December 2021 Welcome to This IssueMike JudsonChristmas and the Gathering of IsraelAn introduction to the current issue of the magazine, emphasizing the themes of Christmas and the gathering of Israel. The Church Is HereGuatemala City, GuatemalaA description of Church growth in Guatemala. Hear HimPoster with image of Christ and a scripture. Dieter F. UchtdorfThe Greatest Gifts of ChristmasElder Uchtdorf teaches that we should focus on the Savior’s life and gifts to us and give our hearts as a gift to Him. Gospel BasicsFamily History Helps Our AncestorsBasic principles of family history and temple work. Mike JudsonFamily History, Temples, and Missionary Work: Powerful Partners in Gathering IsraelThis article shows how family history, temple work, and missionary work combine powerfully together to draw people toward the gospel. Latter-day Saint Voices Michael J. McNeilFear NotI silently cried out, “Did You really come to this earth over 2,000 years ago as a helpless infant?” Cannon GoslinChristmas CashewsMy friend’s gift to another resident at the assisted-living center reminded me that true joy is found in Christlike love. Christopher DeaverOur Small Gift Made a Big DifferenceWe learned that small acts of service can bless lives in powerful ways. Aaron AirmetPlease Don’t Stop SingingIn a bus full of people and noise, we found a way to testify of the Savior. Meredith Gerard and Sarah Lott HelzerHow We Gather Israel TodayStake patriarchs share unique insights on the importance of the gathering of Israel. Early Women of the RestorationCherry B. SilverBraving the Political Fires of Washington, DCDescribes the visit of Emmeline B. Wells and Zina Young Williams to Washington, DC, in 1879 to attend national suffrage meetings and present petitions to the US Congress. Come, Follow Me What does the Doctrine and Covenants teach about life after death?This article helps readers discover insights about life after death as taught in the Doctrine and Covenants. Why does Church policy sometimes change?This article helps readers discover insights about why Church policy sometimes changes. How can you strengthen your family through compassion?This article helps readers explore how they can strengthen their families through compassion. Who is Jesus Christ?This article helps readers understand who Jesus Christ is, based on the document “The Living Christ.” Kazuhiko YamashitaThe Matchless Gift of God’s Divine SonHeavenly Father gave us the gift of His Son, whose life and mission have brought us many other gifts. Matt McBrideThree Lessons from Studying the Doctrine and CovenantsThe author shares lessons about revelation, agency, and change learned from studying the Doctrine and Covenants and the early history of the Church. For ParentsChristmas, Gathering Israel, and Family HistoryIdeas for how parents can use the Church magazines for teaching children. Aging FaithfullyIrene Soderquist LarsenA Key DecisionWe decided to play duets together. It was our way of bringing joy to the world. Ministering PrinciplesHow to Help Someone Searching for Answers to Gospel QuestionsIdeas for how to help someone who is struggling with questions about the gospel or the Church. Digital Only Portraits of FaithDrew HausenWings of FaithA mother is grateful when her son’s Christmas wish to see a butterfly is fulfilled and her own prayers for strength are answered. Early Women of the RestorationCherry B. SilverEmmeline Was a Voice for WomenEmmeline B. Wells was a strong advocate for the rights of women and of the Saints. Stories from Saints, Volume 3A Vision of the Spirit WorldThis excerpt from volume 3 of Saints recounts the circumstances surrounding Joseph F. Smith’s vision of the spirit world and provides a summary of what he saw and learned. Mike JudsonIdeas for Bringing Together Family History, Temple Service, and Missionary WorkVarious ideas for bringing together family history, temple service, and missionary work. Brittany Beattie5 Ways to Use the Light the World Calendar at HomeFive ways to use the Light the World calendar to share Christ’s love this Christmas. Emma BensonLearning from “The Living Christ”A young adult shares how striving to memorize “The Living Christ” as a young woman strengthened her testimony. Larry JespersenHow I Learned to Serve with LoveA man shares what he’s learned about serving with the proper attitude. Kaytlin JenksSharing Christ’s LightWe can be united as we share Christ’s light, especially during the Christmas season. Rob SimpsonMy Christmas Mall-Santa MiracleA man shares a Christmas miracle in which he was able to serve a child whose parents had passed away. Emma BensonWhat We Learn from the Proclamations of the RestorationAn overview of the six proclamations of the Restoration. Young Adults YA Weekly staffUnderstanding Your Divine IdentityThe YA Weekly staff offers some tips for understanding your true divine identity. Eryn PawlukLearning to Feel God’s Love for MeA young adult shares how she was able to learn to feel God’s love and recognize her individual worth. More for You in YA Weekly!A description of other digital articles included this month for young adults. Digital Only: Young Adults YA Weekly staff4 Ways to Remember Your Divine WorthChurch leaders teach how we can remember our divine worth. Feeling God’s Love through RepentanceA young adult shares about repentance being a gift of love from Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. How the Lord Helped Me Understand Divine Worth during My DivorceA young adult shares what she learned through her divorce about beauty and divine worth. Jacob BahrDiscovering How Deeply God Knows MeA young adult shares an experience where he learned how deeply God loves His children. Lindsey SmithKnowing My Divine Identity Gave Me PurposeA young adult shares how she was converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ and how it answered many of her life questions. Brian LandeenSeeing Myself for Who I Can BecomeA young adult talks about how he learned to see himself and his mistakes through God’s eyes. YA Weekly staff5 Gifts from Knowing Our Divine IdentitySister Rebecca L. Craven shares insights on the power of knowing your divine identity and worth. The Growth of Family History Resources Africa Central Local Pages To This End Was I Born Peace in Christ: the Priceless and Timeless Christmas Gift December 2000: Book of Mormon Available in Amharic, IsiXhosa Delegation from Sudan Visits Salt Lake Church Sites Africa South Local Pages Remembering the Babe in Bethlehem Christmas: “The Hope of Israel” The Church donates PPE Equipment to Namibian Government in Fight against COVID December 1989: The First Baptisms in Lesotho Africa West Local Pages Area Presidency Christmas Message By Divine Design Christmas Gift to The Savior: Reach Out and Touch Someone All Africa Service Day Initiative Continues to Bless Communities in West Africa Australia Local Pages A Legacy of Faith Celebrating the Birth of Our Saviour The Timing of Tyres God Is at the Helm Caribbean Local Pages Holiness to the Lord, the House of the Lord Do You Trust That Christ Has Your Back? Christmas during the Pandemic United Kingdom/Ireland Local Pages The Greatest and Most Precious Gift A Christmas Miracle Repentance unto Conversion A Cappella and A Certificate Not Lost, Not Forgotten First Young Adult Service Missionary in Scotland Feeding the Homeless at Christmas in Aberdeen New UK JustServe Couple My Sikh Origins and Testimony Related to the First Baptised Member in the British Isles Reach Out through Inter Faith UK Temple Presidents Touch Our Lives Soup Kitchen for Bridlington Homeless New Zealand Local Pages A Legacy of Faith Celebrating the Birth of Our Saviour The Timing of Tyres A Mother’s Faith United States and Canada Section In the NewsGiving Machines are now located in various cities in the United States. How You Can Participate in Light the WorldIdeas for participating in the Light the World initiative for 2021. Give the Gift of InspirationHow to give the gift of a Church-magazine subscription. Stories from Saints, Volume 3A Vision of the Spirit WorldRecounts the circumstances surrounding Joseph F. Smith’s vision of the spirit world and provides a summary of what he saw and learned. Serving in the ChurchLarry JespersenHow I Learned to Serve with LoveA man learns how to approach service to others with a proper attitude and to feel love for those he helps. Blessings of Self-RelianceMichael R. MorrisTo Be Self-Reliant: “What We Always Wanted”Three families in Texas, USA, describe how the Church’s self-reliance courses have helped them in their businesses and their homes. PoemMegumi KenworthyMary, MotherThis poem reflects on experiences Mary and Jesus must have had as mother and child.