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Old Testament Prophets foretold
the coming of the Savior
by Melanie Day
From the time of Adam, righteous men looked forward to
the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The prophets taught that Jesus
Christ would come to save all of Heavenly Father’s children from death. They
also taught that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, men could be
forgiven of their sins and return to Heavenly Father. Many of the prophets
knew of the birth of the Savior, Jesus Christ, long before it happened.
Ask “If you had a message that you wanted people throughout the world to
receive, how could you send it?” (Telephone, satellite, television,
Internet, etc.)
Would that have been possible two thousand years ago?
Explain that two thousand years ago something wonderful was going to
happen—Jesus Christ was going to be born. Heavenly Father wanted people all
over the earth to know about it, so he sent prophets to tell the people of
the signs of the Savior’s birth.
SING: “Samuel Tells of the Baby Jesus” (CS, p. 36)
Show a map of the world. Ask where else people saw a new star on the night
of the Savior’s birth. Explain that although Bethlehem was a great distance
from Zarahemla (somewhere in the Americas), people knew of the birth of the
Savior by seeing the same star. Even far away in the East, the Wise Men (GAK
203) had been watching for the star to appear. They knew that it was a sign
that the Savior had been born. When they saw it, they traveled a long way to
come and worship the child (see
Matt. 2:1–12; including footnote 2a).
SING: Have the children stand (then sit down) each time they sing the
word peace in “The Nativity Song,” page 52 (Children’s Songbook).
Discuss with the children Christ’s mission as the Prince of Peace.
Explain that just as people watched and prepared for the Savior’s birth, we
need to watch and be prepared for His Second Coming.
SING: “He Sent His Son” (Children’s Songbook, page 34)
Isaiah was a prophet who lived in Jerusalem about 700 years before the birth
of the Savior. He wrote many things about important events that had not yet
taken place. Many of the wonderful prophesies of Isaiah are about the
Savior. “Behold,” he wrote, “a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and
shall call his name Immanuel” [Tell
the story of Isaiah using these pictures and story board]
ACTIVITY: Christ's life
was the perfect example of service. As a way to serve and brighten
someone else's day have the children trace both of their hands. Have
them color and cut them out wishing someone else a Merry Christmas.
Take all the hands to a local rest home, Meals on Wheels Program or a
hospital to have them pass out each child's hand with someone's meal to wish
them a Merry Christmas from your Primary.
SUMMARY: Prophets today as well as in ancient times prophesied
of Christ's birth, death and resurrection. It is only because of the
Savior that we have the possibility of returning to live with our Father in
Heaven and our families. Share your testimony.
OTHER ACTIVITIES:
Coloring Sheet (Taken from
Primary 6 Manual)
SOURCES
“Isaiah Prophesies of the Savior,” Friend,
Mar. 1998, 34
Primary 6, 46: Prophets Foretold the Birth of Jesus
Christ (Christmas), Purpose, 207
Sharing Time: The Prophets Testify of Jesus Christ’s
Birth, Friend, Dec. 1997, 14
Sharing Time: What a Joyful Day! Friend, Dec. 2001, 21
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