January 3-9
2 Genesis 1-2; Moses 2-3; Abraham 4-5
"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth"
Materials: Art Supplies, labeled paper paper, creation picture, drawings, play dough
Opening Song: "My Heavenly Father Loves Me" (Children's Songbook, 228)
Opening Prayer:
Attention Activity:
Before FHE, print out the drawings below and put them into a bowl. Have each family member take a picture without showing anyone what it is. Have them sculpt with play dough what is in the drawing and the rest of the family can guess what the item is.
Lesson:
Last week we talked about the talk Moses had with God on the mountain. That chapter acts as an introduction to the Bible because it answers a lot of the questions we have about life and our Heavenly Father's Plan. This week we are going to start at the beginning... or in the beginning. We are going to talk about the creation.
The creation story is recorded 3 times in scripture; once in Genesis, which is the account that most Judeo-Christians believe. The others are found in the Pearl of Great Price in the books of Moses and Abraham. These accounts compliment and enrich the account found in Genesis. Take turns reading Genesis 1:1. Moses 2:2, and Abraham 4:1-2.
To learn more about what happened during each of the stages of creation. We are going to do an art activity.
Activity:
Before FHE, label 6 pieces of paper with the 6 days of creation, 1 day of creation/paper. Set out art supplies. Pass out the 6 pieces of paper to your family (if your have a small family, family members can do two; larger families can work in teams.) Have your family illustrate what God created on the day indicated on each paper. When finished, have family members take turns sharing their art starting with day 1.
Day 1: God created day/light and night/dark.
Day 2: God created the sky and the ocean.
Day 3: God created the land, plants, and trees.
Day 4: God created the sun, moon, and stars.
Day 5: God created birds and fish.
Day 6: God created animals and man.
We what God did in the first 6 days to created the earth. What did God do on the 7th day? Read Moses 3:2-3. God rested on the 7th day and he made it holy. How do we commemorate this? Every seven days, we also rest from our labor. We keep the sabbath day holy by attending church and by making Sundays a special day where we can concentrate on the Savior and His gospel.
Why do you think it is important for us to learn about the creation? What is so significant knowing the Jesus Christ created the earth under the direction of Heavenly Father? Read the following paragraph from the Come Follow Me For Individuals and Families 2022 manual:
"Because the world around us is so beautiful and majestic, it is hard to imagine the earth when it was “without form, and void,” “empty and desolate” (Genesis 1:2; Abraham 4:2). One thing the Creation story teaches us is that God can make something magnificent out of something unorganized. That’s helpful to remember when life seems chaotic. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are Creators, and Their creative work with us is not finished. They can make light shine in dark moments in our lives. They can form solid ground in the midst of life’s stormy seas. They can command the elements, and if we obey Their word like the elements did, They can transform us into the beautiful creations we were meant to be. That’s part of what it means to be created in God’s image, after His likeness (see Genesis 1:26). We have the potential to become like Him: exalted, glorified, celestial beings."
Learning about the creation reminds us of Christ's power and influence. It reminds us that God is ultimately in control and that Heavenly Father's Plan is coming true fruition. Our knowledge of the creation helps to keep us humble and grateful for all that we have been given. As we study and learn about the creation, we keep in mind the big picture of God's plan for his children. It puts our lives and trials into perspective.
Bear your testimony of the creation.
Closing Song: "All things bright and beautiful" (Children's Songbook, 231)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Creation Snack Mix recipe here
