The March 30-April 12, 2020 Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families suggests watching the video series Special Witnesses of Christ discussing “what they teach us about what the Savior has done for us.” As you view the videos by Elder Gerrit W. Gong and Elder Ulisses Soares, notice the locations, seasons, and imagery included in the videos and ponder how they affected your thoughts and memories. Listen for inspiring words and phrases about the gospel of Jesus Christ and consider ways to relate their words to yourself and your family. Ask questions, listen to the Spirit, and record your impressions in a personal journal. Discuss your insights with family, friends, and neighbors. You may want to try some of the “activities to consider” related to each Apostle’s testimony.
Elder Gong: “A Mosaic of God’s Love”
Elder Gong begins by pointing out that on a clear night the human eye can see approximately 7500 stars.
The brightest star comes, of course, with the dawning of the sun. Both types of heavenly lights are manifestations that: “In the beginning God created the Heaven and the Earth. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light” (Genesis 1:1,3). These divine lights help Elder Gong to see in each individual face a “mosaic of God’s love.”
To better understand what Elder Gong is teaching about the “divine symmetry” of love, carefully consider the following excerpts from his testimony:
- “This beautiful stained-glass window [pointing to a portrayal of Joseph Smith’s First Vision] depicts foundational truths about life’s eternal purpose and harmony.”
- “God invites us to love Him and to love those around us as He does. As we do, we feel fulfilment and joy, greater love for and from God, and greater love for and from our neighbor.
- “I know that by being true to sacred ordinances and covenants we can make in holy temples, we can return to the presence of God, and our families can be united eternally.”
- God’s love is intimate and infinite. It fills the universe, yet is personal to each of us one by one. God’s commandments, given in love to bless us, teach us His plan and His covenant path.”
Activities to Consider:
- Find opportunities to view the stars at night and discuss how you feel when you behold their awesome beauty.
- To better understand the meaning of mosaic, plan a family home evening where you piece together a puzzle that reveals an inspiring picture, design, or spiritual event.
- Prayerfully look for opportunities to minister to someone in need.
- Attend the temple and complete ordinances for deceased family members.
- Review the commandments of God that have blessed you on the covenant path. Consider singing “Count Your Blessings,” (Hymns, no. 241).
Elder Ulisses Soares: Keep the Spirit of Christmas All Year
Elder Soares begins his testimony at the Salt Lake Temple with a backdrop of thousands of Christmas lights.
He recounts the Old Testament prophesy by Isaiah concerning the birth of Jesus Christ: “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).
Next, Elder Soares recounts the actual events of the birth of Jesus and the spiritual signs revealed to shepherds who went and worshipped the newborn Lord (Luke 2:1-20). Elder Soares also briefly reviews the loving ministry of the Savior: giving food to the hungry, welcoming and blessing children, His suffering in Gethsemane, death at Golgotha, and Resurrection from the dead.
In pondering what we should learn from Christ’s exemplary life, carefully review the following quotes from the testimony of Elder Soares:
- “These selfless acts were not limited to a specific season or holiday but were evident in all He did, every day of His life.”
- “His example can help us become more interested in people and think of their needs before we think of our own.”
- “I promise that we’ll find limitless opportunities to experience the real joy and the true meaning of Christmas, which may become a condition of our heart and mind and not just a day or season.”
- “I testify that His life was the perfect example of how all mankind should live. I witness that if we follow His footsteps, we may become like Him, which can only happen through His name and His Atonement.”
Activities to Consider:
- Plan an Easter activity. For example: decorating eggs, having a picnic, rolling some eggs down a hill to teach the symbolism of an angel “rolling back the stone from the door [of the Savior’s sepulchre]” (Matthew 28:1-2; see also: Mark 16:4; Luke 24:2; John 20:1).
- Plan ways to minister and help someone. For example, make donations to a local food bank.
- Study the account of the resurrected Savior’s visit to the Americas (3 Nephi 11-28). You may want to encourage family members to imagine what it would have been like to feel the Redeemer’s wounds (3 Nephi 11:14-15) or to be one of the children He blessed (3 Nephi 17:21).