New Era

December 2003

Volume 33, Number 12

Contents

• The Message: The Search for Jesus
  President Thomas S. Monson
  This is our Brother whom we love. This is Christ the Lord, whom we serve.

• One More Stop
  James Tschudy
  I was amazed that our song could be an answer to someone’s prayer.

• Idea List: Gospel Gifts
  Focusing on Christ at Christmastime is the perfect gift we can give to others.

• A Gift for All Seasons
  Elder Darwin B. Christenson
  Friendship, love, missionary work, and family are all gifts that last.

• No Comparison
  Emma Withers
  I wanted to stay behind and lounge at the fancy hotel, but I found a much better place to go.

• Q&A: Questions and Answers
  What can I give my family for Christmas that would be more meaningful than something bought at the store?

• New Era Poster: Come, Let Us Adore Him

• Images of That Holy Night
  Kimberly Webb
  Each crèche tries to capture the reverence and awe of that special event so long ago.

• 10 Things I Love about You
  Lois Zurligen Jorgensen
  Each family member wrote a list. And those lists became treasures.

• The Party They Gave Away
  Barbara Jean Jones
  An amazing party with presents, decorations, and good food all went to others who needed it more.

• One Sleepless Night
  Kortney Dawne Warburton
  What could one 13-year-old girl do to make Christmas better for her family?

• Homemade Christmas
  Elder Gene R. Cook
  The most meaningful gifts you can give your family are gifts of your own time and talents.

• Who’s Asking?
  Bishop H. David Burton
  Be prepared to judge wisely the merits of the invitations you receive in life.

• Instant Messages
  A prayer before performing; a hymn for confidence; and taking care of bullies.

• The Extra Smile

• New Era Index for 2003

• Poem: Snowfall at Evening
  Belle Hayden

• Photo of the Month
  John Luke

Cover: Aileen Akagi of Midway, Utah, helps arrange nativity scenes as part of a community celebration. See “Images of That Holy Night” on p. 20. Cover photography: Craig Dimond (front) and (back)