"The Son of Man Shall Come" - Singing Time, Family Study ideas

While there were many parables and discussions covered in this week's section of the Come Follow Me program for children, for individuals and families, and for Sunday School, there was one theme that stood out strongly for me: Be Prepared.

In many of the parables described below, those who did not prepare missed the big event - whether it was to guard against thieves, be ready for the bridegroom they've been waiting for, watch for summer coming, or more. I feel these verses sum up one of the strong themes of many of these parables well:

-- Joseph Smith - Matthew 1:45-48

Activity to help teach these themes

With that in mind, I have been thinking about an activity that could easily work for Singing Time, Primary Lesson Time, Family Time, and even with Adults.

Print or re-draw this: (right-click to save to your computer and print)

For Singing Time - Option #1

In my ward, we are teaching "Come Follow Me" this month, so I would write one line from the song on each drop, and share the story of the Ten Virgins and what it means, and talk about how each drop (each line of the song) helps us be prepared to follow Jesus.

e.g., "Then let us in his footsteps tread."

What does it mean to follow in Jesus' footsteps?

How can following his his footsteps help us to be prepared to return to Heavenly Father one day?

Sing each line as the drop is chosen by the child and added to the lamp (cut the lid off the lamp and slide the oil drops in behind the lamp or just put the oil on the board around the lamp).

Then, have the children sing the song together.

You can also use giant drops and a giant oil lamp in order to have the words big enough that you can see them and put them in order on the board. 

For Singing Time - Option #2

Put a different line of a song on each drop, or put the title of a song on each drop.

If you go with the first option, then discuss what the line of that song means (from songs you have been practicing and reviewing this year of course). Then have children guess what song the line is from, using the tune of the line as a hint. Then, put the drop in the oil lamp.

If you go with the title of the song, then talk about how the song helps you be prepared for the Savior, and/or have the children share one line they like from the song and why, and talk about how that prepares them for the Savior. 

For Families or Self

Either pre-write ways you can prepare for the Savior, with or without a scripture reference to look up, and then have kids take turns picking a drop, and looking it up and discussing it 

- or - 

For yourself, think of ways you can prepare for the Savior that are specific and actionable, e.g., "read scriptures daily this week" - Choose small, actionable, achievable tasks, then draw a drop out every morning or the night before to work the next day.