Symbols of Christmas

by Lara Goold

Materials needed: scriptures, treats for end of treasure hunt, tape, shoebox, wrapping paper, scissors, and glue for
Manger Scene Shadow Box

Preparation: Prepare the treasure hunt in advance of FHE, so you can use it as an opening activity

Purpose: Teach family members the true meaning of Christmas and to see reminders of Christ‟s birth and life in the
traditional objects associated with Christmas

Scripture: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and
his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of
Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

Songs: “Christmas Bells”, Children‟s Songbook page 54

“Picture a Christmas”, Children‟s Songbook, page 50
“Away in a Manger”, Children‟s Songbook, page 42

Opening song and prayer:

Opening Activity:
“Teach the Children” Treasure Hunt: In advance, hide the clues in the places indicated at the top of
each clue. Have the children follow the treasure hunt and bring back the treats to eat while you finish the
lesson. (Or if treats at the beginning is too much stimulation, just make it an ending activity instead).

“Teach the Children” Story with the flannel board figures: Tell or read the story of “Teach the
Children” and have the children hold up each object as it is mentioned in the story, then attach it to the
tree. Discuss how the symbols of the season can remind us about the true meaning of Christmas. Make
sure you reinforce these meanings in the future to help keep it fresh in their minds.

Lesson:
Kids Retell the Nativity: Using the flannel board figures have the KIDS retell the story of Christ‟s
birth. Give them assistance if needed, but try to let them be as independent as possible.

Review/Quiz: Go through the symbols on the tree you decorated previously during, “Teach the
Children” and see how many of the meanings the children remember. Use the enclosed review sheet if
necessary or even hang it up in the house to help you all remember throughout the season.

Activity:
Manger Scene Shadow Bow: Using the enclosed visuals, a shoebox, wrapping paper, scissors, and glue
make the Manger Scene Shadow Box as directed. Keep it out through the season for the kids to play
with.

Closing song and prayer:

Refreshments: see recipe below

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Grandma’s English Toffee
The ingredients:
1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 Tbs. light Karo syrup
1/4 cup water
saltine crackers
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup sliced almonds (optional)

To prepare: Arrange saltines salty side up on cookie sheet. Have the chocolate chips measured and nearby.
Have a glass with cold water right next to the stove, ready to test the stage of the candy.Combine the butter,
syrup, sugar, and water and stir constantly on medium-high heat until boiling. Boil until it reaches the hard
crack stage (when dropped into the cold water it will crack and break easily) and the mixture will be brown (no
longer golden). It took about 10-12 minutes for me to reach this point.

When you've reached the hard crack stage--pour and spread quickly covering the saltines. Immediately pour the
chocolate chips over the hot mixture and spread them covering the toffee (they will melt themselves when they
touch the hot toffee). Spread the sliced almonds over the top, pushing them down slightly with the back of the
spoon. Allow to cool and set. Break apart into bite size pieces. Enjoy!

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Treasure Hunt Clues: (Cut apart into strips)

(Keep this clue to begin the treasure hunt.)

1 A fir tree is so pretty and green
All through the year, Just like God’s love for us that is so dear
1 Your next clue you will find where your parents rest their mind.
(Hide this clue on the parent‟s pillows)
2 The star that sparkled in the night
showed shepherds where to go.
To find another clue for you, look where you watch a show.
(Hide this clue near the TV)
3 Candles sparkle at Christmas time
we see them everywhere.
It’s time to find another clue look where you wash your hair.
(Hide this clue in the shower)
4 Wreaths bring warmth and joy to all,
Their colors bright and bold
To find a clue that’s meant for you, look where food is always cold.
(Hide this clue in the refrigerator)
5 Ornaments shine in Christmas trees
they shimmer, glow, and gleam.
Now off to find another clue, look where your hands you go to clean.
(Hide this clue near the bathroom sink)
6 Holly green, holly red,
Holly on your head.
For your next clue, go look under the cushion of the couch.
(Hide this clue under the cushion of a couch)
7 Gifts are wonderful to receive,
but to give is even better.
To find a gift that was meant for all, look where you would find a letter.
(Hide this clue in the mailbox)
8 A candy cane is red and white,
it’s a favorite Christmas treat.
To find another clue for you, look where guests you always greet.
(Hide this clue near the front door)
9 When bells you hear at Christmas time,
it puts you in the mood.
Now off again to find a clue, look where you eat your food.
(Hide this and your plate of treats under the kitchen table [or on a chair])
10 Yay! You found the treat! Now go back to where the lesson is
and eat quietly while mom and dad teach you to be a Christmas whiz!

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“Teach the Children” Flannel board figures: Print onto cardstock , cut, laminate if desired.

For more ready-to-print FHE lessons visit http://thegoldenseven.blogspot.com.

“Teach the Children” Flannel board figures: Print onto cardstock , cut, laminate if desired.

For more ready-to-print FHE lessons visit http://thegoldenseven.blogspot.com.

“Teach the Children” Flannel board figures: Print onto cardstock , cut, laminate if desired.

For more ready-to-print FHE lessons visit http://thegoldenseven.blogspot.com.

Teach the Children:
(Have the children hold up each object as you come to it in the story, then tape it to the tree.)

Just a week before Christmas I had a visitor. This is how it happened…I just finished the household chores for
the night and was preparing to go to bed, when I heard a noise in the front of the house. I opened the door to the
family room and to my surprise, Santa himself stepped out from behind the tree.

He placed his finger over his mouth so I would not cry out. “What are you doing?” I started to ask, but the
words got choked up in my throat as I saw that he had tears in his eyes. His usual jolly manner was gone.

Gone was the eager, boisterous soul we all know. He then answered me with a simple statement, “TEACH
THE CHILDREN!” I was puzzled; what did he mean?

He anticipated my question, and with one quick movement brought forth a miniature toy bag from behind the
tree. I stood bewildered. Santa said, “Teach the children. Teach them the true meaning of Christmas. The
meaning that people seem to have forgotten in these days.”

Santa then reached into his bag and pulled out a FIR TREE and placed it before the mantle. “Teach the
children that the pure green color of the stately fir tree remains green all year round, depicting the everlasting
hope of mankind while needles point heavenward, making it a symbol of man‟s thoughts turning toward
heaven.”

He again reached into his bag and pulled out a brilliant STAR. “Teach the children that the star was the
heavenly sign of promises long ago. God promised a Savior for the world, and the star was the sign of
fulfillment of His promise.”

He then reached into his bag and pulled out a CANDLE. “Teach the children that the candle symbolizes that
Christ is the light of the world, and when we see this great light we are reminded of He who displaces
darkness.”

Once again he reached into his bag and removed a WREATH and placed it on the tree. “Teach the children
that the wreath symbolizes the real nature of love. Real love never ends. Just as the wreath is one continuous
round, love is one continuous round of affection.”

He then pulled from his bag an ORNAMENT of HIMSELF (SANTA). “Teach the children that I, Santa
Claus symbolize the generosity and good will we feel during the Christmas season.”

Next he brought out a HOLLY LEAF. “Teach the children that the holly plant represents immortality. It
represents the crown of thorns worn by our Savior. The red holly represents the blood shed by Him.”

Next he pulled from his bag a GIFT and said, “Teach the children that „God so loved the world that he gave his
only begotten son…‟ Just as the wise men bowed before the holy babe and presented him with gold,
frankincense and myrrh, we should always give gifts in the same selfless spirit of the wise man.”

Santa then reached into his bag and pulled out a CANDY CANE and hung it on the tree. “Teach the children
that the candy cane represents the shepherd‟s crook. The crook on the staff helps to bring back sheep that have

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strayed back to the fold. The candy cane represents that we are our brother‟s keeper and can help other‟s to
return to the fold of God.”

Suddenly I heard a soft twinkling sound and from his bag he pulled out a BELL. “Teach the children that as
the sheep are found by the sound of the bell, it should ring mankind to the fold. The bell symbolizes guidance
and return.”

Santa looked back and was pleased. He looked back at me and I saw that the twinkle was back in his eyes. He
said, “Remember, teach the children the true meaning of Christmas and do not put me in the center, for I am but
a humble servant of the one that is and I bow down to worship our Lord, our God.”

For more ready-to-print FHE lessons visit http://thegoldenseven.blogspot.com.

Nativity Flannel Board Figures: Print onto cardstock , cut, laminate if desired. Mount with magnets or Velcro.

For more ready-to-print FHE lessons visit http://thegoldenseven.blogspot.com.

Nativity Flannel Board Figures: Print onto cardstock , cut, laminate if desired. Mount with magnets or Velcro.

For more ready-to-print FHE lessons visit http://thegoldenseven.blogspot.com.

Nativity Flannel Board Figures: Print onto cardstock , cut, laminate if desired. Mount with magnets or Velcro.

For more ready-to-print FHE lessons visit http://thegoldenseven.blogspot.com.

Nativity Flannel Board Figures: Print onto cardstock , cut, laminate if desired. Mount with magnets or Velcro.

For more ready-to-print FHE lessons visit http://thegoldenseven.blogspot.com.

Nativity Flannel Board Figures: Print onto cardstock , cut, laminate if desired. Mount with magnets or Velcro.

For more ready-to-print FHE lessons visit http://thegoldenseven.blogspot.com.

Christmas Symbols Review: How well do you know them?

* everlasting hope of mankind.

* man‟s thoughts turning heavenward in gratitude and hope.

1
*the birth of our Savior was the fulfillment of promises of long ago.

* a light of hope in this world

*we can be a light to those around us when we live the commandments.

* the never-ending love of God.

* generosity and goodwill of the Christmas season.

* immortality
*crown of thorns worn by our Savior before his death
* the blood He shed for us.

* generous gifts the wise men gave to Jesus Christ

*an incomparable gift our Savior‟s sacrifice is for us.

* shepherd‟s crook
*bringing lost sheep back into the fold.

* people returning to Christ and His guidance.

For more ready-to-print FHE lessons visit http://thegoldenseven.blogspot.com.

Manger Scene Shadow Box

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Manger Scene Shadow Box

For more ready-to-print FHE lessons visit http://thegoldenseven.blogspot.com.