2. Ask a few questions along
these lines:
- Why
would the Lord love it when we sing?
- Why
might songs be viewed as prayers to God?
- What
blessings might come to those who learn hymns?
- Why
would hymn-singing bring joy, as mentioned in D&C
25:13?
- How
could frequent hymn-singing help us keep our covenants?
Explain that during Christmas
time, we sing a lot of fun Christmas songs. But some songs
might feel more special to the Lord than others. For FHE
this week, we're going to explore some of those songs.
Pass out a borrowed hymnal
to every family member. Let them know that they, for just
a few minutes, get to "write" a new hymn of worship
for the Christ child as a Christmas gift to Him.
3. Create a new hymn for
Christ.
The
instructions are simple:
- Ask
the family individually to find their eight most favorite
hymns. List those hymn titles and authors on the first
piece of paper (Primary-age children could use the Primary
songbook instead).
- Instruct
each individual to select his or her most favorite phrase
from each hymn. Write those lines on the second piece
of paper in any order.
- They
then can rearrange the selected phrases in an order that
pleases them (putting the author/composer's name in parenthesis
after each poetic line to give credit where it is due).
- Once
everyone has completed their new "hymn" for
Christ, take turns reading them (mentioning the author's
name is not necessary during the actual reading part of
the activity — neither do the "hymns" need to
rhyme).
Application
The
song of the heart is a prayer unto God. And by becoming
more familiar with the hymns, we potentially increase in
reverence for the holy gift of Christ given so willingly
for us.
We can choose to sing hymns
of praise and in the process, we literally offer up prayers
of gratitude and appreciation for Him who has redeemed us.
Testimony
Turn the time over for testimony-sharing
or perhaps singing of a few particularly meaningful Christmas
songs.
Closing Song
#202
“Oh,
Come, All Ye Faithful”
Closing Prayer
By
Invitation.
Refreshments
Popcorn
balls would make a fun FHE refreshment to aid the theme
of the lesson. Just as the use of many hymns can contribute
overall to our lives, each popped kernel contributes to
the yummy treat as a whole! (Many recipe books include a
recipe for popcorn balls.)
Summary
It's Christmas time! Oh, what
a charismatic month of the year. And nearly everywhere we
go, we hear Christmas songs. As we go about our Christmas
activities, let us make sure that some of those songs we
sing include hymn-prayers to the Lord, as suggested by the
scripture D&C 25:12.
Yes indeed, during this delightful
time of year let us bring delight to God by our hymns of
worship and praise. Then truly our hearts can rejoice in
this most holy of months, the month in which we celebrate
the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
C.S. Bezas' book has
been described as perfect for youth leaders and parents
of teens. Powerful Tips for Powerful
Teachers: Helping Youth Find Their Spiritual Wings is
available in LDS bookstores and by clicking here.
