What’s Up?

“What’s Up?” New Era, Dec. 2013, 44–45

What’s Up?

Conference Connection

Last conference, several Church leaders taught about the unique characteristics, divine roles, and strengths of men and women. For example, see:

Elder D. Todd Christofferson: lds.org/go/123Women.
Elder Neil L. Andersen: lds.org/go/123Priesthood.
Sister Carole M. Stephens: lds.org/go/123Know.

As Sister Stephens taught, “We all need each other. Sons of God need daughters of God, and daughters of God need sons of God. We have different gifts and different strengths.”

We all do need each other! The ways to help are endless. Young men, you can encourage young women in their Personal Progress efforts. You can show respect for womanhood. You can lend a hand—or a listening ear—whenever you’re needed. You can be a righteous example.

Young women, you can also provide righteous examples. You can encourage young men in doing their duty to God. You can compliment them whenever they act as gentleman to show them it’s appreciated. You can support their efforts as they prepare to serve a mission.

And, of course, we can all build friendships at any age.

Mutual Activity Idea: Spreading Yuletide Cheer

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brownies

Photograph by iStockphoto/Thinkstock

Anonymous gift-giving can brighten and add meaning to the holidays both for you and for that special friend or stranger for whom you decide to sneak in some kindness.

If you’re planning to give gifts to bless others this year, think about ways you can give service while learning a skill at the same time. For example, what if you gave some handcrafted wooden toys or a small patchwork quilt? Or perhaps a plate of cookies or brownies—made from a new recipe—attached with a kind note to put a smile on someone’s face long after the last cookie crumb is gobbled up.

There are bound to be members in your ward or branch with equipment and know-how who can teach you how to make inexpensive but meaningful gifts from the heart. Consider spending some time during the weeks leading up to Christmas to work on creating presents while helping the youth in your ward learn new skills along the way.

Christmas Hymn Vocabulary

Do you know the meaning of all the words in the last Christmas hymn you sang? Choose the correct definition for each of the following words that can be found in one or more of our hymns.

“Belfries” (Hymns, no. 214)
1. Sheepherders
2. Fried, bell-shaped potato wedges
3. Bell towers
4. A type of sweetbread
“Radiant” (Hymns, no. 204)
1. High in elevation
2. Vividly bright or shining
3. Distant
4. Sudden or without warning
“Seraph” (Hymns, no. 211)
1. A thin mustache
2. An angelic being
3. A rare and precious oil
4. A heavenly law-enforcement officer
“Cloven” (Hymns, no. 207)
1. Split or broken apart
2. Made with garlic cloves
3. Done in haste
4. Joyful or happy
“In excelsis” (Hymns, no. 203)
1. Latin for “Be ever with us”
2. Latin for “Angels singing”
3. Latin for “In eggshell seas”
4. Latin for “In the highest”

Illustration by iStockphoto/Thinkstock