“Contents,” Liahona, Dec. 2009, inside front cover–1 Liahona, December 2009 Adults First Presidency Message 2 Home for Christmas By President Henry B. Eyring Visiting Teaching Message 25 Nurture through Compassionate Service Feature Articles 16 With Love from My Sisters By Marina Petrova Our visiting teachers made a difference for us that Christmas. 18 The Spiritual Gifts Given the Stake President By Elder Neil L. Andersen Stake presidents are called of the Lord and given the keys and spiritual power to minister in the areas where they preside. 26 Worship through Reverence By Elder Robert C. Oaks Our attitudes and behavior reflect our reverence—our respect, love, and honor for the Lord. 36 The Blessing of Work By Bishop H. David Burton Work is both a blessing and a commandment, and the Lord will help those who seek to fulfill that commandment. Departments 41 Latter-day Saint Voices Young women bring Christmas joy to a bedridden member; children give up toys for Christmas; a student testifies to her teacher; a sister helps her dying brother fulfill a promise; a child’s actions are an answer to a man’s prayer. 48 Using This Issue Family home evening ideas and topics in this issue. Youth Feature Articles 8 Unto Us a Child Is Born Insights into Isaiah’s prophecy of the Savior. 10 A Gift of Love By Chastmier Okoro Would our neighbor want the only gift we could give her? 12 “We Three Kings” By Wendy Kenney Who were the Wise Men who visited young Jesus? 30 Why Me? By Elizabeth Quigley Everything was going well in my life. Then I was diagnosed with cancer. Departments 24 Poster Hallelujah! 34 Questions and Answers My parents aren’t members of the Church. How can I share the gospel with them without offending them? Children A Christmas Message from the First Presidency to the Children of the World F2 The Reason for the Wonder Feature Articles F4 Primary Manners By Jan Pinborough F8 Christmas around the World By Chad E. Phares and Shara Braithwaite F10 A Temple Square Christmas Departments F7 Coloring Page F12 Sharing Time I Will Remember Jesus Christ By Cheryl Esplin F14 From the Life of the Prophet Joseph Smith A True Example of Christ See if you can find the Norwegian CTR ring hidden in this issue. Choose the right page! On the cover Front: Flight, by Rose Datoc Dall, courtesy of Church History Museum. Back: The Nativity, engraving by Gustave Doré. The Friend cover Illustration by Jim Madsen. Comment