I am thankful for the
Savior Jesus Christ
by Melanie Day
 

How many of you have a best friend?  Do you know your friend really well? Do you know if your friend likes to read or to sing or is kind to others? Do you spend time together? You probably like to do many of the same things, right? Even if best friends don’t look alike, they often think alike. Sometimes a good friend lives so far away you have to write letters or phone long distance, but you can still be friends. 

You have another good friend whom you know a lot about. You know where He was born and what His mother’s name was. You know that He went to the temple when He was twelve years old. You know that when He grew up to be a man, He was baptized in the River Jordan by His cousin, John the Baptist. You probably know many of the stories about His life and what He taught. You know that He loves you. Did you know that the more you come to know this wonderful Friend, Jesus Christ, the more you will understand that He can be your very best friend?

ACTIVITY & SONG: Have the children sit in a circle. Pass a beanbag around as the pianist plays “I’m Trying to Be like Jesus” (CS, pp. 78–79). Play "My Gospel Pizza". 

-Click here for pizza card (photocopy four times to make a whole pizza), color and laminate
-Click here for pepperoni cards (16 total), color and laminate

When the music stops, the child holding the beanbag gets to draw a card.  Have the child or a presidency member read the situation, then ask and discuss, “What does Jesus Christ want you to do?” There may be more than one good solution.

SUMMARY: President Kimball said it well when he said, "The Savior loves you. Recall with me how He commanded the little ones to be brought to Him, and then how He knelt with them and blessed them! “… The eye hath never seen, neither hath the ear heard, before, so great and marvelous things as we saw and heard Jesus speak unto the Father.” (3 Ne. 17:16.) Following the prayer, Jesus wept. Then He blessed each little child and wept again. Boys and girls, we hope you realize the depth of love and breadth of concern that our Savior has for you, and that we have for you also. We thank God for a Savior who suffered the little children to come unto Him."  Share your testimony of Christ.

SOME OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:

Coloring Page
Jesus Loves Everyone Card