“Contents,” Liahona, Dec. 2011, 1–3 Liahona, December 2011 Messages 4 First Presidency Message The Choice to Be Grateful By President Henry B. Eyring 7 Visiting Teaching Message An Extensive Sphere of Action Feature Articles 18 The Peace and Joy of Knowing the Savior Lives By Elder Russell M. Nelson The divine Son of the living God will love you, lift you, and manifest Himself unto you if you will love Him and keep His commandments. 24 The Road to the Temple By Chad E. Phares Although they have taken different paths, Latter-day Saints in Ukraine are finding that all roads of righteousness lead to the temple. 28 The Key to Opportunity: Celebrating 10 Years of the Perpetual Education Fund By Rebekah Atkin Announced in 2001, the Perpetual Education Fund has blessed the lives of thousands of Church members. 34 Lost and Found By Adam C. Olson How one couple connected daily decisions with a view of their eternal destination. Departments 8 Small and Simple Things 11 Our Homes, Our Families Off Key but on Target By JaNeal B. Freeman 12 Serving in the Church My Service as a Single Member By Julie Burdett 14 We Talk of Christ An Answer for Every “What If?” By Michael D. Woodbury 16 Gospel Classics Lessons from the Master By Elder Marvin J. Ashton 38 Latter-day Saint Voices 74 News of the Church 79 Family Home Evening Ideas 80 Until We Meet Again The Light of the Son By Jeff S. McIntosh Young Adults 42 They Spoke to Us Come, Let Us Adore Him By Elder Patrick Kearon Youth 46 Questions and Answers How can I keep a positive attitude about the future? 48 Poster You Are Never Alone 49 How I Know The Lord Poured Out Blessings By Kim Koung 50 A Sure Witness By Elder Carl B. Pratt Does Moroni’s promise apply to you? 52 This Shall Be a Sign unto You By Whitney Hinckley How the prophecies of Jesus Christ’s birth were miraculously fulfilled. 55 Thoughtful Gifts The meanings behind the gold, frankincense, and myrrh given to the Christ child. 56 They Should Change By Francisco Javier Lara Hernández I was the only member of my family who accepted the gospel. Now I had to figure out how to respond when their lifestyle conflicted with gospel principles. 58 Meet Brother Joseph Here are a few things you might not know about the Prophet Joseph Smith. Children 59 Special Witness How Can I Follow the Savior? By Elder Quentin L. Cook 60 Those Words By Angie Bergstrom Miller What could Shelby do when she heard her friends swear? 62 Our Page 63 Temple Cards 64 Bringing Primary Home The Scriptures Teach Me about the Savior’s Birth and Second Coming By Jennifer Maddy 66 The Christmas Tree By Harriet R. Uchtdorf A Christmas memory from my childhood in Germany. 68 My Mission Fund By Spencer S. You can start saving for your mission today. 69 The Articles of Faith Thirteen of our key beliefs. 70 For Young Children On the cover Front: photo illustration by Matthew Reier. Back: The Birth of Jesus, by Carl Heinrich Bloch, used by permission of the National Historic Museum at Frederiksborg in Hillerød, Denmark. See if you can find the Liahona hidden in this issue. Hint: a gift under the tree. Kyiv Ukraine Temple More Online