Wonders in the Heavens

We are looking forward to the solar eclipse that will take place this coming weekend.  To increase our children's awareness of astronomy we planned a special Family Home Evening. 

As a precursor, during the day we noted their shadow when we were outside and that the sunlight is blocked to make the shadow.

For Family Home Evening, we opened with prayer and singing "Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam." This is a great song to help get the wiggles out, as we jump every time we sing "sunbeam."  Unfortunately, Rhys attempted to demonstrate the big bang theory by whacking his head on the table during one of the jumps.  So after applying an ice pack, we introduced the heavenly bodies of sun, planets, and stars by reviewing the creation as told in the Old Testament in the book of Genesis. We discussed that God made these things and that we can enjoy them.

We also briefly summarized the story of the prophet Alma and his conversation with the wicked man, Korihor, as told in the Book of Mormon in the book of Alma. When Korihor asked for a sign so he would believe, we quoted Alma.

"Thou hast had signs enough; will ye tempt your God? Will ye say, Show unto me a sign, when ye have the testimony of all these thy brethren, and also all the holy prophets? The scriptures are laid before thee, yea, and all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator." --Alma 30:44

Then we did an experiment using balls and a flashlight to explain what would physically be happening in a week.  Family Home Evening is always more fun when you get to use a flashlight!  We also used a library book to show pictures of eclipses and also the special sunglasses they would be able to wear.

We told them that God has used the sun, planets, and stars to tell us when something important is happening.  We gave the examples of the night of no darkness on the American continents the night before Christ was born as told in the Book of Mormon in the book of 3 Nephi, chapter 1.  Also the new star when Jesus was born (Matt. 2), and the signs of the Second Coming of Christ (Joel 3:15, Rev. 6:12, 2 Nephi 23:10).

We closed with singing "I Am like a Star" without injury this time, and prayer. 

I love the Family Home Evening program because it gives our family opportunities to spend special time with each other, teach gospel principles, and have fun together.  I love strengthening my family!