“Contents,” Liahona, December 2014, 1–3 Liahona, December 2014 Messages 4 First Presidency Message Fill the World with Christ’s Love By President Dieter F. Uchtdorf 7 Visiting Teaching Message The Divine Mission of Jesus Christ: Prince of Peace Feature Articles 12 Helping Others Find Faith in Christ By Elder L. Tom Perry You can strengthen your faith now and help others return to a solid foundation of faith in the Savior. 18 Pioneers in Every Land The Church in Sweden—Growth, Emigration, and Strength By Inger Höglund Despite the obstacles, the Lord is hastening His work in this beautiful country. 24 Lessons from the Sacred Grove By Elder Marlin K. Jensen By observing growth patterns of trees, we can learn how to keep ourselves firmly rooted in eternal truths. 30 The Lost 500 Years: From Malachi to John the Baptist By S. Kent Brown and Richard Neitzel Holzapfel What happened in the years between the Old and New Testaments? 36 The Reality of Christmas By Bishop Gary E. Stevenson Let us recognize that the babe born in Bethlehem is the real Redeemer. Departments 8 What We Believe Tithing Helps Build Up the Kingdom of God 10 Reflections A Christmas Miracle By Lindsay Alder 11 Old Testament Prophets Malachi 40 Latter-day Saint Voices 80 Until We Meet Again I Know That He Lives By Elder Melvin J. Ballard Jesus is our resurrected Lord, and He invites us all to come unto Him. Young Adults 44 The Answer to All the Hard Questions By R. Val Johnson If doubts start to seep into your heart, remember these five principles. Youth 48 The Savior and the Sacrament By David L. Beck “This do in remembrance of me,” said the Savior as He instituted the sacrament. 50 What’s It Like to Be a Brand-New Convert? By Joshua J. Perkey Learn how you can help new converts adjust to membership in the Church. 54 Questions and Answers What should I do when I am mocked at school for following Church standards? 56 From the Mission Field No Angels Needed By Jeniann Jensen Nielsen 57 Poster Make Room 58 Where Am I? How to Discover and Develop Your Spiritual Gifts and Talents By Elder Mervyn B. Arnold What could my uncle possibly do with an old piece of metal? 62 How to Prepare for the Second Coming By Elder Dallin H. Oaks What would you do if you knew you would meet the Lord tomorrow? 63 My Christmas Gift By Dustin Ward Even though I was baptized when I was eight, I never went to church—until something changed my life forever. 64 Ready to Move Forward By Richard M. Romney and Mickey Shimomiya Seven 12-year-olds tell what it’s like to advance from Primary into Young Men or Young Women. Children 67 Special Witness Did Jesus Really Die and Rise Again? By Elder D. Todd Christofferson 68 Bringing Primary Home We Remember and Worship Our Savior, Jesus Christ By Erin Sanderson and Jean Bingham 70 Yancy By Elder Brent H. Nielson If only our horse had been obedient, she could have lived a happy life. 71 Our Page 72 Friends around the World I’m Minna from Sweden By Amie Jane Leavitt 74 The First Christmas By Jenn Wilks Remember Jesus’s birth as you act out this play. 76 Look Inside! By Sophia C. 77 Old Testament Scripture Figures David and Goliath 78 For Young Children A Bit of Christmas Every Day By Kate Strongin Family Home Evening Ideas