“Contents,” Ensign, Dec. 2012, 1–3 Contents December 2012 Volume 42 • Number 12 Messages First Presidency Message 4 Rediscovering the Christmas Spirit President Thomas S. Monson Visiting Teaching Message 7 Visiting Teaching, a Work of Salvation Features 10 Christmas within You Elder Jeffrey R. Holland Finding Christmas through faith and service. 13 Christmas Ornaments, Christlike Friends Mary N. Cook The Christmas of 1984 was a turning point in my life. 14 The Christmas Handkerchief Scott M. Mooy Why did my mother give my sister a handkerchief each year? 16 Lights and Marvels Michael Moody Sheet music that testifies of the Savior. 18 My Christmas Letter Robyn Marie Allgood How could I find peace in the Christmas season after the death of my two-year-old son? 20 A Christmas Eve Transformation Myrle Crown The best Christmas gift I ever received was the gift of giving. 22 I’ll Stay with the Sheep Sheralee Bills Hardy I gained a tender insight during our stake Christmas program dress rehearsal. 24 Leaving Adversity Behind Elder David S. Baxter We can leave adversity behind and, with the Lord’s help, emerge from darkness. 28 The Tradition of Light and Testimony Elder L. Tom Perry The core of the gospel of Jesus Christ is individuals, families, and homes, which the Church functions to support. 34 They Didn’t Wait for Me to Ask C. Angel Smith I was surprised by the generous support from our ward family. 36 Sacred Transformations Aaron L. West One hill transformed. One family transformed. 40 The Coming of Christ As Latter-day Saints, we worship Jesus Christ as the Son of God. 44 Choosing Our Roles in Life Samuel J. Palmer Picking the right role at the right time can have a huge impact on others. 46 Repentance: Making the Inside Clean Michael Weir Allred Repentance leads us to replace our impurities with increased spirituality. 52 Prophets at Christmastime Laura F. Willes Stories of latter-day prophets exemplify the spirit of Christmas. 56 Service Never Grows Old Sara D. Smith These Latter-day Saints serve faithfully despite the limitations that come with age. 60 Never Too Old to Testify Ruth C. Meyers Despite my age, I realize that I still have a purpose in this life. 62 The Safety and Peace of Keeping the Commandments Bishop Gary E. Stevenson A formula embodied in the gospel of Jesus Christ reveals the pathway to happiness. Departments What We Believe 8 The Gospel of Jesus Christ Was Restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith 23 Teaching For the Strength of Youth 66 Latter-day Saint Voices 70 Small and Simple Things Serving in the Church 72 Feeling His Love through Service Mishelle Wasden How could I help my sister when it was Christmas and I was 400 miles away? 73 Family Home Evening Ideas 74 News of the Church 79 In Other Church Magazines Until We Meet Again 80 Sunbeams, Public Affairs, and Gospel Joy Elder Quentin L. Cook What do Sunbeams have to do with public affairs? A lot when they represent the joy of the gospel. On the Cover Front: Photograph of Mesa Arizona Temple by Candace Read. Back: Photograph of Oakland California Temple by Billy Lynn Allen and photographs of Sydney Australia Temple and lights by Colin Ligertwood.