Come, Follow Me
December 13th – December 19th
Doctrine and Covenants
The Family:
A Proclamation to the World
Compiled with love by the Blodgett Family — free to use, share, and enjoy with your family ☺
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The Family: A Proclamation to the World�“The Family is Central to the Creator's Plan”
Families are central to Heavenly Father’s plan
I am a “beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents.”
I “will be held accountable before God” for the way I treat my family
Families are happiest when they follow Jesus Christ
“We call upon responsible citizens...to maintain and strengthen the family.”
Can I receive the promised blessings if my family situation is less than ideal?
Image above: Family Proclamation
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Families are central to Heavenly Father’s plan
Families are central to Heavenly Father’s plan
SCRIPTURE
We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children…
We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan.
- Family Proclamation Paragraphs 1, 5
Families are central to Heavenly Father’s plan
Robert D. Hales
Former Member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
When families are functioning as designed by God, the relationships found therein are the most valued of mortality. The plan of the Father is that family love and companionship will continue into the eternities. Being one in a family carries a great responsibility of caring, loving, lifting, and strengthening each member of the family so that all can righteously endure to the end in mortality and dwell together throughout eternity. It is not enough just to save ourselves. It is equally important that parents, brothers, and sisters are saved in our families…This is why we teach that families are forever. The eternal nature of an individual becomes the eternal nature of the family.
- Elder Robert D. Hales, “The Eternal Family,”�General Conference, October 1996
When Joseph Went to Bethlehem�(Children's Songbook #38)
MUSIC
1. When Joseph went to Bethlehem, I think he took great care
To place his tools and close his shop and leave no shavings there.
He urged the donkey forward then, with Mary on its back,
And carried bread and goat cheese in a little linen sack.
2. I think there at the busy inn that he was meek and mild
And awed to be the guardian of Mary’s sacred child.
Perhaps all through the chilly hours he smoothed the swaddling bands,
And Jesus felt the quiet strength of Joseph’s gentle hands.
3. And close beside the manger bed, he dimmed the lantern’s light
And held the little Jesus close upon that holy night.
Words and music: Patricia Kelsey Graham, b. 1940. © 1983 IRI
Families are central to Heavenly Father’s plan
5:55
I am a “beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents.”
I am a “beloved spirit son or daughter of �heavenly parents.”
SCRIPTURE
All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.
In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshipped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize their divine destiny as heirs of eternal life…
- Family Proclamation Paragraphs 2-3
I am a “beloved spirit son or daughter of �heavenly parents.”
Donald L. Hallstrom
Former Member of the Presidency of the Seventy
Our most fundamental doctrine includes the knowledge that we are children of a living God…This doctrine is so basic, so oft stated, and so instinctively simple that it can seem to be ordinary, when in reality it is among the most extraordinary knowledge we can obtain. A correct understanding of our heavenly heritage is essential to exaltation…
With few exceptions, everyone participating in this meeting could right now, without written lyrics or music, sing “I Am a Child of God.” This beloved hymn is one of the most often sung in this Church. But the critical question is, do we really know it? Do we know it in our mind and in our heart and in our soul? Is our heavenly parentage our first and most profound identity?
- Elder Donald L. Hallstrom, “I Am a Child of God,”�General Conference, April 2016
He Sent His Son�(Children’s Songbook #34)
MUSIC
How could the Father tell the world of love and tenderness?
He sent his Son, a newborn babe, with peace and holiness.
How could the Father show the world the pathway we should go?
He sent his Son to walk with men on earth, that we may know.
How could the Father tell the world of sacrifice, of death?
He sent his Son to die for us and rise with living breath.
What does the Father ask of us? What do the scriptures say?
Have faith, have hope, live like his Son, help others on their way.
What does he ask? Live like his Son.
Click HERE to view a
Slideshow of lyrics!
Words: Mabel Jones Gabbott, 1910–2004
Music: Michael Finlinson Moody, b. 1941 �© 1982 by Mabel Jones Gabbott and Michael Finlinson Moody. Arr. © 1989 IRI.
I am a “beloved spirit son or daughter of �heavenly parents.”
I “will be held accountable before God” for the way I treat my family
I “will be held accountable before God” for the way I treat my family
SCRIPTURE
Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations…
We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God.
- Family Proclamation Paragraphs 6, 8
I “will be held accountable before God” for the way I treat my family
Quentin L. Cook
Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
How we treat those closest to us is of fundamental importance. Violence, abuse, lack of civility, and disrespect in the home are not acceptable—not acceptable for adults and not acceptable for the rising generation…Regardless of the culture in which we are raised, and whether our parents did or did not abuse us, we must not physically, emotionally, or verbally abuse anyone else.
The need for civility in society has never been more important. The foundation of kindness and civility begins in our homes…Parents, the days are long past when regular, active participation in Church meetings and programs, though essential, can fulfill your sacred responsibility to teach your children to live moral, righteous lives and walk uprightly before the Lord…Your children need to know that you have faith in the Savior, love your Heavenly Father, and sustain the leaders of the Church. Spiritual maturity must flourish in our homes.
- Elder Quentin L. Cook, “Can Ye Feel So Now,” General Conference, October 2012
Picture a Christmas�(Children's Songbook #50)
MUSIC
1. Picture a stable in Judea.
Picture a sacred, silent night.
And can you hear
The angels near
And see the star so bright?
2. Picture the kind and gentle Joseph.
Picture the mother, Mary, fair.
And can you see
So rev’rently
The shepherds kneeling there?
Words and music: Patricia Kelsey Graham, b. 1940. © 1983 IRI
Chorus:
Picture the little baby Jesus.
Think of his life and words so dear.
Sing praise to him;
Remember him,
As you picture Christmas this year.
Click HERE to play singalong slides!
I “will be held accountable before God” for the way I treat my family
6:31
Families are happiest when they follow Jesus Christ
Families are happiest when they follow Jesus Christ
SCRIPTURE
Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.
- Family Proclamation Paragraph 7
Families are happiest when they follow Jesus Christ
Richard J. Maynes
Of the Seventy
Because Satan understands that true happiness in this life and in the eternities is found in the form of family, he does everything in his power to destroy it…This happiness…will be found in abundance if we do everything in our power to establish a Christ-centered home…Learning, teaching, and practicing the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ in our homes helps create a culture where the Spirit can dwell…
The responsibility for establishing a Christ-centered home lies with both parents and children…When parents preside over the family in love and righteousness and teach their children the gospel of Jesus Christ by word and through example, and when children love and support their parents by learning and practicing the principles their parents teach, the result will be the establishment of a Christ-centered home.
- Elder Richard J. Maynes, “Establishing a Christ-Centered Home,”�General Conference, April 2011
Away in a Manger�(Children's Songbook #42-43)
MUSIC
1. Away in a manger, no crib for his bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head;
The stars in the heavens looked down where he lay,
The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.
2. The cattle are lowing; the poor baby wakes,
But little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes.
I love thee, Lord Jesus; look down from the sky
And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.
3. Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,
And fit us for heaven to live with thee there
Text: Anon., ca. 1883, Philadelphia
Music: William J. Kirkpatrick, 1838–1921; harmonized by Rosalee Elser, b. 1925.
© 1980 Rosalee Elser.
Click HERE to play sing along slides! (YouTube music video)
Chorus:
Asleep, (asleep), asleep, (asleep)
Asleep, the Savior in a stall!
Asleep, (asleep), asleep, (asleep),
Asleep, the Lord of all.
(Echoes)
Families are happiest when they follow Jesus Christ
“We call upon responsible citizens...to maintain and strengthen the family.”
“We call upon responsible citizens...to maintain and strengthen the family.”
SCRIPTURE
[W]e warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.
We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.
- Family Proclamation Paragraphs 8-9
“We call upon responsible citizens...to maintain and strengthen the family.”
L. Tom Perry
Former Member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
In a world of turmoil and uncertainty, it is more important than ever to make our families the center of our lives and the top of our priorities…We [should] use all of the resources we have to encourage greater harmony, greater love, and greater influence in the Lord’s special designated unit—the family.
…We hope that by flooding the Church with family-oriented media, members of the Church will be assisted and encouraged to build stronger and better families. We hope it will cause a conscious and sustained effort in building an eternal family unit…At least by seeing family issues mentioned so often, we all will be reminded to focus our attention on the most important organization the Lord has established here on earth.
- Elder L. Tom Perry, “The Importance of the Family,”�General Conference, April 2003
Silent Night�(Hymn Book #204)
MUSIC
1. Silent night! Holy night!
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin mother and Child.
Holy Infant, so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace;
Sleep in heavenly peace.�
2. Silent night! Holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight!
Glories stream from heaven afar;
Heav'nly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Savior, is born!
Christ, the Savior, is born!
Text: Joseph Mohr, 1792-1848; trans. by John F. Young, 1820-1885
Music: Franz Gruber, 1787-1863
3. Silent night! Holy night!
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth;
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.
Click HERE to play sing along slides!
“We call upon responsible citizens...to maintain and strengthen the family.”
Can I receive the promised blessings if my family situation is less than ideal?
Can I receive the promised blessings if my family situation is less than ideal?
SCRIPTURE
The Lord will judge you according to the desires of your hearts when blessings are withheld in this life, and he is not going to condemn you for that which you cannot help…
We have the assurance that the Lord will reward every soul according to his or her works...If any worthy person is denied in this life the blessings which so readily come to others, and yet lives faithfully and to the best of his or her ability in striving to keep the commandments of the Lord, then nothing will be lost to him. Such a person will be given all the blessings that can be given. The Lord will make up to him the fulness after this life is ended and the full life has come. The Lord will not overlook a single soul who is worthy, but will grant to him all that can be given which those, apparently more fortunate, received in this life.
- Joseph Fielding McConkie, Doctrines of Salvation
Can I receive the promised blessings if my family situation is less than ideal?
M. Russell Ballard
Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
[T]he promise of exaltation remains an attainable goal for each one of us. The prophets have stated clearly that no blessing will be withheld from any of God’s sons and daughters if they love Him, have faith in Him, keep His commandments, and endure faithfully to the end…
Some will not marry in this life. Some marriages will fail. Some will not have children. Some children will choose not to respond to even the most devoted and careful nurturing by loving parents…Ideally, the Church and the family do not inhibit our progress. They expedite it by putting our feet firmly on the gospel path that leads us back to God. We each have the privilege to carefully and prayerfully seek the Lord’s will for us regarding our individual challenges and dilemmas.
- President M. Russell Ballard, “Equality through Diversity,”�General Conference, October 1993
Joy to the World�(Hymn Book #201)
MUSIC
1. Joy to the world, the Lord is come;�Let earth receive her King!�Let ev’ry heart prepare him room,�And Saints and angels sing�And Saints and angels sing,�And Saints, and Saints and angels sing.
2. Rejoice! Rejoice when Jesus reigns,�And Saints their songs employ,�While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains�Repeat the sounding joy,�Repeat the sounding joy,�Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
Text: Isaac Watts, 1674–1748; alt. by William W. Phelps, 1792–1872. �Included in the first LDS Hymnbook, 1835.�Music: George F. Handel, 1685–1759; arr. by Lowell Mason, 1792–1872
3. No more will sin and sorrow grow,�Nor thorns infest the ground;�He’ll come and make the�blessings flow�Far as the curse was found,�Far as the curse was found,�Far as, far as the curse was found.
4. Rejoice! Rejoice in the Most High,�While Israel spreads abroad�Like stars that glitter in the sky�And ever worship God,�And ever worship God,�And ever, and ever worship God.
Click HERE to play sing along slides!�(YouTube music video)
Can I receive the promised blessings if my family situation is less than ideal?
The End