A FHE (Family Home Evening) on Death and the Resurrection

Death and the Resurrection FHE

Image Courtesy Untitled Blue June 3, 2008 "Resurrection"

Opening Prayer: As a thought- don't forget to invite the Spirit and humbly request His presence

Latter Day Scripture: "When Christ rose from the grave, becoming the first fruits of the Resurrection, He made that gift available to all. And with that sublime act, He softened the devastating, consuming sorrow that gnaws at the souls of those who have lost precious loved ones." Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Sunday Will Come," Ensign, Nov. 2006, 29

Activity: Steer your family into a very dark room. (Yes, I'm thinking a closet, because who wouldn't love to have FHE in a closet?!?) If children are afraid of the dark, hold on to them tight. Have each family member hold a candle. Bring a some matches. Sit in the dark for a moment and ask your family how they feel right now.

Take turns reading by candle light (Or by flashlight... think safety and what's best for your individual circumstance) the following (If you have a larger family with older children, try reading the whole talk, Younger children will need short thoughts like the one's italicized):

Thomas S. Monson, “May We So Live,” Ensign, Aug 2008, 4–9
Death’s Darkness Dispelled
"Death eventually comes to all humankind. It comes to the aged as they walk on faltering feet. Its summons is heard by those who have scarcely reached midway in life’s journey, and often it hushes the laughter of little children. Death is one fact that no one can escape or deny.
Frequently death comes as an intruder. It is an enemy that suddenly appears in the midst of life’s feast, putting out its lights and gaiety. Death lays its heavy hand upon those dear to us and at times leaves us baffled and wondering. In certain situations, as in great suffering and illness, death comes as an angel of mercy. But for the most part, we think of it as the enemy of human happiness.

The darkness of death, however, can ever be dispelled by the light of revealed truth.“I am the resurrection, and the life,” spoke the Master. “He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:“And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.”
This reassurance—yes, even holy confirmation—of life beyond the grave could well provide the peace promised by the Savior when He assured His disciples: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

Out of the darkness and the horror of Calvary came the voice of the Lamb, saying, “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.” And the dark was no longer dark, for He was with His Father. He had come from God, and to Him He had returned. So also those who walk with God in this earthly pilgrimage know from blessed experience that He will not abandon His children who trust in Him. In the night of death, His presence will be “better than [a] light and safer than a known way.”

Saul, on the road to Damascus, had a vision of the risen, exalted Christ. Later, as Paul, defender of truth and fearless missionary in the service of the Master, he bore witness of the risen Lord as he declared to the Saints at Corinth:“Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;“… he was buried, and … he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:“… he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:“After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once. …“After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.“And last of all he was seen of me.”

In our dispensation this same testimony was spoken boldly by the Prophet Joseph Smith, as he and Sidney Rigdon testified:“And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!“For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—“That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God.”

This is the knowledge that sustains. This is the truth that comforts. This is the assurance that guides those bowed down with grief out of the shadows and into the light. It is available to all."

Have your favorite image of the Savior and a picture of your family. Turn on the lights. Talk about what eternal families mean. Perhaps you could sing I know that my Redeemer lives #136 or another favorite couple church hymns. (Even if your younger children don't know the words, testimony is borne when you as parents sing)

With younger children make sure to emphasize the point that death can be dark, sad, lonely, even a little bit scary. But through Christ and His resurrection we can have light instead of darkness.
End with your personal testimonies.

** Every family is different. I know that not all homes are blessed with mothers and fathers. Please forgive me as I only share this idea in hopes it could be a stepping stone for you to adapt to your individual circumstances. I'm not trying to make anyone feel bad or discouraged, exactly the opposite hopefully. **