December 2024 First Presidency Christmas MessageThoughts from the First Presidency concerning Christmas. Featured Articles David A. BednarJesus Christ Is the Source of “Lively,” “Good,” and “More Excellent Hope”Elder Bednar invites us to seek the spiritual gift of hope in the Savior. Church Leaders’ Teachings from Social Media15 Gifts to Consider This ChristmasProphets, apostles, and Church leaders testify of the gifts of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Thierry K. MutomboWhere to Turn for Hope, Peace, and Purpose When Life ChangesElder Mutombo shares four principles for finding peace. Camille N. JohnsonAs Women, We Exist in an Oft Unspoken Global SisterhoodThe power of a global sisterhood Wilford W. AndersenWhere Are You in the Pride Cycle?The pride cycle is repeated so frequently in the Book of Mormon that perhaps its inclusion in the record is meant to be a warning from the Lord to each of us in our day. Shaun StahleWalking with New Members in the Journey of DiscipleshipWhat are the three keys to helping new members transition into the Church? Stan Thomasson15 Reasons to Keep Reading the Book of Mormon Every DayTaking time daily to read the Book of Mormon will bless our lives in many ways. Yarelly Ovalle2 Lessons from Crooked Christmas LightsImperfect Christmas lights reminded this author to invite the Light of Christ into her life. Jackie Durfey Asher10 Stories to Inspire Christlike Service and Light the WorldTen stories of Christlike love and service to inspire others to provide service during the Christmas season. Chiyun CasellasWaiting on the Lord’s TimingThe Lord’s timing in our lives might not always be clear—but it’s always correct. Latter-day Saint Voices Tamara HarrisA New HeartA woman shares how a Christmas Eve in a military brig changed her heart. Dalinda Dolly McMullinThe Ugly NativityA mother gains a greater appreciation for the Savior’s Atonement after buying a broken Nativity. James NowaNo Christmas This Year?After meeting a needy family, missionaries are able to gather donated items to give to the family for Christmas. Meralee StallingsHer Offering Is AcceptableHer mother’s voice was raspy and off key as she sang her favorite Christmas hymn, but the author knew the Savior rejoiced in her sincerity. Allan Oduor OmondiOur Struggles Became Our BlessingsThe author’s hope and faith amid affliction are rewarded with the Lord’s tender mercies. Come, Follow Me Faith Brings MiraclesLike the examples of faith described in Ether 12, modern Church history has many examples of faith. Takashi WadaThe Gift of CharityElder Wada teaches that the pure love of Christ can transform our lives as we seek this precious gift. The Gift of Another Testament of Jesus ChristThe Book of Mormon holds within in its pages the spirit, light, and focus of Christmas. Mark A. MathewsSeeking and Obtaining “a More Excellent Hope”Having hope in this world helps us overcome trials and endure to the end. After Baptism: A Close Study of Moroni 6:4Engage in a closer study of Moroni 6:4 by breaking down individual words or phrases. Young Adults Yevheniia (Ginger) ZinchenkoThe Freedom to Choose ChristA young adult gains a testimony of agency and chooses to turn to Jesus Christ. Oriana SilvaFeeling Different from People around You? It Might Be a Chance to Share Your LightA young adult shares how we can light the world just by being examples of Jesus Christ. Lavinia FonnesbeckDo You Believe in Christ and in What He Can Help You Do?A young adult shares how she learned that there is power in choosing to believe. Kate StewartWhich Heavenly Gifts Are Special to You?Ten young adults share which gifts from Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are especially meaningful to them. Isabelle JusticeAre You Having a Hard Christmas? You’re Not AloneA young adult shares three ways to keep your focus on the Savior when you’re having a tough holiday season. Laurana Wheeler RodererCould I Still Have Hope in Christ When Everything Was Going Wrong?A young adult shares how she finds hope in Christ. Jad HollandI Believed in Jesus Christ, but I Wasn’t Sure If He Truly Knew MeA young adult shares how she felt led by the Spirit while on the set of a TV show. Bradley Salmond3 Study Topics to Connect You to Christ This ChristmasHow a young adult found a more personal connection to Christ by studying about His life and ministry. Ongoing Series The Church Is HereOrléans, FranceA glimpse at the Church in France. Stories from Saints, Volume 4Rallying to Serve in ChennaiAfter the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, Church members in many countries gathered to help the victims. This is the story of the member response in Chennai, India. Africa West Local Pages Jesus Christ Was Born to Be My Savior and Bring Me Hope The Gift of Tongues is Real Born in Accra, Found the Church in Japan I’m Not Going Back From “Wheelbarrow Child” to College Student in Cote d’Ivoire Handbook Highlight Call for Articles Area Websites Australia Local Pages The Perfect Gift Sharing Our Saviour’s Love through Family History On Faith and Sacrifice Helping Grow Self-Reliance in Tonga Aussie Samoan Couple Continue to Serve Others amid Life’s Challenges Share Your Stories Area Websites Caribbean Local Pages Jesus Christ: The Savior Who Brings Hope, Joy and Peace From Contractor to Convert Power of the Badge Taking the First Step to Eternal Bonds The Path from Baptism to PathwayConnect Call for Articles Area Websites United Kingdom/Ireland Local Pages Being One in Christ Billingham Stake Light the World Blessings Abound for Blackburn Ward Members through Food Bank Service Three Sisters Making History in Preston, England Eisteddfod Interfaith Experience Chorley 2nd Ward Working Together to Benefit the Community UK and Ireland Service Mission Conference - A Poem Share Your Stories in The Liahona Local Pages New Zealand Local Pages The Perfect Gift Sharing Our Saviour’s Love through Family History On Faith and Sacrifice Helping Grow Self-Reliance in Tonga Aussie Samoan Couple Continue to Serve Others Amid Life’s Challenges Share Your Stories Area Websites United States and Canada Section Introduction to the United States and Canada SectionAn introduction to the December 2024 United States and Canada Section. Spencer R. Stark and Mark WittPatriarchal Blessings: Is It Too Late to Receive One?Some older members wonder if it’s too late to receive a patriarchal blessing, but the Lord still has inspiration and guidance to offer them. Joseph M. Spencer and Daniel L. Vassilaros“If These Things Are Not True”: Moroni’s Exhortation to PrayA closer look at the key phrases in Moroni 10:3–4. Alexander L. BaughWhat Christmas IsChristmas is not about evergreen trees, lights, or decorations. It is essentially about four realities. Tom PalfreymanHow Giving Machines Help Light the WorldMillions of dollars have been donated through the Giving Machines since 2017. Here are some examples of nonprofits that were helped through the Giving Machines in Texas last December. Abigail BooneHow a Childhood Christmas Tradition Blessed My FamilyA mother strengthens her family by carrying on a family tradition from her childhood.