December 31 - Christ and the Rich Young Ruler

Christ and the Rich Young Ruler

A rich young ruler came to Jesus asking, "Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?". Jesus told him to keep the commandments.

The young man said that he had obeyed the commandments since he was a child, but Jesus looked upon him with love and told him of one more commandment he needed to keep. "Go and sell that thou hast," Jesus said, "and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me".

When the young man heard this, he went away sorrowful because he was very rich and did not want to give away all his costly possessions. Then Jesus said, "How hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!".

Watch the Bible Video Christ and the 

Rich Young Ruler.

What do you think Luke 18:25 means?

December 30 - Jesus and the Samaritan Woman

Jesus and the Samaritan Woman

When Jesus left Judea to go into Galilee, He traveled through Samaria and came to Jacob's well. He was tired, and He rested by the well.

When a Samaritan woman came to get some water, Jesus asked her to give Him a drink. Since the people of Judah usually had nothing to do with the Samaritans, the woman was surprised.

Jesus told her that He could give her water that would cause her to never thirst again. He explained that He was the Messiah and that the water He offered her was the living water of eternal life.

The woman, not understanding what Jesus had said, asked how he could give her living water when he had no bucket to draw water up from the deep well.  She did not know that Jesus was the Savior and could give her the living water of eternal life.

The woman went to the city and told many people what she had heard. They went to the well and spoke with Jesus themselves, and many of them believed His words. They asked him to stay in their city, so he stayed and taught them for two days. They "...heard him [them]selves, and knew that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world".

Watch the Bible video Jesus Teaches 

A Samaritan Woman.

What is the 'living water' Christ speaks of? 

(John 4:10-14)

December 29 - Christ Appears to the Nephites

Christ Appears to the Nephites

At the time of Jesus’ crucifixion there were great storms and earthquakes in the land of America.  These storms changed the whole face of the land, and the land where the Nephites lived was covered with darkness for three days. After the storms and darkness ended, many Nephites gathered about the temple in the land Bountiful. They were looking at the great changes that had taken place and were talking about Jesus Christ and the signs of his death.

Suddenly they heard a voice out of heaven, but they could not understand what it said.  It was not a harsh voice nor a loud voice, but it was a small voice that caused them to shake and their hearts to burn.  The voice spoke a second time, but they still did not understand.

The third time they heard the voice they understood it. The voice said, “Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name - hear ye him”. It was Heavenly Father who had spoken.

The Nephites looked up and saw a Man clothed in a white robe descending out of heaven.  He came down and stood among the people, but they did not dare speak.  They thought he was an angel. But he stretched forth his hand and said, “Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world”.

The multitude remembered the prophecies that Christ would appear to them after his resurrection.  All the Nephites fell to the earth to worship Jesus.

Watch the animated Book of Mormon video Jesus Christ Appears to the Nephites.

Read about the destruction, changes in the land, and darkness that happened over the 3 days. 

(3 Nephi 12-23)

Why do you think the people didn't understand the voice until it spoke the 3rd time? (3 Nephi 11: 4-8)

December 28 - Jesus Healing the Nephites

Jesus Healing the Nephites

The first day the Savior was among the Nephites, He taught them many things. As Jesus looked at them, He could tell they did not understand all of His teachings, so He told them to go home and think about His words. He told them to pray to Heavenly Father for understanding and to prepare their minds to receive more teachings. He then promised He would return the next day and teach them again.

The people did not want Jesus to leave them. Tears filled their eyes as they looked longingly at Him. They wanted to ask Him to stay. Jesus knew what they were thinking, and He wanted to help them.

He asked, "Have ye any that are sick among you? ... Bring them hither and I will heal them". Jesus could tell that the Nephites had enough faith to be healed.

The multitude brought their sick to Jesus- the lame and crippled, the blind, the deaf, the dumb, the lepers, those who had all kinds of illnesses. Jesus lovingly healed every one as they were brought to Him.

All the people Jesus healed and all who were well knelt down at Jesus' feet and worshiped Him. Those who could get close enough kissed His feet and bathed them with their tears.

Where was Jesus planning to go when he left the Nephites? (3 Nephi 17:4)

December 27 - Jesus Blesses the Nephite Children

Jesus Blesses the Nephite Children

During His mortal ministry, Jesus often took time to bless little children. He taught His disciples that one must become like a little child to enter the kingdom of heaven.

After His Resurrection, Jesus visited the Nephites to teach and bless them. During this time He asked that the little children be brought to Him. When they were gathered about Him, He knelt down and prayed to Heavenly Father for all His people. So great was the love and faith of the multitude for their Savior that He declared: "Blessed are ye because of your faith. And now behold, my joy is full". After saying this, Jesus wept because He had such great love for the people. Then He took the children one by one and blessed them and prayed for them.

Afterward, Jesus wept again and said to the people, "Behold your little ones". Then, as the multitude watched, the heavens opened and angels came in great glory to minister to the children. The children were encircled by this heavenly glory and looked as though they were surrounded by fire. This wonderful event was witnessed by the entire multitude, and they "did see and hear and bear record".

Watch the Jesus Blesses the Nephite Children animated scripture video. 

How many men, women and children were in the multitude? (3 Nephi 17:25)

December 26 - Christ Asks For the Records

Christ Asks For the Records

When Jesus Christ visited the Americas after his resurrection he taught the people many things about the gospel.  As he delivered his sermons, he commanded the Nephites to search the records that had been kept so they could find the words of the prophets and study them.

After Jesus had explained the prophecies and teachings in the records that the Nephites had, he said, “Behold, other scriptures I would that ye should write, that ye have not.” He then asked Nephi to “bring forth the record which ye have kept”.

The Lord explained that he had commanded Samuel the Lamanite to prophesy that at the time of the Resurrection many saints who had died would also rise from the dead and would appear unto the people and minister unto them.

Christ reminded the people that the prophecy had been fulfilled and then asked, “How be it that ye have not written this thing, that many saints did arise and appear unto many and did minister unto them?” The Savior then commanded that the record be updated so that there would be a witness to the fulfillment of Samuel’s prophecy.

What specific book of scripture did the Nephites present to Christ and He approved of? 

(3 Nephi 23: 1)

December 25 - The Nativity

The Nativity

Caesar Augustus, the Roman emperor, sent out a decree (law) that everyone in his empire had to be taxed. Each man was to pay taxes in the city of his ancestors, so Joseph and Mary had to travel from their home in Nazareth to Bethlehem. It was a difficult trip for Mary because her baby was about to be born.

When Mary and Joseph reached Bethlehem, the city was crowded with people who had come to pay taxes. There was no room for Joseph and Mary in the inns, but they were finally allowed to stay in a stable where Mary "brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger".

That night there were also shepherds in the field watching over their flocks. An angel of the Lord appeared and the shepherds were frightened, but the angel said:

"Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

"And ... ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger".

Suddenly there appeared a multitude of angels praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men".

When the angels had gone, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us now go ... unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us". Hurrying to Bethlehem, the shepherds found Mary and Joseph, and the baby Jesus lying in a manger.

Watch the Bible video The Nativity.

What is another name for Bethlehem, and why did Joseph and Mary need to go there to pay taxes? (Luke 2:4)

December 24 - Childhood of Jesus Christ

Childhood of Jesus Christ

Jesus grew up in Galilee in the small town of Nazareth. There he had a loving family life with Joseph; his mother, Mary; and several brothers and sisters.  His childhood was probably much like that of other boys of that time.  He learned Jewish law, did carpentry work with Joseph, studied the scriptures, and gained wisdom through prayer.

As Jesus grew, the Spirit of God was strong in him. He learned of his mission on earth and waited for the time of his baptism and ministry.

Without looking back in the story, what town did Jesus grow up in?  And, in what region is that town?

December 23 - The First Vision (In honor of Joseph Smith's birthday)

The First Vision

On a beautiful spring morning in 1820, Joseph Smith went into the woods near his home to pray. He did not know which church to join and decided to ask Heavenly Father. Joseph looked around to make sure he was alone, then knelt and began to pray. He was immediately overcome by some evil power. Thick darkness surrounded him, and he could not speak. Joseph thought he was going to be destroyed, but using all the energy he had, he asked God to deliver him from this unseen enemy. Just as Joseph was about to give up, he saw a pillar of light over his head, and he was released from the evil force that had held him. The light came down and rested on him, and Joseph saw two personages whose brightness and glory were beyond description. They were standing in the air above Joseph. One called Joseph by name, pointed to the other, and said,

"This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!". These personages were Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Joseph asked Heavenly Father and Jesus which church was right and which he should join. Jesus told Joseph that he should not join any of the churches, because they were all wrong. He said, "They draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me".

Jesus again told Joseph not to join any of the churches. He also told him many other things during the vision. After the vision Joseph was lying on his back looking up into heaven. As the bright light left, he found he was too weak to walk. Joseph's strength gradually returned and he went home.

Heavenly Father announced Jesus saying "This is my Beloved Son. Hear Him!"  Then, what did Jesus tell Joseph Smith? (Joseph Smith History 1:18-19)

December 22 - Jesus and His Mother

Jesus and His Mother

Mary was foreordained to be the mother of our Savior long before she came to earth.  Many prophets before the meridian of time foretold that the Only Begotten Son of the Father would be born to the virgin Mary, a precious and chosen vessel of the Lord.  

In the biblical accounts of Jesus' interaction with his mother, he demonstrates his obedience to her and the love that he feels for her.  The account of Jesus' first miracle recorded in the scriptures, when he turned the water into wine at the marriage in Cana, shows the relationship Mary and Jesus had.  When Mary saw that there was no more wine, she turned to her son for help.  And when Mary asked for help, Jesus responded, "Woman, what wilt thou have me to do for thee? that will I do".

Jesus displayed this same devotion to his mother in the last few moments of his life.  When he saw Mary and the Apostle John standing by the cross, he said: "Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother!". Even in the midst of great pain and suffering, he thought of his mother and her needs.

No other mortal woman will ever have the experiences Mary had of bearing Heavenly Father's physical Son and raising the Messiah.  But Mary did not have to face these tasks alone.  Her husband, Joseph, raised Jesus as his son, teaching and guiding him and preserving his life so he could perform his great mission.

When Jesus tells John "Behold thy Mother", what does he mean? (John 19:26-27)

Bible video Mary the Mother of Jesus. Isn't that picture of Mary SOO beautiful!? 

December 21 - The Betrayal of Jesus

The Betrayal of Jesus

After Jesus finished praying in Gethsemane, he awoke his Apostles, saying, "Rise, let us be going; behold, he is at hand that doth betray  me". While Jesus was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, brought a large group of men that had been sent by the chief priests and elders.  They were carrying swords and clubs.

Judas had plotted with the Jewish leaders to betray Jesus, having agreed to lead them to him if they would pay thirty pieces of silver. Judas told the armed men who accompanied him, "Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast". Judas then came to Jesus and said "Hail, Master, and kissed him". Knowing that Judas had betrayed him, Jesus said, "Judas betryaest thou the Son of Man with a kiss?"

Having been betrayed and seized, Jesus asked the men who held him, "Whom seek ye?". "Jesus of Nazareth," they answered.  Then Jesus said, "I am he," and asked that his followers be allowed to leave unharmed.

Judas betrayed Jesus to the chief priests for 30 pieces of silver.  Do you think it was really about the money or something else? (Matthew 26:14-16)

December 20 - The Ten Lepers

The Ten Lepers

Jesus went to a small town, where He saw ten lepers. These men had sores all over their bodies. Their skin was falling off. Doctors could not help the lepers, and other people were afraid to go near them. The other people thought that they would get sick,too.

The lepers asked Jesus to heal them. They knew that He could make their sores go away.

Jesus wanted them to be well. He told them to go to the priests, so they did. On their way to the priests, the ten lepers were healed. Their sores were gone. Jesus had healed them.

Knowing that Jesus had healed them, one of the lepers went back to thank Jesus. Jesus asked where the other nine lepers were. They had not come back to thank Him. He told the leper who had thanked Him that his faith had made him well.

Why do you think Jesus told them to go see the priests, yet healed them on the way?  (Luke 17:14)

I can't see a Bible video for this one, but if you find one, put it in comments and I'll add it to the post.

December 19 - Jesus Raising Lazarus From the Dead

Raising Lazarus from the Dead

A man named Lazarus lived in Bethany with his sisters, Mary and Martha. Jesus loved Lazarus and his sisters, and they loved Jesus very much. Lazarus became very sick while the Savior was teaching in another town. Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus that Lazarus was sick.

The Savior asked His disciples to go with Him to help Lazarus. The disciples were afraid to go to Bethany. It was near Jerusalem, and some of the people there wanted to kill Jesus. The disciples did not want Him to go near Jerusalem again. Jesus told His disciples that Lazarus was dead and that He would bring him back to life. His miracle would help the disciples know that He was the Savior.

Jesus went to Bethany. Lazarus had been dead for four days. When Jesus came, Martha told Him that Lazarus would not have died if He had been there. Jesus told Martha that Lazarus would live again and asked Martha if she believed Him. Martha said yes. She knew that Jesus was the Savior. Then Martha left Jesus to get her sister, Mary.

Mary went to meet Jesus, too. Many people went with her. She knelt, crying, at the Savior’s feet. The people with her were also crying. Jesus cried. The people knew that He loved Lazarus very much.

Jesus went to the cave where Lazarus was buried. There was a stone in front of it, and He told the people to move the stone. Looking up, He thanked Heavenly Father for hearing His prayers. Jesus asked Heavenly Father to help the people believe that He was the Savior.

Then, in a loud voice, Jesus told Lazarus to come out of the cave. Lazarus, alive again, came out. The people saw the miracle, and many knew that Jesus was the Savior.

When they arrived at the cave, Martha didn't want to open it up.  Why? (John 11:39)


Bible video Lazarus is Raised From the Dead

December 18 - Jesus Healing the Blind

Jesus Healing the Blind

One Sabbath day Jesus saw a man who had been born blind. Jesus' disciples asked him who had sinned to cause this handicap, the  man or his parents.  Jesus answered that neither the man nor his parents had sinned.  Heavenly Father allowed him to be born blind so that the man could be used to show the works of God.

Jesus spat on the ground and made clay of the damp dirt. He placed the clay on the eyes of the blind man.  Jesus said to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam". The blind man did as Jesus said, and a great miracle happened.  When the man came out of the pool, he could see.

The man's neighbors and others who knew him were amazed.  They asked, "Is not this he that sat and begged? Some said, This is he". Others insisted it was someone who looked like him, but the man who had been blind announced, "I am he". He told his friends how Jesus had anointed his eyes and given him his sight.

The Pharisees said that Jesus was a sinner because he had healed a man on the Sabbath day.  "Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles?".

They then asked the man who had been blind who he thought Jesus was.  He answered, "He is a prophet".

Later, Jesus came to the man who had been healed and asked him if he believed in the Son of God.  The man said, "Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?".  Jesus told him that he had seen the Son of God and was talking to him.  The man believed and worshiped Jesus.

Watch the Bible video Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind.

Another picture of this story by Carl Bloch.

December 17 - Mary and the Resurrected Lord

Mary and the Resurrected Lord

Having found Jesus' tomb empty on the third day after His death, Mary Magdalene ran to tell Peter and John. They went back with her and saw for themselves that Jesus' body was not there. After Peter and John went home, Mary stood weeping outside the empty tomb. She looked into the sepulchre and saw two angels in white. Both were sitting where Jesus' body had lain. The angels asked Mary why she was crying. She said, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him".

Mary turned away and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not recognize Him. He asked her why she was crying and whom she was looking for. Mary thought He was the gardener or caretaker and said, "Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away".

Then Jesus said, "Mary." Mary turned and recognized Him and cried, "Rabboni," which means Master.

Jesus asked Mary not to touch Him because He had not yet ascended to His Father in Heaven. He told her to go to the Apostles and tell them that she had seen Him. Jesus said, "Say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God".

Mary hurried to tell the Apostles that she had seen the Lord and that He had spoken to her.

Watch this Bible video to reinforce the story. 

Read The Living Christ today.  When I read it aloud with my family, it only takes 4 minutes.  So, you do have time. :)

What does the resurrection of Jesus Christ mean for you personally?

December 16 - Jesus Praying in Gethsemene

Jesus Praying in Gethsemane

Jesus led His disciples to a garden of olive trees called Gethsemane, where He instructed them, "Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder". Then He went farther into the garden, taking Peter, James, and John, whom He asked to wait nearby and watch while He withdrew to pray.

Jesus' soul was filled with sorrow. Knowing that the time had come when He must suffer great agony to atone for the sins of the world, Jesus fell to the ground and prayed, "O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt".

An angel from heaven appeared to Jesus, "strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground".

Then Jesus arose from prayer and went back to Peter, James, and John, who were sleeping. He said to Peter, "What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation".

Again Jesus went to pray, and again He returned to the three Apostles and found them asleep." [Then] he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time. ... Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners".

In the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus suffered for our sins.

Watch this powerful video to remind yourself of the miracle and mercy of Christ's Atonement. 

Watch this Bible video to reinforce the story above.

Did Jesus not want to do this, was He scared? 

(Mark 14:33-36)

December 15 - Christ With the Three Nephites

Christ with the Three Nephites

At the end of his ministry to the people of Nephi, Christ asked his twelve disciples what they desired of him after he returned to Heavenly Father.  Three of the disciples did not dare ask for what they wanted most.  But Jesus knew their thoughts and told them their desire was the same as that of John the Beloved in Jerusalem.  They wanted to remain on earth until Jesus came again so they could serve others and teach the word of the Lord.

Jesus blessed these three Nephite disciples and promised them they would "live to behold all the doings of the Father unto the children of men, even until all things shall be fulfilled according to the will of the Father, when I shall come in my glory with the powers of heaven".  The Savior explained that they would not die during this time and that they would not suffer physical pain.  He promised that because of their righteous desire to teach the people, they would receive great fulness of joy in the kingdom of God.

As the three Nephites served among the people, they were cast into prison, but the prisons could not hold them.  They were thrown into a furnace three times but were not harmed.  They were twice cast into a den of wild beasts, but they played with the beasts and were not hurt.

These disciples preached the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the land, and many were converted and baptized.  Mormon, as he abridged the Nephite record, was going to write the names of the three but was stopped by the Spirit since their identity was to remain hidden. Mormon testified that he had seen these three Nephites and they had ministered unto him.  Mormon also testified that "great and marvelous works shall be wrought by them".

What did the other 9 disciples desire of Christ? (3 Nephi 28:2)  
What 2 things did Christ promise the 3 Nephites? (3 Nephi 28:8,9)

December 14 - Jesus Teaching in the Western Hemisphere

Jesus Teaching in the Western Hemisphere

After Jesus' Resurrection, He visited the Nephites in the land of Bountiful. Jesus had the people come to Him one by one to feel the prints of the nails in His hands and feet. He wanted them to know He was the resurrected Savior. The Nephites fell down and worshiped Him.

Jesus gave Nephi and eleven other men the power to baptize and give the gift of the Holy Ghost. He taught them how to baptize and told them to teach the gospel to the Nephites.

Jesus asked the multitude to listen to these twelve men and be baptized. He then taught them what He had taught the Jews in the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus said the Nephites were the other sheep He had spoken of in Jerusalem.

Jesus healed the sick and prayed with the people. As He blessed their children, angels came down from heaven and ministered to them.

Jesus taught the Nephites about the sacrament. He told them to pray for themselves, their families, and others.

At the end of the day, Jesus left the Nephites. The next morning Jesus' chosen disciples divided the multitude into twelve groups and taught them. Nephi was baptized, then baptized the other eleven disciples. They were then filled with the Holy Ghost. Angels came and ministered to them, and suddenly Jesus appeared and ministered to them.

Jesus had the multitude kneel and asked the disciples to pray. Then He also prayed. During one of His prayers the Savior's words were so marvelous they could not be written or spoken by mortals.

After administering the sacrament again, Jesus continued teaching the Nephites. He told them about the importance of the scriptures. He talked about His Second Coming and commanded the people to pay tithes and offerings. Jesus taught the Nephites for three days and met with them many times after that.

One day the disciples were fasting and praying, trying to decide what to call the Church. Jesus appeared to them and told them that because it was His Church, it should be named after Him. Jesus ended His ministry among the Nephites by blessing His disciples.

What do you think the Nephites thought and felt when Christ told them that they were the other sheep he had spoken of in Jerusalem? 

(3 Nephi 15:21) 

December 13 - Christ Walking on the Water

Christ Walking on the Water

When Jesus Christ heard the news that Herod had beheaded John the Baptist, "he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart". But thousands of people followed Him from their cities, bringing their sick with them. So Jesus spent the day healing the sick, and that evening He fed the multitude with five loaves of bread and two fishes.

After having spent the day with His followers, Jesus once again sought an opportunity to be alone. He asked His disciples to go ahead on a ship while He sent the multitude home. Then "he went up into a mountain apart to pray". But while He was praying, a storm came up on the sea. The ship the disciples were on was in the middle of the sea being blown about by the winds and tossed by the waves. Jesus went out to them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw Him coming toward them, they thought it was a spirit and were frightened.

Jesus immediately calmed their fears, saying, "Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid".

The Apostle Peter answered, "Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water". Jesus told Peter to come, so Peter got out of the boat and began walking on the water toward Jesus. But when Peter saw the fierce winds and waves, he became afraid. He started to sink and cried out for Jesus to save him. Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught Peter, saying, "O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?".

When Peter and Jesus were back on the ship, the winds ceased and the sea was calm once again. The disciples had seen all that had happened and worshiped Jesus, saying, "Of a truth thou art the Son of God".

What made Peter start to sink? (Matthew 14:30)

December 12 - Christ and the Children

Christ and the Children

The multitudes brought their young children for Jesus to bless, but the disciples told them to go away, feeling that Jesus should not be bothered with children.

"But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God". Jesus then taught that only those people who accept the gospel with the faith of a little child could enter the kingdom of God.

Jesus loved the children and “took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them”.

Why do you think the people wanted to bring their children to see, touch or hear Jesus? (Mark 10:13)

December 11 - Mary and Martha

Mary and Martha

Jesus went to the home of His friends Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Mary sat at Jesus' feet to hear His teachings, while Martha prepared a meal. Martha wanted Mary to help with the work, so she said to Jesus, "Bid [Mary] therefore that she help me".

Jesus understood how Martha felt, but He told her that Mary was wise in choosing to listen to Him. His teachings would stay with her always.

Consider this:

Feasting on the word of God each day is more important than sleep, school, work, television shows, video games, or social media. You may need to reorganize your priorities to provide time for the study of the word of God. 

If so, do it! 

~Richard G. Scott source