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The Little Town with the Big Promise

About 700 years before Jesus was born, the prophet Micah said the Savior would come from little Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), and that promise came true. This first week of December kicks off your family’s Christmas countdown: a couch story that follows the star, a wait-for-it walk to spot Christmas lights, a blanket-fort game night, and secret gifts for Jesus from Micah 6:8. Sunday is the first Sunday of December, which is fast Sunday in most wards.

  • Week 49
  • 📅 Nov 30 – Dec 6, 2026
  • 📖 Micah; Nahum; Habakkuk; Zephaniah
Start with Monday
Come, Follow Me manualOld Testament 2026, week 49

What your kids learn in class

Stories, verses and games for the week come from each child’s own Primary or youth lesson, so home matches Sunday.

Daily sparks

Five to ten minutes a day, Monday to Sunday, with everyday things you already have. Grown-ups lead; kids act, play and answer. Where a step says to tap something, that’s in the Gospel Sparks app; on the web, use the “Play along” links.

Monday · 8 min · Cozy story time

Couch Story: Follow the Star

🌟 Story time: follow the star to Jesus!Snuggle up.Shine the star.Where will the King be born?

✋ Grab: a flashlight

⏱ Only 10 minutes?

💡 Micah promised that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem, and that promise came true.

  1. Read Micah 5:2 together.
  2. Read Matthew 2:1 to see the promise come true.
  3. Ask: “What promise has Heavenly Father made to you?”

😄 Everyone twinkles their fingers like the new star. Freeze when a grown-up says, “Bethlehem!”

📖 Read together: Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:1–11 ↗

  1. Turn the lights down and snuggle up on the couch with a flashlight.
  2. Tap Story. Read each scene out loud together.
  3. When the new star appears, shine the flashlight on the ceiling. Keep it shining to the end.
  4. At the Herod scene, stop and ask: “How did they know to look in Bethlehem?”
  5. SAY“Micah’s promise came true seven hundred years later. Heavenly Father always keeps His promises.”

🎭 Play along: the story scenes (from the Valiant 7–8 lesson; pick your kid’s class above for theirs)

Talk about it
  • How did King Herod’s helpers know where Jesus would be born?
  • What promise has Heavenly Father made to you?
🧸 Little ones (2–5)Let your little one hold the flashlight star and shine it on the last picture.
📚 Big kids (10–13)Have your older kid find Micah 5:2 and read it out loud at the Herod scene.
🧑 Teens (14–18)Have your teen read Micah 5:2 and Matthew 2:3–6. The chief priests knew exactly where the Messiah would be born, but there’s no record they went to look. What’s the difference between knowing the answer and going to see for yourself?
☕️ For grown-upsMicah 5:2 says the ruler’s “goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” The baby in Bethlehem was the premortal Jehovah. This Christmas, let the manger remind you how far He came down.

Sticker for today: 🌟

Tuesday · 7 min · Verse

Three Steps to Walk with God

👣 Step, step, step: walk with God!Be fair. 🤝Love being kind. 🤗Walk close to God. 🙏Micah 6:8

✅ Nothing to prep. Just start!

⏱ Only 10 minutes?

💡 The Lord wants three things from us: be fair, love mercy and walk humbly with Him.

  1. Read Micah 6:8 together.
  2. Ask: “Which of the three can you do tomorrow?”
  3. Everyone shares one idea.

😄 Say the verse three times, a little faster each time. Make the last one super speedy!

📖 Read together: Micah 6:8 ↗

  1. Tap Key Verse and read Micah 6:8 together.
  2. Pick three spots on the rug in a row. Name them Do Justly, Love Mercy and Walk Humbly.
  3. Hold hands and step onto the first spot. Shake hands for being fair.
  4. Step to the second spot and give a hug for mercy. On the third, fold arms and bow heads.
  5. Walk it three times. Say the verse a little faster each time.
  6. SAY“This is what the Lord really wants from us. We can give it to Jesus every day.”

📖 Play along: the key verse (from the Valiant 7–8 lesson; pick your kid’s class above for theirs)

Talk about it
  • What does “do justly” look like at recess or with your siblings?
  • How can you love mercy when someone isn’t nice to you?
🧸 Little ones (2–5)Let your little one jump from spot to spot. Do the hug together on the mercy spot.
📚 Big kids (10–13)Ask your older kid to come up with a real example from their week for each of the three parts.
🧑 Teens (14–18)Ask your teen to read Micah 6:6–8. Someone wonders if God wants thousands of rams or rivers of oil. Have them rewrite verses 6–7 for today. What might a teen think they have to offer to be good enough? Then read verse 8 as the answer.
☕️ For grown-upsMicah 6:8 is a relief for tired parents. The Lord’s requirements fit in one sentence. Pick the one of the three you most need this week, and let that be enough.

Sticker for today: 👣

Wednesday · 10 min · Walk

Wait-for-It Walk

⏳ Wait for it… spot the Christmas lights!Walk and look.Spot a light or a star.Count down to Christmas!

✅ Nothing to prep. Just start!

⏱ Only 10 minutes?

💡 The Lord’s promises come true, even when we have to wait.

  1. Read Habakkuk 2:3 together.
  2. Ask: “What’s something that’s hard to wait for?”
  3. SAY“The prophets waited a long time for Jesus. He came, just like they promised.”

😄 Waiting game! Everyone stays perfectly still. The first one to wiggle says, “Wait for it!”

📖 Read together: Habakkuk 2:3 ↗

  1. Read Habakkuk 2:3 together before you head out.
  2. SAY“The prophets waited hundreds of years for Jesus to come. We only have a few weeks until Christmas!”
  3. Take a short walk after dark, or look out a window.
  4. Hunt for Christmas lights or the first star. Whoever spots one says, “Wait for it!”
  5. Each time, name one way to think of Jesus tomorrow. Try a Christmas song, a verse or a secret kindness.
  6. Back home, count the days until Christmas out loud together.
Talk about it
  • Why do you think the Lord sometimes asks us to wait?
  • What are you waiting for right now?
🧸 Little ones (2–5)Hold your little one’s hand. Let them shout “Light!” every time they spot one, then count the days on their fingers.
📚 Big kids (10–13)Have your older kid read Habakkuk 3:17–18. How did Habakkuk choose to rejoice even when things were hard?
🧑 Teens (14–18)Invite your teen to read Habakkuk 1:2–4. A prophet tells God it feels like He isn’t listening. Then read Habakkuk 2:1–3. Is it okay to bring hard questions to God? What did Habakkuk do while he waited?
☕️ For grown-upsHabakkuk opens with a complaint, “how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear!” (Habakkuk 1:2), and ends by choosing joy even if the fig tree doesn’t blossom. His short book shows that honest questions and deep faith can live in the same person.

Sticker for today: ⏳

Thursday · 10 min · Game

Stronghold Fort Night

🏰 Build the fort! Then play in it!Jesus is our stronghold.Forehead Guess inside the fort!

✋ Grab: a blanket · a flashlight

⏱ Only 10 minutes?

💡 The Lord is a strong, safe place when things are hard.

  1. Read Nahum 1:7 together.
  2. Ask: “When have you needed to feel safe?”
  3. Each person names one way Jesus helps them feel brave.

😄 Stronghold squeeze! Everyone piles into one tight group hug while a grown-up counts to five.

📖 Read together: Nahum 1:7 ↗

  1. Build a quick blanket fort over chairs or the table. Call it the stronghold.
  2. Crawl inside with a flashlight and read Nahum 1:7 together.
  3. SAY“A stronghold keeps you safe. Jesus is our stronghold when things are hard or scary.”
  4. Tap Forehead Guess and play inside the fort.
  5. Before you crawl out, each person names one way Jesus helps them feel safe.

🤔 Play along: Forehead Guess (from the Valiant 7–8 lesson; pick your kid’s class above for theirs)

Talk about it
  • When have you needed a “stronghold” to feel safe?
  • How does praying or thinking about Jesus help you feel brave?
🧸 Little ones (2–5)Let your little one guard the fort door with the flashlight. Each player says, “Jesus keeps us safe!” to get in.
📚 Big kids (10–13)Let your older kid design the fort and host the game.
🧑 Teens (14–18)Ask your teen what a strong hold looks like for someone their age. It could be a person, a habit or a place where they feel safe with the Lord. Then let them take the hardest words.
☕️ For grown-upsNahum 1:7 ends with “he knoweth them that trust in him.” In a season of hard news, remember the Lord isn’t only powerful. He knows you personally.

Sticker for today: 🏰

Friday · 10 min · Service

Secret Kindness for Jesus

🤫 Shh! Do a secret kindness for Jesus!Pick it.Sneak it.Nobody can know!

✅ Nothing to prep. Just start!

⏱ Only 10 minutes?

💡 When we repent, the Lord throws our sins into the deep sea.

  1. Read Micah 7:18–19 together.
  2. Ask: “How does it feel to know He forgives us?”
  3. Pick one secret kindness to do before bed.

😄 Everyone throws a pretend heavy rock into the sea. Make the biggest splash sound you can!

📖 Read together: Micah 6:8; Micah 7:18–19 ↗

  1. Read Micah 6:8 together.
  2. SAY“Tonight we’re giving Jesus a present. We’ll do a secret kindness for someone!”
  3. Pick a family member or a neighbor. Choose a kindness you can do right now.
  4. Try making their bed, lining up their shoes or bringing in a neighbor’s trash can.
  5. Sneak it! Don’t get caught.
  6. Back home, read Micah 7:19. Talk about how Jesus throws our sins into the deep sea.
Talk about it
  • How do you think they felt when they found the surprise?
  • Why is a secret gift a good present for Jesus?
🧸 Little ones (2–5)Your little one can be the lookout who whispers “All clear!” before the sneaky kindness.
📚 Big kids (10–13)Have your older kid plan and lead a second secret kindness on their own before Christmas.
🧑 Teens (14–18)Give your teen full ownership of one secret kindness outside the family. Maybe a teacher, a coach or a lonely neighbor. It costs nothing but time, and they tell no one but you.
☕️ For grown-upsMicah 7:18 says the Lord “delighteth in mercy.” He enjoys it. Is there someone you’ve been keeping a quiet list on? Could you share a little of His delight in letting it go?

Sticker for today: 🎁

Saturday · 8 min · Music

He Sings Over You

🎶 The Lord is happy about YOU!Sing a Christmas song.Find the mystery picture.Get ready for fast Sunday!

✅ Nothing to prep. Just start!

⏱ Only 10 minutes?

💡 The Lord is so happy about you, He rejoices over you with singing.

  1. Read Zephaniah 3:17 together.
  2. SAY“The Lord is happy about you!”
  3. Each person tells someone else one thing that makes them happy about them.

😄 Say each person’s name in a big, silly opera voice. Everyone cheers after each one!

📖 Read together: Zephaniah 3:17 ↗

  1. Read Zephaniah 3:17 together.
  2. SAY“The Lord is so happy about you, it’s like He sings over you!”
  3. Sing “Stars Were Gleaming” or “Away in a Manger” together.
  4. Tap Mystery Picture and play a round.
  5. SAY“Tomorrow is fast Sunday. Grown-ups and kids who are ready skip two meals. The money helps people in need.”
  6. Pick one thing to pray about as a family. Then lay out Sunday clothes.

🧩 Play along: Mystery Picture with this week’s words (from the Valiant 7–8 lesson; pick your kid’s class above for theirs)

Talk about it
  • What does it feel like to know the Lord is happy about you?
  • What should our family pray about tomorrow?
🧸 Little ones (2–5)Let your little one jingle keys or tap a spoon on a pot while the family sings.
📚 Big kids (10–13)Invite your older kid to choose the fast Sunday purpose. They can say the prayer to start the fast, if they’d like.
🧑 Teens (14–18)Have your teen read Zephaniah 3:17 and choose the fast purpose with you. If they’re fasting, talk about making it more than skipping food. Let them help with the family’s fast offering.
☕️ For grown-upsZephaniah 3:17 pictures the Lord rejoicing over His people with singing. Many adults can believe God loves them. Fewer believe He enjoys them. Sit with that possibility tonight.

Sticker for today: 🎶

Sunday · 6 min · Sabbath

Fast Sunday Star

⭐ What did you learn in Primary today?Kneel for a family prayer.Share one thing you know about Jesus.

✅ Nothing to prep. Just start!

⏱ Only 10 minutes?

💡 We can look to the Lord, and He’ll hear us.

  1. Ask: “What did you learn in Primary today?”
  2. Read Micah 7:7 together.
  3. Share one short thing you know about Jesus.

😄 Name two ideas for a gift to Jesus this week. Everyone votes with a thumbs-up, then do the winner.

📖 Read together: Micah 7:7 ↗

  1. Ask: “What did you learn in Primary today?”
  2. Ask: “Which testimony in sacrament meeting did you like? Why?”
  3. Read Micah 7:7 together.
  4. Before you end the fast or eat dinner, kneel for a family prayer about your purpose.
  5. Share one short thing you know about Jesus. Invite your kids to share too.
Talk about it
  • What did you learn in Primary today?
  • What is one gift you want to give Jesus this Christmas?
🧸 Little ones (2–5)Let your little one choose where the family kneels and fold their arms for the family prayer.
📚 Big kids (10–13)Invite your older kid to share a short testimony at home, or to think about sharing one at church next fast Sunday.
🧑 Teens (14–18)Invite your teen to read Micah 7:7–8. What has “when I fall, I shall arise” looked like in their year? Maybe they’d like to share a short testimony at church next fast Sunday.
☕️ For grown-upsMicah 7:7 is a good posture for parents: “I will wait for the God of my salvation.” As you end your fast, name one thing you’ve been trying to fix alone. Hand it to Him in the family prayer.

Sticker for today: ✨

Family challenge

Micah 6:8 Spotters

All week, watch for each other being fair, showing mercy or walking humbly with God, like a quiet prayer or a real sorry. When you spot one, call out “Micah 6:8 spot!” at dinner or bedtime and say who and what. On Sunday night, see how many spots your family can remember. It’s your first Christmas gift to Jesus.

Parent Corner

Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk and Zephaniah can read like a run of doom, but look closely and they’re full of hope. Micah names Bethlehem as the Messiah’s birthplace (Micah 5:2) and boils down everything the Lord requires into three short phrases (Micah 6:8). Nahum reminds a frightened people that the Lord is a stronghold (Nahum 1:7). Habakkuk is the Old Testament’s honest questioner: he asks why evil seems to go unchecked, stands on his watchtower waiting for an answer, and finally rejoices in the Lord even with empty fields and empty stalls (Habakkuk 3:17–18). Zephaniah ends with the Lord rejoicing over His people with singing (Zephaniah 3:17). For parents starting a busy December, these prophets offer a simple frame: do justly, love mercy, walk humbly, and trust that His promises come in His time.

  • Ponder: What honest question have you been hesitant to bring to the Lord, and what might it look like to bring it to Him this week the way Habakkuk did?
  • Try this: Read Habakkuk 3:17–19 and write your own version: “Although … yet I will rejoice in the Lord.” Fill in the blanks with what is actually hard in your life right now.

From general conference

“Without the blessings that come from Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, we can never do enough or be enough by ourselves. The good news, though, is that because of and through Jesus Christ we can become enough.”

— Elder Dale G. Renlund, “Do Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly with God,” October 2020

For parents on Tuesday after Micah 6:8, especially if you feel you’re never doing enough.

Read the talk ↗

Dinner-table questions

  • If you were a wise man, what gift would you bring to Jesus?
  • Micah’s promise took 700 years. What’s the longest you’ve ever waited for something?
  • What does “love mercy” mean to you?
  • Who is the kindest person you know, and what makes them kind?
  • What is your favorite Christmas song, and why?

Sources

Scripture quotations are from the King James Version, the Bible used by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

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