Tell Me the Stories of Jesus

The theme of the conference has definitely been to strengthen and focus on families but within that the emphasis has been on rescuing and preparing youth so that they have the strong testimonies in themselves and not have to rely on parents and youth leases to know what is true.

Speak more frequently of Jesus Christ.

Fathers, please be an important part of speaking speaking of Christ with your children.

In our world today, each child, each young man and young woman needs his or her own conversion to the truth. Each needs his or her own light, his or her own steadfast and immovable faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, independent of parents, youth leaders, and supportive friends.

The stories of Jesus shared over and over bring faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strength to the foundation of testimony. Can you think of a more valuable gift for our children?

Do they think about His humble birth, the Savior of the world lying in a manger? Do His circumstances help them better understand the proper place of material possessions?

Do they take strength in the stories of Jesus fasting as we teach them the law of the fast?

Do our children say, “Tell me the stories of Jesus I love to hear”?

To fathers and mothers, to grandfathers and grandmothers, and to those without children of their own who lovingly nurture children and youth, my counsel is to speak more frequently about Jesus Christ. In His holy name is great spiritual power.

I make a special appeal to fathers: Please be an important part of talking to your children about the Savior. They need the confirming expressions of your faith, along with those of their mother.

Although there may be times when a child does not listen with a believing heart, your testimony of Jesus will remain in his or her mind and soul. Do you remember the story of Alma, who had chosen the wrong path? Returning, he said:

“I remembered . . . my father [speaking] . . . concerning the coming of . . . Jesus Christ . . . to atone for the sins of the world.”

As you reverently speak about the Savior – in the car, on the bus, at the dinner table, as you kneel in prayer, during scripture study, or in late-night conversations – the Spirit of the Lord will accompany your words.