A children's magazine published by The Church of Christ of Latter-day Saints December 2012

Count the days until Christmas See pages 24–25 Friend Helps with Move How We Read the Friend ne night my mom and I he Friend Owere reading the Friend. Tteaches I was feeling sad because we us how to had to move for Dad’s new job. be better Then we read “Moving” in the friends! May 2012 Friend. I felt happy Penny, Lily, because the family in the story and Ruby W., ages 5, 7, and had to move too. Then we kept 3, Utah reading and found out that the grandparents in the story were going on a mission, and the family was staying in their house. I was surprised because we were going to live in my grandparents’ house while they went on a mission too! I’m glad we read that story. It made me feel much better about moving. Naomi F., age 7, Wyoming Healing among the Zunis am very thankful for the IFriend. I read it whenever I am bored. One of my favorite Dear Friends, stories was “Healing among This month we wanted to give you a the Zunis” from the June 2011 Christmas gift, so we created an activity issue. I thought it was to help you celebrate the birth of Jesus cool how Elder Christ. You’ll find it on pages 24–25. We Harris healed 406 hope it will help you think about the gifts American Indians the Savior has given you and think of using the Melchizedek Priesthood. ways to give gifts to Him. Thank you for publishing the Please write to let us know how Friend! you remembered Jesus Christ this Jacob S., age 11, Utah Christmas. Merry Christmas! The Friend

ILLUSTRATION BY PAUL MANN Was there a letter or a story in this month’s issue that helped you? Tell us about it. Turn to page 48 to find out how. Volume 42 Number 12 December 2012 See the The First Presidency: Guide to the Friend Thomas S. Monson, Henry B. Eyring, on page 48 for Dieter F. Uchtdorf ideas. The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: Boyd K. Packer, L. Tom Perry, Russell M. Nelson, Dallin H. Oaks, M. Russell Ballard, Richard G. Scott, Robert D. Hales, Jeffrey R. Holland, David A. Bednar, Quentin L. Cook, D. Todd Christofferson, Neil L. Andersen A children’s magazine published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Editor: Craig A. Cardon Advisers: Shayne M. Bowen, Bradley D. Foster, Christoffel Golden Jr., Anthony D. Perkins Stories and Features Managing Director: David T. Warner IFC Friends by Mail Director of Member and Family Support: Vincent A. Vaughn 2 From the First Presidency: Getting Ready for Christmas / Director of Church Magazines: Allan R. Loyborg President Dieter F. Uchtdorf Business Manager: Garff Cannon 4 My Gift to Jesus Managing Editor: Jan Pinborough 6 Bright Idea Assistant Managing Editor: Marissa Widdison 8 Following Christ at Christmas Administrative Assistant: Carrie Kasten Writing and Editing Team: Susan Barrett, Ryan 11 Friend to Friend: Serving Mrs. Burrows / Elder Michael T. Ringwood Carr, David Dickson, David A. Edwards, Matthew D. Flitton, Mindy Raye Friedman, Hikari Loftus, 12 Bulletin Board Michael R. Morris, Joshua J. Perkey, Richard M. 14 Stories of Jesus: The Brother of Jared Sees Jesus Christ Romney, Paul VanDenBerghe, Julia Woodbury Editorial Intern: Michelle Garrett 16 Mom’s Christmas Surprise Managing Art Director: J. Scott Knudsen 20 Trading for a Smile Art Director: Mark W. Robison 22 A Prophet Is Born Design Team: Jeanette Andrews, Fay P. Andrus, 27 Special Witness: Elder D. Todd Christofferson C. Kimball Bott, Thomas Child, Kerry Lynn C. Herrin, Colleen Hinckley, Eric P. Johnsen, Scott Mooy, 28 Christmas at the Hospital Brad Teare 30 Matt and Mandy Prepress: Joshua Dennis 36 A Yummy Flower Garden Intellectual Property Coordinator: Collette Nebeker Aune 38 Show and Tell Production Manager: Jane Ann Peters 40 Bringing Primary Home: Jesus Christ Is the Son of God Printing Director: Craig K. Sedgwick 42 A Christmas Prayer Answered Distribution Director: Evan Larsen 48 Guide to the Friend © 2012 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. The Friend (ISSN 0009-4102) is published monthly by The Church of Jesus Christ For Little Friends of Latter-day Saints, 50 E. North Temple St., Salt Lake City, Utah 84150-0024, United States of 32 Sandwich Buddies America. Periodicals Postage Paid at Salt Lake City, Utah. 34 Being a Friend To subscribe: By phone: Call 1-800-537-5971 to 35 The First Christmas order using Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card, or American Express. Online: Go to store.lds.org. For Older Kids By mail: Send $8 U.S. check or money order to 44 The Light of the World Distribution Services, P.O. Box 26368, Salt Lake City, UT 84126-0368. 46 Let It Snow! To change address: Send old and new address 47 Nativity Craft Learn to play information to Distribution Services at the above address, or change the address by phone at the “Silent Night” number listed above. Please allow 60 days for Music on page 7. changes to take effect. 7 Silent Night Submit manuscripts or art to: Friend Editorial, 50 E. North Temple St. Rm. 2432, Salt Lake City, UT 84150-0024, United States of Verse America. Unsolicited material is welcome, but no responsibility is assumed. For return, include 19 I Know that Jesus Loves Me self-addressed, stamped envelope. Children’s submissions will not be returned. E-mail: Things to Make and Do [email protected]. Hidden The Friend can be found on the Internet at 10 Funstuf: I Know the Is True lds.org/friend. 18 Kitchen Crafts: Christmas Workshop CTR Text and visual material in the Friend may be copied for incidental, noncommercial church or home use. 24 The Best Christmas Gifts Ring Visual material may not be copied if restrictions are indicated in the credit line with the artwork. 26 Funstuf: How to Become a Witness of Christ Copyright questions should be addressed to 26 Funstuf: The Names of Jesus Christ Intellectual Property Office, 50 E. North Temple St., Salt Lake City, UT 84150, United States of America; 31 Coloring Page e-mail: [email protected]. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to 49 Book of Mormon Scripture Figures: The Book of Distribution Services, P.O. Box 26368, Salt Lake City, Mormon, a Gift from Heavenly Father UT 84126-0368, USA. Serving others is part Canada Post Information: Publication Agreement of who we are as #40017431. Cover by David Habben Latter-day Saints. From the First Presidency Getting Ready for Christmas By President Dieter F. Uchtdorf Second Counselor in the First Presidency

The word Advent means s an old tradition, our family has always “the coming of Christ.” I must admit that delicious hot chocolate, celebrated the Advent of Christmas. In Germany, where hot apple cider, and tasty homemade A President Uchtdorf Starting on the fourth Sunday before grew up, many fami- cookies helped a lot to catch the joyful Christmas, we would get together on Sunday lies celebrate Advent feeling of the Christmas season! afternoons, light wax candles on a pine for four weeks before While celebrating the Advent of Advent wreath, enjoy delicious homemade Christmas. Christmas is not part of all cultures around cookies, and read passages of scriptures the globe, there is something we can learn from this that center on the Christ. widespread Christian tradition. Perhaps even this year We read accounts we might carve from our busy schedules some time to of ancient proph- study and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas— ets who personally and as families. yearned for When we prepare for Christmas by pondering its real the com- meaning, we prepare to experience the Christ and His ing of the message. May I suggest three things we may want to Messiah. We study, ponder, and apply in this season of preparation. read scriptures First, in the birth of our Savior. that proclaim the REJOICE wondrous story Second, PONDER His influence in our lives today. of His birth. Each Third, LOOK steadfastly for His coming. week by singing beau- tiful Christmas songs I pray that each and every one of and having a fun you will have a wonderful and merry time together, our Christmas season. ◆ family tried to From “Seeing refocus on the Christmas through true meaning New Eyes,” 2010 First Presidency of the season. Christmas Devotional, (December 5, 2010).

2 Friend Rejoice, Remembering Ponder, and Christ Look Forward President Uchtdorf’s family used a pine wreath as part of their holiday tradition. You can make a wreath to help you remember what you learn about Jesus Christ this Christmas season. Cut the center out of a paper plate, turn it upside- down, and paint it green. Cut simple candle shapes out of colored cardstock. Fold about a half inch at the bottom of the candles. Choose some scripture stories about Jesus Christ to read as a family throughout the month. As you read each story, glue a candle to the wreath.

President Uchtdorf said we should rejoice in Jesus’s birth, ponder His influence in our lives, and look forward to His coming. How would you finish the sentences below?

REJOICE: Here are some scripture “Knowing about Jesus Christ makes me stories to get started: happy because . . .” Jesus is born. (Luke 2:1–21) Jesus calms the storm. (Mark 4:35–39) Jesus feeds five thousand people. PONDER: (Matthew 14:13–21) “When I remember what Jesus has done for Jesus teaches about the good Samaritan. (Luke 10:25–37) me, I know that I can . . .” Jesus heals the ten lepers. (Luke 17:11–19) Jesus atones for our sins in Gethsemane. LOOK FORWARD: (Luke 22:41–45) “I can look forward for the time when Jesus Jesus appears to the in the will come again by . . .” Americas after His Resurrection. (3 Nephi 11:8–17) Jesus teaches the Nephites about the . (3 Nephi 18:1–12) LEFT: ILLUSTRATION BY DAN BURR; FLORAL PAPER © BITTBOX; December 2012 3 ABOVE: ILLUSTRATIONS BY ADAM KOFORD By Rachel Lynn Bauer (Based on a true story)

All God’s children, come to adore, bringing gifts of love evermore (Children’s Songbook, 40). ime for family home Tevening!” Dad called. I hurried to the living room. We always did fun things on the first family home evening of December. My younger sister, Michelle, ran ahead of me and jumped into the soft blue armchair. “No fair!” I exclaimed. “You got to sit there last week. It’s my turn.” “I got here first, so I get to sit here,” she argued. “You can sit on the couch.” My Gift “I don’t want to sit on the to couch,” I snapped. I stormed over to the rocking chair and turned it so I wouldn’t have to look at Michelle. She made me so mad sometimes! She thought Jesus she could have whatever she wanted. Whenever I complained, Mom told me I needed to be unselfish. After our family sang a hymn and prayed, Dad said, “Christmas is an exciting time, and we need to remember the true meaning of the holiday. Tonight we are going to start with our gifts to Jesus.” “And what has He asked us to do in return?” Mom Our gifts to Jesus. I had forgotten about that! We did it asked. every year. “To follow Him and keep His commandments,” my “We celebrate Christmas because Jesus was born,” brother answered. Dad continued. “He made it possible for us to receive the Mom gave us each a card and pen. We were sup- greatest gift—eternal life with Heavenly Father.” posed to write how we would show Jesus we love Him.

4 Friend “This Christmas season, through all of our various Christmas traditions, I hope that we are focused first upon the Lord Jesus Christ.”1 Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

We put our cards in a box wrapped in gold paper. We put the box under the Christmas tree. Every time we looked at the box, we were supposed to remem- ber the Savior’s gift to us and our gift to Him. A few days later, I saw that Michelle had taken my favorite shirt without asking. I wanted to yell at her. Then I looked at the gold box and remembered how much I loved Jesus. I could show Him love by being kind to my sister. I said, “You look really pretty today, Michelle.” She smiled. “I’m sorry I didn’t ask to wear your shirt. You weren’t here when I got dressed, and I wanted to look extra nice for my class Christmas party today.” I felt warm inside. I was glad I had chosen to be nice to Michelle instead of getting angry at her. For the rest of the month, I tried to remember that good feeling and my goal to be like Jesus. I got better at being patient and loving. On Christmas Eve, Dad read the nativity story, and the rest of us acted it out. I decided to be the angel instead of arguing with Michelle over who got to play the part of Mary. Next we opened the gold box and read our gifts to Jesus out loud. When I read mine, Mom said, “I’ve That was our gift—to choose something we would do noticed that you’ve been extra nice to Michelle. I’m to be more like Jesus. so proud of you!” I knew immediately what my gift should be. Jesus I was proud too. I hadn’t unwrapped any taught us to love others, even if they made us angry. I presents yet, but I had already received something knew Jesus wanted me to love my sister. I wrote, “I will special: a feeling from the Holy Ghost telling me I be nice to Michelle.” had done the right thing. ◆ To find 14 more ILLUSTRATION BY LAURA ANDROS special Christmas gifts, December 2012 5 turn to pages 24–25! “Come unto Christ.” —Moroni 10:32

6 Friend ILLUSTRATION BY KEVIN KEELE

SilentSilent Night Night (Simplified) (Simpli�ed) Words by Joseph Mohr SilentBaptism Night Music by Franz Gruber Peacefully = 80–100 (Simpli�ed) TranslatedWords by by Joseph John MohrF. Young q (Simplified) WordsMusic by by Mabel Franz Jones Gruber Gabbott PeacefullySmoothly = 80–100 = 62–72 TranslatedMusic by John by Crawford F. Young Gates q j j 3 q ˙ œ . & 4 œ3 . jœ œ . œ. jœ œ . ˙ 3 1. Si - lent night!˙ Ho - ly night!˙ ˙All œ is calm,. b 3 . œ . œ ˙ & 4 œ2. Si4 - œlent ˙night!. œHo - œ lyj ˙night!. Shep - herds quake b1. Si - 3 lent night! Ho - ly night! All is calm, & b 4 œ. 1 j 2. Si3. Si - -œ lentlent night!night! HoHo - - lyœly night!night!œ. ShepSon - herdsof quakeGod, 1. Je - sus came to John the Bap - tist, 3. Si - lent night!œ Ho - ly night! Son œ of œ God, œ 2. “To ful - �ll the law,” ˙.said Je - sus, ? 3 ˙. 3. Now we ˙. know ˙. that ˙we. must al - ˙.so ˙. ˙. ˙. ˙. ˙ 1 ? 34˙. ˙. ˙. ˙. . ˙. 4 ˙. ˙. ˙. ˙. 1 ? 4 œ œ œ j b 3 œ 5 1 œ 1 œ ˙ œ 3 œ. œ &b b 4 ˙. ˙œ œ œ œ œ. jœ œ ˙. ˙all œ is bright Round3 yon œ.vir - J gin moth - er and Child. & ˙. ˙ œ œ œ œ. œ œ . allat isthe brightsight! RoundGlo - yonries virstream- J ginfrom mothheav- --er enanda Child.˙far; at love’s thepuresight!light GloRa - - riesdiantstreambeams fromfrom heavthy --enhoa- ly far;face, love’sb pure light Ra - diant beams from thy œho. - ly œ face,œ œ 5 b 3 1 ˙ œ &? ˙b ˙. œ œ ˙. ˙ œ ˙ J œ . œ 3 œ . ˙. ? ˙. In Juœ˙. --de ˙a . long ˙a - go, œ ˙. And was bap - tized When the Bap - 3tist ques - tioned why, “And to ˙en. - ter Wit - ness faith in Je - sus’ word, Be bap-tized to œ. j ˙ œ œ. œ & ˙ œ œ œ œ. jœ œ . 3 œ. J œ Ho - ly œ.In - fant,J so ten - der and mild,˙ Sleep˙ ˙œ in heav --œ en ly ˙ œ œ œ œ . œ œ 3 œ &? Heav’n - ly œhosts sing œ Alœ ---leœ lu ˙.ia! Christ, the Sav ˙-Jior, is Ho b - œly In - fant,J5 so 1 ten - der andœ mild,œ 2 Sleep 1 in heav --en ly Heav’nWithb b - lythe hostsdawn œ ofsingre --Aldeem---le luing ia!grace, Christ,Je - thesus, SavLord,- ior,atisthy With the dawn of re --deem ing grace, Je - sus, Lord, at thy ? ˙. ˙ œ ˙. ˙ œ ˙. 1 2 ? ˙. ˙ œ ˙. ˙. ˙ œ b œ. ˙. 1 2 5 . œ 2 5 ˙. 5 4 b œ œ 1 œ 1 3 b 3 3 œ 2 & J œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙ by ˙ im --mer sion jIn the Riv - jerœ Jor - dan’s �ow. ˙. Œ œ. 4 2 & with ˙ my Fa - therœ. jœInœ the œ.king -jœdom up on high.” ˙peace;. œSleep. in 4heav --en lyœ peace.. . & show o ---Œbe di ence,. œ As wasœ. Je œ- 2sus Christ,˙ our Lord.˙ peace;born! SleepœChrist, inœthe heavSav---enior,lyœ is peace.˙born!. ˙. born!birth; œ Christ,Je œ - thesus, SavLord,- ior,atisthy born!birth. ?birth; œ œ Je - sus,˙ Lord, ˙ at thy birth.˙ ˙ b 1 1 ˙ ? ˙. ˙ œ 5 3 b˙b. 1 ˙˙. ˙. ? ˙. ˙. ˙ œ ˙. ˙. ˙. 1 ˙. ˙. ˙©. 1969 by Mabel Jones GabbottArr. and© 2012 Crawford IRI. All Gates. rights Arr. reserved. © 2011 IRI. All rights˙. reserved. ˙. ThisThis song song may may be be copied copied for for incidental, incidental, noncommercial noncommercial church church or or home home use. use. Arr. © 2012 IRI. All rights reserved. This notice must be included on each copy made. Practice tip: LookThis for songthe notes may bethat copied are especially for incidental, high or noncommercial low and �nd them church on theor home keyboard use. before you start to play. Practice tip: Use the damper pedal, located on the right, to play the song more smoothly. Practice tip: Look for the notes that are especially high or low and �nd them on the keyboard before you start to play. The pedal marks under the bass line show when to use the pedal. December 2012 7 You can print out or listen to this song at lds.org/friend. FollowingChrist atChristmas These latter-day prophets followed the example of Jesus Christ at Christmastime. What can you do to follow Christ this holiday season? Turn to pages 24–25 for ideas.

President Gordon B. Hinckley (President of the Church from 1995 to 2008) President Gordon B. Hinckley learned at a young age that good gifts don’t have to cost a lot of money. He watched his parents visit widows during the holidays and take them bread and treats. As he grew up, Gordon tried to make thoughtful gifts for others. He and his brother, Sherman, decided to work together to build Christmas presents for their sisters. Some of their gifts over the years included a small cupboard, a yellow treasure chest, and a fancy desk and chair.

President Thomas S. Monson (President of the Church since 2008) When President Thomas S. Monson was 10 years old, his parents gave him an electric train set for Christmas. Tommy was happy until his mother showed him a less-expensive train she had bought for a neighbor boy. Tommy noticed a car that his train didn’t have. He was jealous, and he con- vinced his mother to let him keep the train car. When they went to surprise the neighbor boy with the gift, Tommy realized how selfish he had been. He ran back home and got the car, plus another car from his own set, to give to the boy. He felt joy when he focused on giving instead of getting.

8 Friend ILLUSTRATIONS BY JARED BECKSTRAND President David O. McKay (President of the Church from 1951 to 1970) The McKay family loved music. Each Christmas, President David O. McKay attached jingle bells to his horses and took his grandchildren on a sleigh ride around town. After sledding through the snow, they would sing carols around the family’s piano. Once, while President McKay was working at the Church Administration Building, he was surprised by a different group of carolers—165 Primary children who had come to sing Christmas songs for him! President McKay appreciated their musical gift, especially when he learned they had given up their annual Christmas party to make the trip. President George Albert Smith (President of the Church from 1945 to 1951) Christmastime at the Smith home was filled with fun and service. On Christmas Eve family members hung stockings in front of the fireplace to collect presents. As a joke, President George Albert Smith always hung a huge stocking instead of a regular sock. On Christmas day President Smith took his children to visit people who might be feeling lonely or forgotten. Once he and his daughter Emily visited an elderly woman who lived alone. The woman was so happy to have visitors that she cried. She said she was grateful that someone had thought of her on Christmas.

President Heber J. Grant (President of the Church from 1918 to 1945) President Heber J. Grant taught his family to look for ways to be unselfish during Christmas. One year President Grant’s children decided to donate money to help build the Salt Lake Temple instead of getting Christmas presents. Another year President Grant noticed that a woman he worked with was very poor. His family decided to take the money they would have spent on gifts for each other and give it to her instead. The woman was overjoyed on Christmas morning when President Grant handed her a turkey and a check to help pay for her house!

December 2012 9 I Know the Book of Mormon Is True By Arie Van De Graaff

These children are putting on a pageant about the Book of Mormon. See if you can find the hidden items in the picture.

10 Friend Friend to Friend

From an interview with Elder Michael T. Serving Mrs. Burrows Ringwood of the Seventy

When ye are in the service of your When I look back, I’m grateful for fellow beings ye are only in the service that opportunity. Mr. and Mrs. Burrows of your God (Mosiah 2:17). were older and had no children to help rowing up, I was the third of seven them. My mom could have shopped any Gvery active children in my family. We day of the week, but she chose to do it on lived next door to an elderly couple, Mr. and Mrs. Saturday so she could take Mrs. Burrows. I could Burrows. As a young boy, I always felt like they weren’t have been playing with my friends on those Saturdays, very happy with us. We were loud and rambunctious. but I’m so glad I saw my mom serving Mrs. Burrows Sometimes we would run across their lawn, throw and that I had the chance to serve Mrs. Burrows too. balls over their fence, or make a lot of noise. This often My mother showed me that serving others is a part upset them. of who we are as Latter-day Saints. She taught me that My mother went grocery shopping on Saturdays. She we should strive to help others while we take care of often took Mrs. Burrows with her because Mrs. Burrows ourselves. couldn’t drive. Mom decided that I would go along Over time, I found that I didn’t hop over the fence every Saturday to help push Mrs. Burrows’s cart and lift as much or make as much noise. I came to love Mr. the bags of groceries into our car. and Mrs. Burrows as I served them. ◆

ILLUSTRATIONS BY DANI JONES December 2012 11 InDecember Journal Junctionyou could write about yourfavorite This monthChristmas you couldWrite. writedown about This month’s good word is charity your favorite Christmas. You can . Charity means the pure love of detailsabout why it was special, who Christ. It is the kind of love Jesus Christ has write down details about why it was wasthere, what you did, and how you for us. When we have charity in our hearts, special, who was there, what you felt. If you want, draw a picture of we are kind, patient, hopeful, and full did, and how you felt. If you want,

whythe drawday a picturewas important of why the dayto you. was of faith. We want to do good things and important to you. help others, just as Jesus Christ did.

Last December, around 84,000 people attended the Mormon ’s Christmas concert at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City. Here’s a peek at what went on behind the scenes as hundreds of per- formers and crew prepared. the scenes ▸ 1,600 yards of fabric were used to make costumes for more than 150 people. (You can see one of the costumes on the left.) ew to plan ▸ It took 1 month for a 20-person cr the lighting.

▸ More than 115 microphones amplified the sound. Each instrument in the orchestra had its own microphone! ▸ 15 cameras filmed the concert. In 2011, ▸ A new stage set is made each year. castle walls were carved out of foam.

▸ More than 4 million people watched the 12 Friend rebroadcast of the concert on TV. By JaNeal Freeman Every issue of the Friend has a coloring page, and you can find more atlds.org/friend. Here are some things you can do to share your coloring pages. • Write a letter to a grandparent or other rela- tive and glue it to the back of your picture. • Have the members of your family write Last December, around 84,000 people notes on the back of your picture and send attended the Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s it to a missionary. Christmas concert at the Conference Center Share your artwork with a ward member in Salt Lake City. Here’s a peek • “It helps to see the kindness of others at who you think might be lonely. at what went on behind the Christmastime. How many times have you gone scenes as hundreds of per- • Make a coloring book by taping or stapling to leave a gift on a doorstep, hoping not to be noticed, only to find more than one unmarked gift formers and crew prepared. several pages together. already there? Have you felt, as I have, the impres-

▸ 1,600 yards of fabric were used to • Write a thank-you note on your picture for sion to help someone only to find that what make costumes for more than 150 people. your parents, Primary leader, teacher, or you were inspired to give was exactly what (You can see one of the costumes on the left.) music leader. someone needed at that very moment? That is a wonderful assurance that God ▸ It took 1 month for a 20-person crew to plan Make a gospel banner by taping several the lighting. • knows all of our needs and counts on us pages together. Share your work during to fill the needs of others around us.”* ▸ More than 115 microphones amplified the family home evening. sound. Each instrument in the orchestra had its –President Henry B. Eyring, First own microphone! Counselor in the First Presidency ▸ 15 cameras filmed the concert.

▸ A new stage set is made each year. In 2011, *“Home for Christmas,” castle walls were carved out of foam. Ensign, Dec. 2009, 7.

▸ More than 4 million people watched the BOW & RIBBON © PHOTOSPIN; COSTUME PHOTO BY LESLIE NILSSON, © IRI; COLORING PAGE ILLUSTRATIONS BY JARED BECKSTRAND; 13 rebroadcast of the concert on TV. CHRISTMAS PRESENTS © GETTY IMAGES; DOOR PHOTO BY ALISON RAE CUNDIFF STORIES OF JESUS The Brother of Jared

SEESBy Diane L. Mangum JESUS CHRIST

To chasten means to correct or The brother of Jared they could not talk to each discipline. 1 had a humble and other. Jared’s family and prayerful heart. He lived in friends were worried. Jared Four years passed, chasten him because he the wicked city of Babylon. asked his brother to pray 3 and the Lord came had forgotten to pray. The The Lord punished the and ask Heavenly Father to in a cloud to talk to the brother of Jared repented people of Babylon by let their language stay the brother of Jared and and began to pray often. changing their same and to lead them to a language so good place to live.

The Lord answered 2 the prayers of Jared’s brother. The Lord said that

Jared’s family and friends The should gather their flocks were and that He would guide the families of Jared, them to a promised land. his brother, and their friends. They journeyed The Jaredites traveled to the Americas in a long time until they barges and built reached the ocean. They homes and cities. set up their tents and lived on the seashore.

14 Friend The Brother of Jared From Ether 1–3. SEES JESUS CHRIST

The Lord told the 4 brother of Jared that the people needed to build barges, or ships, so they could cross the then the Lord would help The brother of Jared saw Behold, I am Jesus ocean and go to a choice him. the finger of the Lord and Christ.” land. The barges were The brother of Jared fell down in fear and sur- When the Jaredites small and light on the gathered 16 stones that prise. He did not know crossed the ocean their water, like ducks on a were clear like glass and the Lord had a body. ships had light from the pond. The went to The Lord saw the faith stones that had been ships were the top of of the brother of Jared touched by the finger of tight so no the moun- and allowed him to see the Lord. The brother of water could tain and His whole body. The Lord Jared wrote his sacred leak into prayed. He said, “I am he who was experiences on metal them, but had faith prepared from the foun- plates. The plates were inside the that the dation of the sealed until they ships it was Lord had world to came forth in very dark. power to do anything. He redeem my The brother the Book of The brother of Jared asked the Lord to touch people. of Jared’s name Mormon. ◆ prayed and asked how the stones and make them is not in the Book of they could get light in give light. Mormon, but it was revealed to Joseph their barges. The Lord told The Lord reached 5 Smith as Mahonri him to figure out how to out His hand and Moriancumer. solve the problem, and touched each stone.

ILLUSTRATIONS BY ROBERT BARRETT December 2012 15 By Lindi Anderson (Based on a true story)

’Tis love we get when love we bring (Children’s Song- book, 138–39). he Christmas season had just begun, and the little At home, I told Ryan my idea. He agreed to help, and Tdrugstore was almost dancing with decorations. we eagerly gathered all the money we had: five dollars. Mom stopped to admire a porcelain nativity set on the It was just enough to put the nativity set on layaway. store’s glass counter. “Isn’t it beautiful, Lindi?” Mom The next day I sprinted to the drugstore, afraid that asked. She had wanted a nativity set for a long time, someone had already bought my treasure. I pulled and this one gleamed softly as if someone had brushed open the door, and my eyes raced to the glass counter each figure with Christmas magic. in search of the set. It was still there! Relief flooded over After Mom walked away, I studied the delicate pas- me as the clerk took the precious nativity set to the tel pieces. Mary and Joseph gazed down at baby Jesus back room until Ryan and I could pay the full price. while shepherds, Wise Men, and angels watched. It was As Christmas grew closer, all Ryan and I could think just what Mom had always wanted. Excited, I looked at about was Mom’s special gift. Little by the price tag, but a tight knot formed in my stomach. little, our earnings added up until we Fifty dollars! How could I ever come up with that much finally made our last payment. We money? brought the set home, wrapped it, and As we walked home under a gray winter sky, I re- hid it under my bed. It would be a membered the sparkle in Mom’s eye as she held the Christmas surprise! baby Jesus figure. She deserved to have that nativity set! On Christmas Eve, Ryan and I kept She had been a single mom since the divorce, and she exchanging glances, hardly able to con- didn’t buy things for herself very often. tain our secret. I went to bed I kicked the snowdrifts as I formed a plan. I had more excited about our gift than I steady babysitting jobs, and I could ask my older was about the presents I might get. brother Ryan to help earn money. I wouldn’t even need The next morning, I couldn’t all the money at once—I could put the set on layaway even pay attention to my presents. and pay for it a little at a time. Maybe Mom could get I just kept looking forward to the her nativity set after all! moment when we would bring out Mom’s surprise. When all the gifts from under the tree were opened, Ryan looked at me and nodded. Last Christmas I focused on giving part of myself by making “Hold on, Mom,” he said. “I think we forgot presents. I worked hard, and it paid off because I felt excited for others when they got my gifts. A peaceful feeling came over me. one.” I know it was the Spirit. I grabbed the present from my room and set Joanna G., age 10, Arizona it on Mom’s lap. “Open it!” Ryan and I exclaimed.

16 Friend Slowly, Mom tore off the bow and peeled back the wrapping paper. She gasped as she lifted out the baby Jesus figure and cradled it in her palm. “Thank you,” she whispered. As I watched Mom’s face glow with joy, I realized that Ryan and I got the best gift that year. Mom’s nativity set was beautiful, but we had learned to forget ourselves and think of others—truly a gift to remember. ◆

Mom really wanted the porcelain nativity, but could I come up with the money?

ILLUSTRATIONS BY JENNIFER TOLMAN December 2012 17 KITCHEN CRAFTS Christmas Workshop

Remember to get an adult’s help when making these recipes.

Rabanadas Bibingka

This Portuguese version of French toast is a In the Philippines, this Christmas cake is made treat to share with friends and family during in clay pots lined with banana leaves and baked

the Christmas season. over hot coals. 1 medium loaf of French bread, cut into 1/2-inch slices 3 eggs 2 cups milk 1 1/2 cups coconut milk, divided 2 tablespoons sugar 3/4 cup sugar rind of 1 lemon, grated 2 cups all-purpose flour 4 eggs 4 teaspoons baking powder vegetable oil 2 tablespoons butter, melted 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon, mixed sugar and shredded coconut for sprinkling parchment paper 1. Place milk, sugar, and grated lemon rind in a medium saucepan. Slowly warm the mixture over 1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). low to medium heat. Remove from heat. 2. In a medium bowl, beat the eggs. 2. Beat eggs in a medium bowl. 3. In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar in 1/2 cup of the 3. Heat 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large frying pan coconut milk. over medium-high heat. 4. Add the flour and baking powder to the milk mix- 4. Soak each slice of bread in the milk mixture, and ture, and then add the remaining 1 cup of coconut then dip each slice in the beaten eggs. milk. 5. Transfer one or two slices of soaked bread to the fry- 5. Add the melted butter and eggs; stir well. ing pan. Cook until brown. Using a spatula, carefully 6. Line a round cake pan with parchment paper, turn the slice to brown the other side. leaving some paper sticking up above the side of 6. Put the cooked slices on a plate lined with paper the pan. towels to absorb the extra oil. 7. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 40 minutes. 7. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon mixture. Let cool 8. Immediately after removing from oven, sprinkle cake and enjoy! with sugar and shredded coconut. Let cool before serving. Merry Christmas!

ILLUSTRATIONS BY BRAD TEARE 18 Friend Feliz Natal! Maligayang Pasko! I Know that Jesus Loves Me

By J. Celeste Sellers I know that Jesus loves me. I can see it in the sky. It shows in every white, white cloud That dances for my eyes.

I know that Jesus loves me. I can find it in the sound Of the happy little waving leaves That breezes whirl around.

I know that Jesus loves me. I can hear it every day In all the kind and gentle words My parents often say.

I know that Jesus loves me, For I feel a burning start When I kneel and say a prayer. The Spirit fills my heart.

ILLUSTRATION BY GREG NEWBOLD December 2012 19 TRADING for a Smile

By Hilary Watkins Lemon (Based on a true story)

Remember this: kindness begins with me “I’m just checking my ornaments,” I said. I opened (Children’s Songbook, 145). a paper sack on the table and counted my handmade ou’re up early,” Mom said as she walked into Christmas wreath ornaments. I had been working on Ythe kitchen. It was the day of the trade fair, them for a month, ever since Mrs. Moore announced and I had gotten up a little earlier than usual to that we would have a trade fair to practice what we make sure I was ready to go. had learned about supply and demand and bartering.

20 Friend I hoped my ornaments would be a hit with my fair, he wouldn’t have this problem.” But I kept watch- classmates! ing Lucas, hoping someone would trade with him. When I arrived at school, my classmates had boxes It wasn’t long before Mrs. Moore said, “All right, ev- and bags of their trade items. I looked around the room eryone. Five more minutes to finish your trading.” as they set out their goods: Suzelle had woven pot hold- Lucas’s shoulders slumped. I knew he was feeling ers, Mark had made key chains out of hemp cord and terrible. I also knew what I had to do. silver charms, and Kylie had hammered together some “Lucas,” I said, “I’d like to swap one of my ornaments bark to make boxes. for two of your rocks. Would you like to trade?” “I can’t wait to start trading,” I said to Jason, who was Lucas smiled a little and let me pick out two rocks. setting out some of the colorful balls he had made from I handed him one of my wreath ornaments. balloons filled with sand. “Everyone brought really cool As we cleaned up the trade fair, I was sad that no stuff to trade.” one else had traded with Lucas. But I felt good because “Yeah, except for Lucas,” Jason said. I had tried to include Lucas, and I had made him smile. I looked at Lucas’s desk. He was setting out a few It felt so good that I wanted to make him smile again. rocks that were different colors. It looked like he had Maybe we could play basketball at lunch or hang out gotten some rocks from his yard and drawn on them after school. with markers. I smiled too as I looked at the rocks on my desk. “Think anyone will trade with him?” I asked quietly. They had started to look kind of nice to me. ◆ “No!” Jason laughed. And he was right. I noticed that

Kylie’s boxes were gone right away. My ornaments were 35718 000 MGS poster.qxd 11-14-2006 12:57 PM Page 1 pretty popular too. About halfway through the trade fair MY GOSPEL STANDARDS I will follow Heavenly Father’s plan for me.

I will remember my baptismal covenant and listen to the Holy Ghost.

I will choose the right. I know I can repent when I make a mistake. I only had two ornaments left. I will be honest with Heavenly Father, others, and myself. “I will seek good friends and I will use the names of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ reverently. I will not swear or use crude words. I will do those things on the Sabbath that will help me feel treat others kindly.” close to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I will honor my parents I also saw that no one had traded with Lucas for any and do my part to strengthen my family. I will keep my mind and body sacred and pure, and I will not partake of things that are harmful to me. My Gospel Standards I will dress modestly to show respect for Heavenly Father and myself. I will only read and watch things that are of his rocks. It seemed like he was trying to shrink or pleasing to Heavenly Father. I will only listen to music that is pleasing to Heavenly Father.

I will seek good friends and treat others kindly. I will live now to be worthy to go to the just disappear. I felt bad for him, but what could I do? and do my part to have an eternal family. I AM A CHILD OF GOD I know Heavenly Father loves me, and I love Him. I can pray to Heavenly Father anytime, anywhere. “He should have put more effort into it,” I thought. I am trying to remember and follow Jesus Christ. “If he had set aside more time to get ready for the trade

ILLUSTRATIONS BY BRAD TEARE December 2012 21 By May Carter The monument stands 38 1/2 feet tall (11.7 m). n a snowy winter day, Aubreelyn, That’s one foot for OTyler, and Suzannah visited the every year of the quiet, peaceful woods of Vermont. Their Prophet’s life. It took grandparents, Elder and Sister Schuck, are missionaries seven weeks to transport all the pieces at the Birthplace Memorial. They give tours of the monument— in the visitors’ center and on the beautiful grounds of the first by train, and then site where the Prophet Joseph Smith was born on by a special horse- December 23, 1805. drawn wagon—from the granite quarry The site used to be a farm belonging to the Prophet where it was made to Joseph’s grandfather. The family lived in a small clapboard the place it stands home, which used to stand not far from where the visitors’ today. The monument center is now. The historical site is a special place because honors the life of the Prophet Joseph and the first prophet of the was born here. ◆ represents the love and reverence members of the Church have for the beloved Prophet.

Elder and Sister Schuck teach their grandchil- dren about the granite monument that was dedicated on December 23, 1905—the 100th anniversary of the Prophet Joseph’s birth.

22 Friend PHOTOGRAPHS BY HILARY WATKINS LEMON Aubreelyn enjoyed learning about cooking utensils and tools like the ones Joseph’s The children stand on the family used. The large stone in front of the front step of the Smith fireplace was part of the hearth, or fire- home. The home fell place. Joseph’s mother cooked many meals down long ago, but it over this stone. once stood in this clearing. Shivering in the snow, the kids imagine how the Smiths might have welcomed the baby Joseph into their family on a cold winter day.

Tyler, 8; Suzannah, 6; and Aubreelyn, 11; stand next to a statue of Joseph Smith. To make the statue realistic, the sculptor studied plaster masks taken of Joseph’s face shortly after he died.

Elder Schuck shows the children a topographical map of the site as it was in 1805, the year Joseph was born.

December 2012 23 TheThe BestBest ChristmasChristmas GiftsGifts

December 11 Include someone who isn’t always included December 12 (John 13:34–35). Jesus created the he Savior has world. Take a walk TT given us the with your family or look outside your best gifts of all. We window to appre- can give Him gifts ciate His creations too when we follow (1 Nephi 17:36). His example. Starting two weeks before Christmas December 13 (December 11), read Share your talents. Sing the scripture and a song, draw a picture, tell a joke, or do some- complete the activity thing else special to you for each day. Then (Matthew 25:14–29). cut out the matching December 14 present from the bor- Jesus taught people der and tape or glue how to pray. Say a gratitude prayer it on the page. and thank Heavenly Father for all your blessings December 16 (Matthew 6:6–13). Jesus gave us the sacrament to help us remember Him. Think about Him as you December 15 take the sacrament Make a card for (Matthew 26:26–28). someone who might be lonely during the Christmas season (Mosiah 18:9).

24 Friend TheThe BestBest ChristmasChristmas GiftsGifts

December 17 December 18 Secretly do The Savior gave us His love. something nice for Read 3 Nephi 17:21–24 and a family member think about the Savior’s love (Mosiah 2:17). for children. Share your feelings with a family member.

December 19 Pray for someone with a special need (Alma 34:27). December 21 Thank at least five people for the things they do for you December 20 (Colossians 3:15). The Savior performed the Atonement so we can repent. Draw a picture or write a poem about what it means to repent ( December 22 5:10–11). Jesus gave us scriptures. Sing “Book of Mormon Stories” (Children’s Song- book, 118) and share your favorite scripture story (2 Nephi 4:15). December 23 December 24 Talk to your parents Heavenly Father’s about having greatest gift to us a special family was His Son testimony meeting (Luke 2:1–20). ( 80:4).

ILLUSTRATIONS BY THOMAS CHILD December 2012 25 The Names of Jesus Christ The scriptures mention many different How to Become a names for Jesus Christ. Try to find some Witness of Christ of the names in the puzzle below. Solve the crossword to learn some things you can do D P L Q E L O R D J F L X O R to become a witness of Jesus Christ. For help, see Elder R R Q A E N T B E A U W N N E D. Todd Christofferson’s message on the next page. See O I O P M E O H K F D L N D D answers on page 48. W N N L P B O Y R D Y T O E E E C C I L V O E L B K R S M E Across H E U P A E D F E O R T D Q M 1. Live so as to reflect his _____. T O Q H L N S G G O H M E H E 3. _____ the scriptures. M F R S O X O N I O V I V U R 5. _____ testimony to others. Q P X W J T H V U V D Q O M F 8. Reflect Him through the way we _____. L E Y N T L A X G O U I L H F 9. As you do these things, ye are a _____ of Jesus Christ. W A O E N S U K J C C M E M V S C N H A I S S E M V A B P N Down G E K T K Y O X N G A Q D C N E T W P M I G H T Y G O D E K 1. Learn from the _____ of others. D O G F O N E S O H C G O Y F 2. Reflect Him through the way we _____. 4. Reflect Him through the way we _____. 6. Learn from the testimony of _____. BELOVED SON LAMB OF GOD PRINCE OF PEACE CHOSEN OF GOD LORD REDEEMER 7. Help others learn of and _____ Him. COUNSELLOR MESSIAH SAVIOR HOLY ONE MIGHTY GOD THE WORD JEHOVAH ONLY BEGOTTEN WONDERFUL

1 2

3 4 5 6

7

8

9

26 Friend ILLUSTRATIONS BY BRAD TEARE Special Witness How can I By Elder D. Todd Christofferson of be a witness of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles The members of the Quorum of Jesus Christ? the Twelve Apostles are called as special witnesses of Jesus Christ.

We are witnesses of We are witnesses Jesus Christ when we of Jesus Christ when live so as to reflect His we live with a happy teachings. The way outlook that shows we act, speak, look, our faith in Him. and even think should reflect Him and His ways.

We are witnesses of Jesus Christ when We are witnesses of we bear testimony Jesus Christ when to others and help we talk to others them learn of and about our feelings follow Him. about Him.

Adapted from “Becoming a Witness of Christ,” Ensign, Mar. 2008, 58–63. December 2012 27 ILLUSTRATION BY BECCA SCHOLES By Kathy Johnson Gale (Based on a true story) Have faith, have hope, live like his Son, help others on their way (Children’s Songbook, 34–35). tacy’s seventh Christmas was one her family would Snever forget. It was unforgettable because it was almost so very, very awful. One autumn day, Stacy’s family had gone for a drive to see the colorful trees. When a truck suddenly came into their lane, Dad swerved to miss it and hit a tree in- stead. Dad and Mom were fine, and so were Adam and Will. But Stacy was hurt. Dad called for an ambulance to take her to the hospital. Stacy woke up in the hospital with a bandage on her head and her leg in a cast. She would need to stay in the hospital for a while until she got better. Stacy shared a room with three girls named Jenny, Tamika, and Kelly. Kelly could get out of bed, so she played games and read stories with the other girls. Stacy was glad to meet new friends in the hospital.

Stacy only wanted one thing for Christmas.

28 Friend Every day the doctor checked on Stacy. Her leg was children were in their beds. Stacy had a gift for each healing well, and soon the nurses removed the bandage one. Seeing their excitement when they opened their from her head. gifts filled Stacy’s heart with joy. One day Kelly went home. The girls hugged and said “How do you feel?” Mom asked as they left the good-bye. children’s wing. “I’m glad you’re well, Kelly,” Stacy said. Stacy hugged her. “This might sound funny, but “Thanks. Now you and Jenny and Tamika get better I loved Christmas at the hospital!” ◆ too,” Kelly said. Eventually Stacy was allowed to get out of bed. Walking with crutches was hard, but once she learned to get around on her own she made friends with chil- dren in other rooms. There were many children in the hospital, all with different injuries and illnesses. Some were there only a short time, while others had to stay for many months. In December, Stacy was finally able to go home. “I’m glad I get to go home, but I’m going to miss everyone so much,” Stacy told her parents. As Christmas drew near, Stacy’s cast was removed, and she worked hard to walk without limping. One night Mom and Dad asked Stacy what she wanted for Christmas. “There’s really only one thing I want,” Stacy said. “I want to take presents to the children in the hospital who don’t get to go home for Christmas.” Mom hugged Stacy. “Is that really what you want? You don’t want anything for yourself?” “That’s really what I want,” Stacy said. Mom and Dad explained the plan to Will and Adam and added that there wouldn’t be much money left over for family presents. “That’s OK,” Will said. “I think it’s a good idea.” The family went shopping and picked I went caroling at the hospital with my family. I saw a out toys, games, and books. Then they wrapped woman who couldn’t walk. I wanted to sing my favor- the gifts and piled them in the car. ite song for her, so I asked my family to sing “Angels We Have Heard on High.” After we sang, I felt good to On Christmas morning, Stacy and her family drove see her so happy. to the hospital. Stacy grinned as she passed out the gifts. Audrey G., age 7, California Some of her friends had gone home, and now other

ILLUSTRATIONS BY MATT SMITH December 2012 29 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Christmastime is always the most Christmassy when we’re doing something as a family. Especially if it’s something about Jesus.

But some people don’t have Maybe we could invite somebody any family. Christmas must like that to share our Christmas. be kind of sad for them. But then it wouldn’t be just our family anymore. It wouldn’t be the same.

Why don’t we try it? Well, OK . . .

It really isn’t the same. It’s better!

30 Friend ILLUSTRATIONS BY SHAUNA MOONEY KAWASAKI Coloring Page

Joseph Smith saw and testified of Jesus Christ. He lives! For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father (D&C 76:22–23).

ILLUSTRATIONILLUSTRATION BY BY JARED BECKSTRAND December 2012 31 ILLUSTRATIONILLUSTRATION BY BY For Little Friends Sandwich Buddies By Heidi Poelman (Based on a true story) Is everybody ready for preschool?

1. William hopped into the car next to Jeremy and buckled his seat belt.

Yes!

Yes!

2. Jeremy’s mom started driving down the road, and William opened his lunch box. He pulled out a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and took a big bite.

3. Jeremy looked at William’s sandwich. It looked yummy. Jeremy was hungry. ILLUSTRATIONS BY SCOTT PECK ILLUSTRATIONS

32 Friend 4. Mom, I’m hungry. Do you have something for me to eat?

Sorry, Jeremy. We ate before we left. I don’t have anything else.

OK. 5. Jeremy was sad. He wanted a sandwich too.

6. William saw that Jeremy was sad. He pulled off a piece of his sandwich and handed it to Jeremy.

Here you go!

7. Thanks, William. You’re nice.

No problem. That’s what friends are for! ILLUSTRATIONS BY SCOTT PECK ILLUSTRATIONS

ILLUSTRATIONS BY SCOTT PECK December 2012 33 BEING A FRIEND One way that you can be a friend is by helping other children. Circle the children on the playground who need help.

34 Friend ILLUSTRATION BY SCOTT PECK The First Christmas

30 29 28 27 23 38 37 31 24 22 32 20 26 40 39 36 21 19

35 33 25 34 17 18

16

15 13

14 12

11

10 9 8 2 7 3 1 4 5 6

Jesus Christ was born in a stable in Bethlehem. A new star appeared in the sky to show that Jesus was born. Connect the dots to see who followed the new star to find Jesus.

ILLUSTRATION BY THOMAS CHILD December 2012 35 ABy Jane McBride Yummy Choate Flower Garden (Based on a true story)

om and Callie were Mmaking cookies. Callie squirted green icing onto the cookies. SQUIRT!

Callie picked up three pink candies. She dropped them on top of the frosting. PLOP! PLOP! PLOP! Callie and Mom decorated all the cookies. “It looks like a flower garden,” Callie said.

And some I bet Mrs. Rosa would Christmas carols! 36 Friend like a flower garden. I was sick, and ye visited me. . . . Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me A Yummy Flower Garden (Matthew 25:36, 40). Callie helped Mom wrap the cookies. They wanted to give the cookies to Sister Jones. Sister Jones was sick. Mom and Callie drove to Sister Jones’s house. Callie rang the doorbell. DING-DONG! Sister Jones opened the door. “We brought you a yummy flower garden,” Callie said. Sister Jones was happy. Callie was happy too.◆

I have an elderly neighbor named Miss Betty. I realized she eats dinner alone most nights. I asked my mom to make chicken and mashed potatoes, and I took dinner to Miss Betty and had a great time eating dinner with her. I know Heavenly Father is happy when I think of others and not just of myself. Lance R., age 5, Utah

ILLUSTRATIONS BY ELISE BLACK December 2012 37 Would you like to send something and Tell to Show and Tell? Turn to page 48 Show to find out how.

Kimberly C., age 10, British Columbia, Canada

Clarissa G., age 8, Alabama

Wendy W., age 7, New South Wales, Australia

Keira G., age 7, West Virginia, likes going to Jacob B., age 6, Idaho church and singing. She loves her family and her pets. Her sister is serving a mission in Sweden.

Joseph, Tim, Melanie, Stephen, Kyle, and John M., ages 11, 10, 9, 7, 5, and 3, Colorado, enjoy learning in Primary. They try to be kind to each other and have fun together. They are good examples to their friends and love sharing the gospel with friends who are not members of the Church. The boys enjoy playing soccer, and Melanie likes to sing and study about animals. It’s a family tradition that each child reads the Book of Mormon before he or she is baptized.

Dane M., age 10, Utah 38 Friend How did your family remember the Savior this Christmas? See page 48 to find out how to send us your answer.

Hayden L., age 9, Utah, likes basketball, t school, have a bike riding, video games, and reading. A we were I testimony His favorite color is getting packed that God loves green. Hayden enjoys spending time with up at the end all His chil- his older siblings and his niece and of the day. We dren. We are nephew. His favorite got in line and all blessed scripture story is Elijah and the priests started walk- by Him, and of Baal. ing. As we passed the lunch area, He loves each and every one of us. my friend dropped his backpack If we follow the commandments, and all his papers flew out. I went He will bless us with eternal life. I over to help him put his papers in love God, and I know He loves us his backpack. He said, “Thanks, because He sacrificed His Son for Mark.” I said, “You’re welcome.” I us. I will love Him forever! felt nice. Michelle P., age 10, California Mark B., age 7, California

ne day very year Oon my Emy family bus, my two gets lots of Christmas friends and I peaches from Christmas is coming, started sing- my aunt’s tree. Christmas soon will be here. You might just hear jingle bells ing Christmas Whenever we If you listen with your ear. songs. Soon get them my Kids will open presents the whole bus started singing too. mom has all four kids help peel With smiles on their faces. And for Christmas dinner The bus driver was smiling. I had a them, cut them in half, and put You might go some places. happy feeling that I was sharing the them into jars. None of us likes to I love Christmas, Christmas spirit. help can the peaches, but we help And do you know why? Alice W., age 8, Texas anyway. We would want to do other Well, I will tell you now— It’s not because of apple pie. things, like go to a friend’s house or ne day It’s because of a little baby, watch TV. Last fall when my mom Who would suffer, who would die. Omy dad asked me if I would help with the It’s because of a little baby, and I went to peaches, I decided to help but with Who never told a lie. the store. An a good attitude this time. As we It’s because of the Wise Men, older lady in All the shepherds, all the sheep. were canning, I noticed that we all It’s because of all the animals an electric cart were talking and laughing and hav- Gathered ’round the manger where the child sleeps. got stuck on ing a good time. That was the most the corner of a shelf. I helped her Do you know who this child is? fun time I had canning peaches, Well, I know I sure do. get her cart unstuck. I know I can and it took less time than I thought. This child is the Savior, become more like Jesus as I give Katie W., age 12, Utah Who loves me, who loves you. service to others. Anna H., age 10, Utah Jonathan J., age 12, Virginia

December 2012 39 You can use this lesson and Bringing Primary Home activity to learn more about this month’s Primary theme. Jesus Christ Is the Son of God

magine traveling across the desert. CTR ACTIVITY: SYMBOLS OF THE SAVIOR IThe journey is long, your camel ride is Jesus Christ compared Himself to many things. By studying these comparisons, bumpy, and you’re not even following a we learn more about Him. Read these scriptures as a family and discuss what map! Instead, you follow a star. How would these symbols tell us about the Savior. you feel? Would you have the faith to keep going? Two thousand years ago, the Wise Men did exactly that. They saw a brilliant star in the east and journeyed to Bethlehem to honor the Christ child with beautiful gifts. And the Wise Men weren’t the only ones watching the star. Across the ocean, on the American continent, the Nephites saw the Lamb (see John 1:29) star and knew that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was born. Today, thinking of that star reminds us of the Savior. It shone in the darkness and showed the Wise Men the way, just as Jesus showed us how to live. The star was also constant, just like the Savior’s love for us. The next time you look at the stars, remem- Shepherd (see Psalm 23:1) Bread (see John 6:51) ber that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Light of the World! ◆

SONG AND SCRIPTURE • “The Nativity Song,” Children’s Songbook, 52–53 • Doctrine and Covenants 11:28 Water (see John 4:14) Rock (see 2 Nephi 8:1)

40 Friend LEFT: ILLUSTRATIONS BY ADAM KOFORD; RIGHT: ILLUSTRATIONS BY THOMAS S. CHILD, ISTOCKPHOTO.COM, AND ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/ADYNA JUST YOU Make Christmas ornaments to remember how the Savior blesses your life. Cut out the stars and mount them on heavy paper. On the back of the ornaments, glue a picture of yourself or your family and write what you want to do to follow Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. Cut out the holes at the top and loop string through the holes to finish the ornaments.

December 2012 41 A Christmas AnsweredPRAYER By Peggy Schonken (Based on a true story) The Lord will remember the prayers of the righteous, which have been put up unto him (Mormon 5:21). eggy awoke on Christmas Pmorning. She was excited to receive a fun new toy and eat a Christmas feast. But as she looked around, she knew this year would be different. Even though her father worked hard, money had been scarce for her family. There were no signs of an upcoming Christmas feast. The veg- etable trays were empty, and there was no food in the refrigerator. Peggy and her brother, Malcolm, walked to the door of their parents’ bedroom and saw them kneeling next to their bed. They quietly lis- tened as Mother and Father prayed that Heavenly Father would help the family have food. “Come on,” Peggy said to Malcolm. “Let’s go outside.”

42 Friend ILLUSTRATIONS BY BRAD TEARE Peggy and Malcolm went out and collected some of the wild ferns that grew near the garden. Maybe there wouldn’t be any toys this year, but they could still make their home feel like Christmas. They felt better after they deco- rated the house with green ferns, but there was still no sign of food. “The Lord will provide,” Mother said. “Now let’s set the table.” Father placed plates on the table while Mother set out forks and spoons. The children looked at each other with confusion when we thought of you,” Brother Kirk said. “We in their eyes. The table was ready, but there was still hope you can use this food.” no food. Breakfast soon passed and lunchtime neared. Father shook Brother Kirk’s hand, and Mother Peggy was hungry! She wondered how her family began to set the food on the kitchen table. Peggy would get food. was still shocked. She looked with wide eyes The clock ticked to 12:00, then 12:30, then 12:45. Still at Mother and Father, but they looked like they nothing. Then Peggy heard a knock on the door. expected this to happen. She rushed to open the door and was shocked to Peggy knew the feeling she had in the morning see the Kirk family standing there. They were holding was right. This Christmas was different. This was ham, bread, chicken, salads, and sweets. Peggy couldn’t the Christmas that she learned that Heavenly Father believe her eyes. hears and answers prayers. And that was the best “We were just sitting down to eat our Christmas meal gift she could have received. ◆

“Humble, trusting prayer brings direction and peace.”2 Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Sometimes the best gift December 2012 43 you can give is yourself! FOR OLDER KIDS

The Light of the World

By Kimberly Reid be apart from her parents, scared to leave her house (Based on a true story) in case something bad happened to her while she For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made was away. All the Christmas lights on Temple Square alive (1 Corinthians 15:22). couldn’t erase the worried feeling inside her. How could rin stood on Temple Square in Salt Lake City looking she be happy in a world where she wasn’t always safe? Eat life-sized statues of the nativity scene and waiting “It’s about to start,” Dad said. He pointed to the nativity for the music and story to begin. Christmas lights twinkled scene. all around her. But it didn’t feel like Christmastime. The loudspeakers crackled to life, and a voice began “Are you all right?” Mom asked her. speaking. Music played, and spotlights shone down on Erin nodded, but she wasn’t so sure. statues of shepherds, Wise Men, Mary, and Joseph. Erin Only a few days ago, a boy from Erin’s class at school listened to the familiar story. The baby Jesus was born had died in a car accident. She had seen a lot of people and lay in a manger. Angels sang. Shepherds wor- crying at the funeral, and she had cried a lot herself. She shipped. Wise Men rejoiced. hadn’t known the boy that well, but Erin knew his family Erin looked at the faces of her parents and the crowd loved him as much as her family loved her. She felt scared gathered around the nativity scene. They all seemed to know that something like that could happen to some- happy. But why was everyone so happy about the baby one her age. Jesus if His birth didn’t stop bad things from happening? Now she didn’t feel excited for Christmas. She felt Erin didn’t like the question circling through her head. All worried all the time—scared to get in a car, scared to she wanted was to stop feeling afraid.

44 Friend The story ended, and a recording of the prophet’s voice stretching out His scarred hands. Erin thought about came over the loudspeaker. He bore his testimony and the little baby in the manger and how He grew into read a scripture from the : “For as in Adam all die, someone who had all power. And yet He chose to sacri- even so in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Corinthians fice His life for her. He had been born so she could live 15:22). again. No matter what happened, Erin could feel safe Erin’s heart beat faster. She said the words again in her in Jesus’s love. mind, trying to remember them. For as in Adam all die, Peace washed over her. She couldn’t quite explain even so in Christ shall all be made alive. how, but her worry disappeared. When she looked at the The scripture said that everyone would die—young peo- statue of Jesus Christ, shining brighter than twinkling ple, old people—everyone. Erin knew that, of course, but Christmas lights, she barely noticed the dark night sky. she hadn’t thought about it much before. She thought she She was too busy feeling the warmth of hope flickering was too young to think about such things. But she wasn’t inside her. ◆ too young to have a testimony of the truth: because of

Jesus Christ, everyone would live again. That’s why the “Jesus Christ is . . . the light of the shepherds and Wise Men rejoiced. They understood what world because his example and his teachings illuminate the path we Jesus had come to earth to do. should walk to return to the presence 3 Erin looked from the little stable to a window in of our Father in Heaven.” Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the the visitors’ center behind the nativity scene. Inside Quorum of the Twelve Apostles the building a light shone on a large statue of Jesus

ILLUSTRATION BY STEVE KROPP December 2012 45 You can watch snowflakes fall all year long with this homemade snow globe. Maybe you could even make one as a gift for a friend or family member. Remember to get an adult’s help when making crafts.

YOU WILL NEED: glass jar with a wide mouth and screw-on lid hot glue gun plastic figurine or small laminated photograph small pebbles, plastic greenery, or other decorations glitter or fake snow water or baby oil

1. Wash the jar and lid and let dry completely. 5. Sprinkle glitter or fake snow into the water. Some of 2. On the inside of the lid, build a small scene using the glitter might get stuck in the scene as you shake the pebbles, plastic greenery, or other decorations. your snow globe, so add a little extra. Use a small figurine, toy, or photograph as the center- 6. Once the glue has dried completely, put a line of glue piece. Keep decorations away from the edges so you on the inside of the lid. Screw on the lid tightly. will be able to screw the lid onto the jar at the end. 7. Put a layer of hot glue around the outside of the rim Important: Whatever you include in the scene of the lid to seal it shut. needs to be waterproof! 8. Let the snow globe dry overnight with the lid side up. 3. Use hot glue to attach your scene firmly to the inside Your snow globe should now be ready to use. Shake of the lid. Let the glue dry. gently and watch the snowflakes fly! 4. Begin filling the jar with cool water or baby oil. Don’t fill it all the way or else it will overflow when you put your scene inside.

46 Friend Nativity Craft

Jesus Christ was born in a stable among sheep and other animals. Make a nativity stable using a Follow these steps to learn to draw a sheep. small box, three popsicle sticks, and a paper star. To make the roof, glue the sticks into a simple “A” shape, then cut slits into the box and insert and glue the roof into place. Glue the star at the peak of the roof. Make your own nativity scene to put in the stable.

WAY TO BE

Do you want to help make cookies for family home evening? You can pour in the chocolate chips.

ILLUSTRATIONS BY MARK ROBISON December 2012 47 Guide to the Friend

A children's magazine published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints December 2012 Possible Ideas for Family Home Evening

1. Read “Getting Ready for Christmas” (page 2). (page 22) and discuss how Joseph Smith helped What are some ways you can focus on the Savior? restore the fullness of the gospel to the earth. Make a list of things your family can do throughout 4. As a family, read “Christmas at the Hospital” the Christmas season. (page 28). Are there any ways you can serve others 2. Spread Christmas cheer in your commu- this Christmas season? Find someone in need and

Count the days until nity through song! As a family, learn the words perform an act of service for them. Christmas See page 24–25 to “Silent Night” (page 7); then go sing it to your 5. Use the Bringing Primary Home lesson and neighbors and friends. activity (page 40) to learn more about this month’s 3. The Prophet Joseph Smith was born on Primary theme. December 23, 1805. Read “A Prophet Is Born”

Hidden CTR Ring The Friend can be found on the Internet Did you find the ring? Topical Index to this Look on page 11! at lds.org/friend. To subscribe online, Issue of the Friend go to store.lds.org. (FLF)=For Little Friends (f)=Funstuf (m)=music (v)=verse

Book of Mormon 10 (f), 14, 49 Please send your submission to: Friend Magazine Christmas 2, 4, 6, 7 (m), 8, 12, 16, 20, 50 E. North Temple St., Rm. 2432 To send us a letter, drawing, 24, 28, 30, 35, 38, 40, 42, 44, 47 Salt Lake City, UT 84150-0024 or poem, please fill out this Church history 22 Or e-mail: [email protected] Example 27 form and include it with Family 4, 16, 38 The following information and permission must be included: your submission. Please also Fear 44 ______First Presidency 2 Full name include a school photo or Jesus Christ 2, 4, 6, 7 (m), 14, 19 (v), high-quality snapshot. Sub- 26 (f), 27, 31, 40, 44 ______Joseph Smith 22, 31, 49 Age State/Province, Country missions will not be returned Journals 12 and may be edited for length Kindness 4, 8, 20, 32, 38 I agree to the terms of the Friend Submission Agreement (lds.org/friend/ Prayer 14, 19, 42 parentalconsent) and grant permission for the Friend to print my child’s and clarity. Children whose Prophets 8, 22, 31, 49 submission and photo in print or online. work is submitted should be Quorum of the Seventy 11 Quorum of the Twelve 27 ______at least three years old. Scriptures 24 Signature of parent or legal guardian Service 8, 11, 28, 34, 36, 38 Sharing 8, 32 Testimony 27, 38 Traditions 2, 4 The Friend NEW OR RENEWAL SUBSCRIPTION Sidebar References $8.00 (U.S.) per year 1. “Christ the Savior Is Born,” New Era, Name______Address______Dec. 2006, 2. 2. “Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer,” City______State______Country______Zip______Ensign, May 2007, 8. 3. “The Light and Life of the World,” Ensign, Nov. 1987, 64. To Subscribe: By phone: Call 1-800-537-5971 to order using Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card, or American Express. Online: Go to store.lds.org. By mail: Send $8 U.S. check or money order to Funstuf Answers Distribution Services, P.O. Box 26368, Salt Lake City, UT 84126-0368. Page 26: Across: 1) teachings, 3) search, To change address: Send old and new address information to Distribution Services at the above 5) bear, 8) look, 9) witness Down: 1) address, or change the address by phone at the number listed above. Please allow 60 days for testimony, 2) speak, 4) act, 6) parents, changes to take effect. 7) follow. The Friend is available each month in Braille, or as a Talking Book, for the visually impaired. For more information, contact Salt Lake Distribution Services, 1999 West 1700 South, Salt Lake City, UT 48 84104-4233, United States of America. Key 040204 Book of Mormon Scripture Figures

The Book of Mormon, a Gift from Heavenly Father Joseph Smith—History 1:29–35, 42–54, 59–60

Joseph Smith

This year 10 issues of the Friend have contained Book of Mormon scripture figures. To use, cut them out and glue or tape them to cardboard, heavy paper, small paper sacks, or craft sticks. Store each set in an envelope or bag, along with the label that tells where to find the story in the scriptures.

ILLUSTRATIONS BY BETH M. WHITTAKER A children's magazine published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints December 2012 Through Your Eyes

I am happy to have a baby brother. He is one of my blessings from Heavenly Father. Luke P., age 8, Utah

Do you like taking photos? We’d like to see life. Remember, we can’t publish your your best shots about how Heavenly Father submission without a parent’s permission blesses your life. E-mail them to friend@ in the e-mail. If there are people in the ldschurch.org and include your name, age, photo, we also need to know that they and where you’re from. Please also include gave their permission to be photographed. a sentence explaining how your picture We’re looking forward to seeing Heavenly shows Heavenly Father's blessings in your Father's blessings through your eyes!

What's online?

Want to bring the Spirit of Christ into your The scriptures help us keep our home this Christmas season? Visit lds testimonies strong. You can .org/children/resources and click on visit ​mormonchannel.org/ “Christmas”under the Resources by Gospel scripture-stories to listen to Topic section to find ideas for stories and a weekly radio series all about activities about our Savior’s birth. the scriptures, made just for children.