And the rest of them just knelt there with their heads bowed, some with tears running down their faces.

I coughed out loud, and Joseph looked up. I was almost ready to run those thieving shepherds off, when Joseph motioned to me with his hand. "It's okay," he whispered. "They've come to see the Christ-baby."

The Christ-baby? The Messiah? That was when I knelt, too. And watched, and prayed, and listened to the old shepherd recount his story of angels and heavenly glory, and the sign of a holy baby, wrapped in swaddling bands, to be found in a stable-manger.

My Lord, it was my stable where the Christ-baby was born. My manger he rested in. My straw, my lamp, my wife Rachel assisting at his birth.

The shepherds left after a while. Some of them leaned over and kissed the sleeping Christ-child before they departed. I know I did.

I'll always be glad I made room in the barn for that family-- that holy family. You see, I'm not some mean inn-keeper. I was there. I saw him. And, you know, years later that boy came back to Bethlehem, this time telling about the Kingdom of God. Oh, I believe in him, I tell you. I was there. And, mark my words, if you'd seen what I've seen, you'd be a believer, too.

HCJB World Radio in Quito, Ecuador, Christmas 2004

24 Days of Christmas Day 16

16 December 

Only Begotten Son

John 3:16  16 ¶For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Carol: Stars were Gleaming Children’s Songbook #37

Story: A Beautiful Silver Star

A Beautiful Silver Star

IVAN T. ANDERSON

When the Allied forces made their big push into Germany it was the duty of my military police battalion to take prisoners from the front lines into crudely constructed stockades.

I shall never forget December 24, 1944, and the German prisoner of war who helped to make it memorable for me.

It was a bitter cold night and I found myself on duty helping to guard more than twelve hundred German prisoners.

To say we were a homesick group of men would be an understatement. The fact that it was Christmas Eve only added to our depression.

One of our company, a man from the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, stopped blowing on his hands long enough to say:

"What a cold, miserable Christmas! Just because we are stuck out here doesn't mean we can't do something about it. I'm going out and find a tree."

"Forget it!" another M.P. shouted. "There are no trees around here; besides, we haven't anything to decorate with anyway."

Not to be discouraged, Smoky went into the darkness and later returned with a bedraggled specimen.

"You call that thing a tree?" our heckler continued. "In Texas we'd plow that under for a bush."

With a positive attitude, Smoky began to decorate his tree with ornaments made from gum wrappers, candy wrappers, etc.

Several of the men not stationed directly at the stockade began to help our zealous friend with his seemingly impossible task,

As we worked I suddenly heard a voice calling from the stockade: "American, American."

Turning toward the compound I saw a German prisoner with one hand extended through the barbed wire. With his other hand he was motioning toward me.

I quickly threw a shell into the chamber of my rifle and approached him with caution. What I saw in his hand astounded me.

This prisoner had made a beautiful silver star, entirely from gum foil, that was a work of art. He placed the star in my hand and motioned to the top of our tree.

Hoping he spoke some English, I said: "This star has such detail, are you a professional artist?"

By his puzzled expression it was obvious he spoke no more English than I spoke German, so I took his contribution over and placed it atop our tree.

"Well, I'll be!" heckler began again. "I hate to admit this, but that bush is beginning to look like a real tree. Guess I should have kept my mouth shut, eh, Smoky?" (A loud cheer of agreement resounded from all the men.)

As we completed our tree we began singing Christmas carols, and I noticed several of the prisoners joined in on "Silent Night."

The last strains were fading into the night when I heard the same voice call: "American."

This time the prisoner had both hands extended through the barbed wire.

Again I approached with caution, rifle ready, and again I was amazed at what he held in his hands.

This German sculptor had made intricate figures of Joseph, Mary, and the Christ Child. He pointed under our tree as he handed me his detailed work.

I nodded my thanks and carefully placed the delicate figures where he had indicated.

As I placed the tiny figure of the Christ Child, made from a stick base and professionally covered with foil, the light from our fire actually seemed to give it a heavenly glow. I thought of how far we had strayed from the teachings of Jesus and felt tears sting my eyes.

Looking at the stockade, I saw the prisoner was still be the barbed wire, so I hurried back, smiled, and warmly shook his hand.

He returned my smile and the firelight caught the tears that were in his eyes.

Since the close of World War II I have thought of this German prisoner of war numerous times.

Our meeting was brief; we were two ships that passed in the night, and yet I feel this man would agree that our only hope for a lasting world peace would be a return to the teachings of the tiny figure he so beautifully molded that cold December night. One thing is certain: if we love the Lord we also have a genuine concern for all mankind—the two are synonymous.

Deseret News, December 24, 1970, p.1

24 Days of Christmas Day 15

15 December 

Redeemer

 D&C 31:13  13 Be faithful unto the end, and lo, I am with you. These words are not of man nor of men,

Christmas Music

Whether you are a trained singer or you don’t feel like you can carry a tune in a bucket, you can Enjoy, as a family, the bounty of Christmas music.

Some of the Christmas songs in the Children’s Songbook

Away in a Manger - #42

Christmas Bells - #54

Have a Very Merry Christmas! - #51

He Sent His Son - #34

Little Jesus - #39

Mary's Lullaby - #44

Oh, Hush Thee, My Baby - #48

Once within a Lowly Stable - #41

Picture a Christmas - #50

Samuel Tells of the Baby Jesus - #36

Sleep, Little Jesus - #47

Stars Were Gleaming - #37

The Nativity Song - #52

The Shepherd's Carol (Round) - #40b

There Was Starlight on the Hillside - #40a

When Joseph Went to Bethlehem - #38

Who Is the Child? - #46

Hymns

Pages 201-214

“God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman,” “100 Carols for Choirs” No. 19

“What Child Is This?" "The New Oxford Book of Carols," No. 98

"0 Holy Night," "The Christmas Songbook Treasury," page 68

24 Days of Christmas Day 14

14 December 

Comforter

Bible Dictionary—Comforter

Carol: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

Story: Pattern of Love

Pattern of Love

Jack Smith

“I didn’t question Timmy, age nine, or his seven-year-old brother, Billy, about the brown wrapping paper they passed back and forth between them as we visited each store.

“Every year at Christmastime, our Service Club takes the children from poor families in our town on a personally conducted shopping tour. I was assigned Timmy and Billy, whose father was out of work. After giving them the allotted $4.00 each, we began our trip. At different stores I made suggestions, but always their answer was a solemn shake of the head, no. Finally, I asked, ‘Where would you suggest we look?’

“‘Could we go to a shoe store, Sir?’ answered Timmy. ‘We’d like a pair of shoes for our Daddy so he can go to work.’

“In the shoe store the clerk asked what the boys wanted. Out came the brown paper. ‘We want a pair of work shoes to fit this foot,’ they said. Billy explained that it was a pattern of their Daddy’s foot. They had drawn it while he was asleep in a chair.

“The clerk held the paper against a measuring stick, then walked away. Soon, he came with an open box. ‘Will these do?’ he asked. Timmy and Billy handled the shoes with great eagerness. ‘How much do they cost?’ asked Billy. Then Timmy saw the price on the box. ‘They’re $16.95,’ he said in dismay. ‘We only have $8.00.’

“I looked at the clerk and he cleared his throat. ‘That’s the regular price,’ he said, ‘but they’re on sale; $3.98, today only.’ Then, with shoes happily in hand the boys bought gifts for their mother and two little sisters. Not once did they think of themselves.

“The day after Christmas the boys’ father stopped me on the street. The new shoes were on his feet, gratitude was in his eyes. ‘I just thank Jesus for people who care,’ he said. ‘And I thank Jesus for your two sons,’ I replied. ‘They really taught me more about Christmas in one evening than I had learned in a lifetime.’” 

Retold by Pres Faust Ensign December 1999

24 Day of Christmas Day 2

2 December 

Creator

 2 Ne. 9:5  5 Yea, I know that ye know that in the body he shall show himself unto those at Jerusalem, from whence we came; for it is expedient that it should be among them; for it behooveth the great Creator that he suffereth himself to become subject unto man in the flesh, and die for all men, that all men might become subject unto him.

Christmas Funnies

What goes “oh, oh, oh”?
Santa walking backwards!

Knock knock!
Who’s there?
Snow.
Snow who?
Snow use – I’ve forgotten my name again!

Why does Santa have three gardens?
So he can ho ho ho!

When does Christmas come before Thanksgiving?
In the dictionary!

What’s the difference between the Christmas alphabet and the ordinary alphabet?
The Christmas one has no L (noel)!

What do you have in December that’s not in any other month?
The letter D!

Why is it always cold at Christmas?
Because it’s in Decemberrrr!

What Christmas carol is a favorite of parents?
Silent Night!

Why do mummys like the holidays?
 Because of all the wrapping!

 Why don’t aliens celebrate Christmas?
 Because they don’t want to give away their presence.

When does New Year’s Day come before Christmas Day?

 Every year!

Who hides in the bakery at Christmas?
A mince spy!

How many presents can Santa fit in an empty sack?
Only one, after that it’s not empty anymore!

What do you get if you eat Christmas decorations?
Tinselitus!

How does Good King Wenceslas like his pizzas?
Deep and crisp and even!

What do monkeys sing at Christmas?
Jungle bells, jungle bells!

Who delivers presents to baby sharks at Christmas?
Santa Jaws!

What do you get if Santa goes down the chimney when the fire is lit?
Crisp Cringle!

How do sheep greet each other at Christmas?
A merry Christmas to ewe!

What do you get if you cross an apple with a Christmas tree?
A pineapple!

What kind of candle burns longer, a red candle or a green candle?
Neither, candles always burn shorter!

24 Days of Christmas Day 1

1 December 

Mediator

 1 Tim. 2:5  5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

Story: The Auction

THE AUCTION

A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art. They had everything in their collection, from Picasso to Raphael. They would often sit together and admire the great works of art. When the Vietnam conflict broke out, the son went to war. He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier. The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son. About a month later, just before Christmas, there was a knock at the door. A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands. He said, "Sir, you don't know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life. He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly. He often talked about you and your love for art. The young man held out his package. "I know this isn't much. I'm not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this." The father opened the package. It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man. He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting. The father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears. He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the picture. "Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It's a gift."

The father hung the portrait over his mantle. Every time visitors came to his home he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works he had collected. The man died a few months later. There was to be a great auction of his paintings. Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having an opportunity to purchase one for their collection. On the platform sat the painting of the son. "Who will bid for this picture?" There was silence. Then a voice in the back of the room shouted, "We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one."

But the auctioneer persisted. "Will someone bid for this painting? Who will start the bidding? $100, $200" Another voice shouted angrily, "We didn't come to see this painting. We came to see the Van Goghs, the Rembrandts. Get on with the real bids." But still the auctioneer continued. "The son! The son! Who'll take the son?" Finally a voice came from the back of the room. It was the long-time gardener of the man and his son. "I'll give you $10 for the painting." Being a poor man, it was all he could afford. "We have $10, who will bid $20?" "Give it to him for $10. Let's see the masters." "$10 is the bid, won't someone bid $20?" The crowd was becoming angry. They didn't want the picture of the son. They wanted the more worthy investments for their collection. The auctioneer pounded the gavel. "Going once, twice, SOLD for $IO!" A man sitting in the second row shouted, "Now let's get on with the collection!" The auctioneer laid down his gavel. "I'm sorry, the auction is over." What about the paintings?" "I am sorry. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was
told of a secret stipulation in the will. I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time. Only
the painting of the son would be auctioned. The man who took the son gets everything."

God gave his son 2000 years ago to die on a cruel cross. Much like the auctioneer, His message today is, "The Son, the Son, who'll take the Son?" Because you see, whoever takes the Son, gets everything. 

Friemel