Know the Father and the Son As You “Light the World”

The scriptures teach that to receive eternal life, we must come to know Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ (see John 17:3). Elder Bruce R. McConkie (1915–1985) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles counseled, “To know God is to think what he thinks, to feel what he feels, ... and to do what he does” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, [1965], 1:762). As you teach the John 17 scripture block in December, testify to your students that knowing Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ is more than just knowing about Them—it’s doing as They do.

During this Christmas season, teachers and students may come to know the Father and the Son more personally by participating in the “Light the World” campaign. The Savior taught, “Ye are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). Here are some specific ways teachers and students can be a light to the world:

• Worship God as Jesus did. Jesus Christ worshipped the Father to receive guidance and strength. You can follow His example by attending all your Church meetings (including Mutual activities and seminary), kneeling in prayer to Heavenly Father every day during December, attending the temple, or studying the account of the Savior worshipping the Father in John 11:41–42.
• Lift someone’s burden as Jesus did. The Savior lifts our burdens and asks us to do the same. You can do this by praying for opportunities to serve, offering service to someone at home or at school, learning more about the Church’s Addiction Recovery Program and how it lifts burdens, or watching and sharing the video Lift (mormonchannel.org) about the power of serving others.
• Be a peacemaker as Jesus was. Jesus taught that peacemakers “shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9). You can be a peacemaker as you seek and grant forgiveness, make a donation to help refugees of war-torn regions, sincerely compliment others, or share your testimony that peace comes from following the Savior (see John 14:27).

Invite Students to Share

Discuss with your students how participating in the 25 Ways/25 Days campaign helps them prepare for eternal life by knowing Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ more personally. Then invite them to use social media to testify about how they have come to know Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ as they serve others. Shareable images are available on the seminary Facebook page and are included below.

How to Share

Invite students to share on social media any personal experiences that have brought them closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Here are a few examples:

• When have I felt closer to the Savior through my personal worship?
• When have I felt closer to the Savior by lifting another’s burden?
• When have I felt closer to the Savior by being a peacemaker?

Include #LDSSeminary and #LightTheWorld in the post.