“Contents,” Ensign, Dec. 2009, 1–3
Front: Flight, by Rose Datoc Dall, courtesy of Church History Museum. Back: The Nativity, engraving by Gustave Doré.
Teach the Importance of Reverence. When was the last time you felt or demonstrated true reverence? Consider spending time in your next family home evening discussing what it means to be reverent. You might use the articles found on p. 13 and p. 20 in your preparation.
Experience the Power of Compassionate Service. Several articles in this issue focus on compassionate service—the compassion that members have shown each other and the ultimate compassion shown all of us by the Savior Jesus Christ. (See pp. 24 , 26 , 31 , and 62 .) What service might you perform this season?
Celebrate Christmas with the First Presidency. Celebrate the season of the Savior’s birth by watching the First Presidency Christmas Devotional, to be held December 6 at 6 p.m. MST. (See LDS.org or your local priesthood leader for broadcast information.)
First Presidency Message
4
Home for Christmas
President Henry B. Eyring
What all of us long for at Christmastime and always is to feel bound together in love with the sweet assurance that it can last forever. This is the promise of eternal life.
Visiting Teaching Message
62
Nurture through Compassionate Service
10
Dad’s Lesson in Love
As Mom’s health failed, Dad showed just how tender his heart could be.
13
The Power and Protection of Worthy Music
Music, worship, and the still, small voice.
18
Using Preach My Gospel in Scripture Study
Want help with your scripture study? Preach My Gospel is filled with ideas.
20
Worship through Reverence
What is the real meaning of reverence in worship?
24
With Love from My Sisters
The service my visiting teachers gave me that Christmas made all the difference.
26
The Prince of Glory
How does the redeeming power of Jesus Christ work during—not just after—our mortal lives?
31
When Christmas Changed My Heart
Our efforts to save face blessed us and others.
34
Questions & Answers
In what ways do you find peace in your celebration of Christmas?
38
Six Days Shalt Thou Labour
Artists capture the joy, power, and beauty of work.
42
The Blessing of Work
As with other commandments, the Lord will help us fulfill the commandment to work.
47
Why Tithing Settlement?
How tithing settlement brings additional blessings.
48
The Spiritual Gifts Given the Stake President
Stake presidents are men of accomplishment and integrity. They are full of faith with an uncompromising desire to please the Lord.
54
I Saw the Hosts of the Dead
The truths revealed in D&C 138 testify of Heavenly Father’s love and compassion.
68
Director of the Christmas Program
A look at a Christmas program through the eyes of its director.
60
Random Sampler
Treasured Christmas gifts, serving seniors, and focusing on joy in family home evening.
63
Latter-day Saint Voices
Latter-day Saints find the spirit of Christmas in service and sacrifice.
69
Index for 2009
76
News of the Church
Beginning in 2010, the Ensign will feature these changes:
A new format for the First Presidency Message, including complementary content for youth and children.
New, regular articles about the Savior Jesus Christ, what Latter-day Saints believe, family home evening ideas, and serving in the Church.
Information about the Ensign online.
Maintaining faith despite uncertainty; first-Sunday lessons; and the new course of study in Sunday School and in priesthood and Relief Society.