There are so many wonderful parts to the Nativity story! Learning about the shepherds and what they did after hearing the angel can help us to shine our light and share our testimony of Christ with others. Here’s a fun and simple family home evening lesson you can do tonight. First read Luke 2:8-20. Then watch this video. As you watch, pay attention to what the shepherds did. https://youtu.be/mjYFOTGoSDk Ask the following questions and discuss your family’s answers. A few points are also included to add to your discussion. What might the candlelight represent?
- “The shepherds said one to another, Let us now go…” (Luke 2:15 emphasis added). They had surrounded themselves with good friends who encouraged each other to seek the Savior! Do you surround yourself with good friends who encourage you to do what is right?
What did the shepherds do with the light they received? (Luke 2:16-17)
- They went with haste (Luke 2:16) to find the baby Jesus. They didn’t wait around for a better time or when they were less busy.
- The shepherds shared their testimonies with all (Luke 2:17-18). They didn’t keep the joy they felt to themselves. Instead, the shepherds wanted to spread that joy to everyone.
What can we do/where can we go to obtain light? 
What things did the children in the video do to share light? What are some more ways we could share light everyday? (Matt 5:14-16) Make a plan as a family to share light in a specific way with someone you care about! You can make these Shepherd’s Staff Cookies and take them to friends or neighbors. Remember to share your testimony of the Savior with them when you deliver the cookies. OR Make a list of ways family members can share light with each other everyday for the next week! Follow up next week.
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup butter or margarine, softened 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 egg
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon red food color
- 2 tablespoons finely crushed peppermint candies 2 tablespoons sugar
- Stir together 1 cup sugar, the butter, milk, vanilla, peppermint extract and egg in large bowl. Stir in flour, baking powder and salt. Divide dough in half. Stir food color into 1 half. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours.
- Heat oven to 375oF. Stir together peppermint candy and 2 tablespoon sugar; set aside.
- For each candy cane, shape 1 rounded teaspoon dough from each half into 4-inch rope by rolling back and forth on floured surface. Place 1 red and white rope side by side; press together lightly and twist. Place on ungreased cookie sheet; curve top of cookie down to form handle of cane.
- Bake 9 to 12 minutes or until set and very light brown. Immediately sprinkle candy mixture over cookies. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
Thanks to Jennette Booth from Sound Booth Studios for sharing her talents! Check out her original songs and musical arrangements on her website. Or follow Sound Booth Music on Facebook.
We have really loved working through your Advent countdown this year. This shepherd lesson has been one of our favorites so far. The kids all recited what they learned from the shepherds:
1. The shepherds didn’t wait – they went to see baby Jesus right away
2. They surrounded themselves with good friends
3. They bore their testimony and shared their experiences with others
4. The shepherds carry around cool big sticks
Thank you so much for sharing your Advent countdown. It’s been a nice change from our usual advent studies. We’ve learned a lot and had fun in the process. You’ve got everything laid out so nicely. It’s made it so easy for me.
Oh, I am so glad you are able to use it and are enjoying it! Thanks so much for letting me know. 🙂