“Contents,” New Era, Dec. 1998 New Era December 1998 Volume 28, Number 12 Contents The Message: The Savior Is Counting on YouElder Joe J. ChristensenAfter all that Christ has given us, can’t he count on us to give something in return? Comfort and JoyTina Reeder BeusA carol sung at the right moment for the right person became a gift of love. In Tune: Little Child Elizabeth A. Wright All Alone for ChristmasBarbara Jean JonesSnowed in at home with Mom and Dad snowed out, we discovered where the true Christmas spirit is found. Q&A: Questions and AnswersIf our Heavenly Father is all-loving, why does he allow bad things to happen to innocent people and children? Mormonad: Gift Exchange I Felt like an AngelChristy TerrellWhat would it feel like to be an angel? We performed a simple service and got a hint. Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful: An Advent Calendar Idea List: Make Your Christmas Christ Centered Peggy Sue Clark Trimming the TreeName WithheldA sister missionary finds it’s hard to judge which trees—and which people—need pruning. Mormonisms Fiction: Picture-Perfect ChristmasDon SmurthwaiteOur annual family photos were all disasters—until one year we looked a little closer. The 1998 New Era Index FeedbackLetters to the editors Poem: December DefinedJulie Norman Photo of the MonthJohn Luke Front cover: Painting by Robert T. Barrett Back cover photography: Tamra Hamblin