Two groups of ancient inhabitants, the Nephites and the Lamanites, lived on the American continent. They knew of Jesus Christ. His coming was foretold to them by prophets throughout the years. Prophets in the new world preached that Jesus Christ would be born. Signs would be shown at His birth. These signs included a new star in the sky and entire night that would be bright as day. These records are found in the Book of Mormon. Below are Christmas reference scriptures from this ancient record.scriptures from this ancient record.

A Savior Will Come Christmas initiative meme. Photo courtesy of © 2015 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Nephi, son of Lehi, was one of the first prophets in the Book of Mormon. He prophesied that Jesus Christ would come 600 years after his father, Lehi, left Jerusalem. 1 Nephi 19:8 Nephi also prophesied that the Savior would be the Messiah and He would be raised up among the Jews. 1 Nephi 10:4

A Virgin, Most Beautiful and Fair A live nativity in the Lake Orion congregation in Michigan. © All rights reserved. Photo courtesy of Mormon Newsroom © All rights reserved. After praying and asking to see the vision that his father, Lehi, saw, Nephi was allowed to see the same vision. He saw Mary in Nazareth. He was told that she was a virgin, pure and chosen. Nephi was told that she was to be the mother of the Son of God. Nephi then saw her carrying a child in her arms. In the vision, Nephi was told that the baby was the promised Messiah. 1 Nephi 11:13-21

Signs of His Birth Mary, Joseph, and Jesus are part of the display in St. Paul, Minnesota. Photo courtesy of the Mormon Newsroom © All rights reserved. Nephi also spoke of the Savior's birth, death and resurrection. He said that many signs would signal all of these significant events. 2 Nephi 26:3

A New Star Will Arise A unique nativity on display in Gilbert, Arizona. Photo courtesy of the Mormon Newsroom © All rights reserved. Samuel the Lamanites prophesied of events signaling Christ's birth in the new world. His account is extensive. Samuel told the Nephites that the signs would appear in five years time. He also told them that the night before Christ's birth would be as light as day. They would have brightness for a day, a night and a day. He also predicted that a new star would appear in the sky. This would be in addition to many other signs in the heavens. Helaman 14:2-6

The Son of God Cometh An outdoor nativity welcomes visitors to the Bellevue Festival of the Nativity. Photo courtesy of the Mormon Newsroom © All rights reserved. Alma the Younger prophesied that Jesus Christ would come to the earth. Also, Jesus would be born of Mary. He confirmed that Mary was a righteous and chosen woman who lived where the Nephite and Lamanite civilizations came from. Jesus would be born to Mary through the power of the Holy Ghost. Also, Alma prophesied about Christ's life and His death. We know that everything Alma foretold came true. Alma 7:9-13

Signs Come to Pass Mary and Joseph in a Duncan, British Columbia live nativity. Photo courtesy of the Mormon Newsroom © All rights reserved. Nephi, the son of Nephi, who was the son of Helaman, tells of the signs that were shown at Christ's birth. The night with no darkness was all fulfilled. He stated that it remained light after the sun went down and before the sun came up the next morning. Helaman also confirmed that the new star appeared. 3 Nephi 1:15-21 After Christ's death and resurrection, the Savior then visited the people on the American continent. His visit was also recorded in the Book of Mormon.