“Contents,” New Era, Dec. 1996 New Era December 1996 Volume 26, Number 12 Contents The Message: The Light and the LifeElder Dallin H. OaksThis is why we center our faith in Jesus Christ. The Happiest Person on EarthMelissa GreenwaltWhat the missionaries brought made me richer than all my friends. In Tune: As with Gladness Dan Carter and William Chatterton Dix Everyday Heroes: Grin and Share ItJanet ThomasThese LDS youth help change the looks—and lives—of children all over the world. Q&A: Questions and AnswersI’m worried about my family. How can I help make my home happier and more spiritual? Mormonad: Be Someone’s Christmas Star The Stories of JesusRichard M. RomneyWhat does the Savior’s ministry mean in teens’ lives? Here are responses from all over the Church. Grandpa’s CallingChristy Smith and Marissa D. ThompsonA close-up look at patriarchs and patriarchal blessings. Mormonisms FYI: For Your Info Feliz NavidadErin E. LancasterOne Christmas in Puerto Rico I learned to give without judging. Fiction: A Slice of ChristmasCaren SchofieldMy last-minute invitation saved a lonely old man. The 1996 New Era Index Poem: Drawn InRex Strother Photo of the MonthDon O. Thorpe Front and back cover: © The Genesis Project, Inc., New York, N.Y. Used by permission.