From
Come, Follow Me :
The Book of Mormon opens with Nephi's promise to show us that "the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith" (1 Nephi 1:20). The book closes with a similar message from Moroni as he prepared to "seal up" the records: he invited us to "remember how merciful the Lord hath been" (Moroni 10:2–3). Even if we think only of the many mercies recorded in the Book of Mormon, this gives us a lot to think about. What examples come to your mind? You might ponder the merciful way God led Lehi's family through the wilderness and across the great waters, the tender mercies He showed to Enos when his soul hungered for forgiveness, or the mercy He showed to Alma, a bitter enemy of the Church who became one of its fearless defenders. Or your thoughts might turn to the mercy the resurrected Savior showed to the people when He healed their sick and blessed their little children. Perhaps most important, all of this can remind you of "how merciful the Lord hath been" to you, for one of the main purposes of the Book of Mormon is to invite each of us to receive God's mercy—an invitation expressed simply in Moroni's farewell words, "Come unto Christ, and be perfected in him" (Moroni 10:32).
You will find many examples in the Book of Mormon of the tender mercies of the Lord. If you look back over your own life, even just this past year, you will find many examples of the Lord's hand in your life. These experiences can help you as you continue forward.
Tender Mercies
Discuss with your family the tender mercies that you and your family have received from the Lord just this past year. What tender mercies have you experienced during your study of the Book of Mormon? What tender mercies have you and your family received from your work in family history? Talk about how these experiences can help you going forward? You could record these experiences in
individual journals, a
family journal, an
audio recording, or any method you choose.
Ancestor Tender Mercies
What tender mercies are you aware of in the lives of your ancestors? What tender mercies may they have experienced as they joined The Church of Jesus Christ? How may they have been blessed in facing personal challenges? Tell
ancestors' stories as a family and identify some tender mercies.
Moroni 10:3–7
I can know the truth by the power of the Holy Ghost.
From Come, Follow Me :
The promise in Moroni 10:3–7 has changed the lives of millions of people around the world. How has it changed yours? Whether you are seeking to gain or to strengthen your testimony of the Book of Mormon, Moroni's invitation applies to you.
This promise not only applies to the Book of Mormon but to any truth of which you desire to gain a testimony. As the video below illustrates, "Heavenly Father is pleased with us when we seek to discover truth. He loves to teach us line upon line, precept on precept. As we strive to learn from and rely on Him, He will bless us to see things as they really are."
Book of Mormon Testimonies
What of the various principles taught in the Book of Mormon have touched your family this past year? How has each member of your family come to know the truth of the Book of Mormon? Invite family members to share their testimony of the Book of Mormon. You may suggest each member record their individual testimony in an
individual journals, a
family journal, an
audio recording. Recording your testimony will not only help you in the future but can strengthen your posterity as they are inspired by your words.
Family History Testimonies and Blessings
You can also increase your faith and testimony through family history and temple work "As we faithfully seek information about ancestors with the purpose of performing temple ordinances, we'll be exposed to events and impressions that will perceptibly show the Lord's hand in this work." (Elder Joni L. Koch,
Increase Faith (and Testimony) through Family History and Temple Work)
Read
The Testimony of a Youth Family History Consultant to see how one young woman's testimony grew through her calling in family history.
Discuss as a family how your testimony of family history has grown. What experiences have you had? List some of the blessings that come through temple and family history work. How have these blessings strengthened your testimony. Again, you may want to record these in an
individual journals, a
family journal, an
audio recording. A list of some of these blessings can be found in Elder Dale G. Renlund's talk,
Family History and Temple Work: Sealing and Healing, if you need help getting started.
Moroni 10:8–18
From Come, Follow Me :
Christmas is a natural time to think about receiving gifts. Perhaps family members could wrap gifts for each other that represent the "gifts of God" mentioned in Moroni 10:9–16. These gifts could also represent other good gifts that come from Christ that they see in one another.
As you prepare to give gifts at this Christmas time, consider some gifts that might share the joy you experience from living the gospel and from doing temple and family history work. "[W]hen we feel the joy that comes from living the gospel, it's natural to want to share that joy with others. And you can do that by participating in family history, giving your ancestors—and you—gifts that will last for eternity ... Giving the gift of temple ordinances to your ancestors blesses them and you." (
The Gift of Family History)
Share a Testimony of the Book of Mormon
In activities above, you have already recorded memorable experiences with your study of the Book of Mormon. What might you extract from these experiences to share with others as a gift this Christmas? Discuss how you might share your testimony of the Book of Mormon with others?
A couple of ideas to get you thinking are:
- Place a picture of your family with a short testimony inside the Book of Mormon and give to a family member, neighbor or friend.
- Give a written copy of your testimony to your children or extended family.
Family Tree Fan Chart
Print a copy of your family tree and give to family members. A fan chart shows your family lines listing the names of ancestors as well as their birth and death years. You could also choose to do a fan chart which colors the boxes to indicate the birth countries of your ancestors.
Read Free Genealogy Fan Chart | Print Family Tree Template for more information.
Gift of Family History
Prepare and give a family history gift to a family member. Family history gifts can make a perfect, memorable Christmas gift! Legacy Tree gives four fun ways you can
Give the Gift of a Family History Christmas by:
- Giving the gift of research
- Telling stories
- Creating a photo album
- Sharing family traditions
Your Personal History
Write one brief story about your life as you study each
Come, Follow Me lesson. By the end of the year, you will have compiled 50 stories to add to your personal history. Save as a story (also consider
audio-recording it) and add it to your FamilySearch memories to preserve it. Use your own questions, those from (or inspired by) Come,Follow Me, or the
#52 Stories Project. See below for ideas:
- What are the most memorable and treasured gifts you have received throughout your life—from any gift-giving occasion?
- What spiritual gifts have you been given?
- What will be the greatest achievement of your life? Is it behind you or still ahead of you?
