“Contents,” Ensign, Dec. 2010, 1–3 Contents December 2010 Volume 40 • Number 12 On the Cover Front: Birth of the King, by Michael Dudash. Back: Good News of Great Joy—Shepherds by Night, by Michael Dudash. Limited-edition canvas and prints available at somersetfineart.com. Messages First Presidency Message 4 Can We See the Christ? President Dieter F. Uchtdorf Visiting Teaching Message 7 Our Responsibility to Participate in Temple and Family History Work Features 11 Modern-day Fiery Serpents David R. Smith I was sure I would have looked at the brazen serpent. Then I thought again. 16 Three Stars John B. Rowe How the testimony of the three witnesses led a naval officer to the gospel. 18 Commandments, Calamities, and the Second Coming Elder James J. Hamula Heeding the call to repent and be sanctified. 22 Handel and the Gift of Messiah Elder Spencer J. Condie Seven lessons from Handel’s composition. 28 Lullaby for Timothy Katherine Clement Poulsen How Christ helped me trade my pain for peace. 30 A Gift Worthy of Added Care Elder Neil L. Andersen Seeking and seeing the Holy Ghost in our lives. 41 Gospel in My Life: Not Enough Time? Hong Ook Son I didn’t think I had time for institute. The Spirit prompted me to make time. 42 They Spoke to Us: Fear Not Elder Tad R. Callister Because of the Savior, we need not fear. For every problem, there is a solution. 45 Joining Voices, Uniting Hearts Melanie Massey Hoggan How the gift of music brought greater harmony to our small town. 48 Three Generations of Christmas Leslie Thomas Foy, Leslie Tuttle Foy, and Jeffrey W. Foy The men of one family share a tradition of yuletide giving. 58 Christmas Traditions of the Seventy Members of the Seventy share how they celebrate the season and remember the Savior’s birth. Our Homes, Our Families 12 Helping Children Exercise Their Agency Marcos Fernando dos Santos A father shares thoughts about the importance of allowing children to exercise their agency. Living as Latter-day Saints 14 Find a Church Kirsten Bradford The students were outlining their most important life goals. How is it I’d never had to think about that one? By Study and by Faith 52 Glad Tidings of Great Joy Eric D. Huntsman Another look at the most familiar story in Christendom. Gospel Solutions 36 One Heart and One Mind Four members affected by disabilities share their experiences with giving and receiving service. Provident Living 63 Free to Smile Allie Schulte After a life of repression, Edit Kiss Kerbs learned from the missionaries to have faith in God. Departments What We Believe 8 Jesus Christ Is the Only Begotten Son of God As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, we can also remember His divine Sonship. We Talk of Christ 10 The Gift Joan M. Olenycz May we remember the greatest gift ever given. Serving in the Church 17 Unto the Least of These Dianne W. Stoddard Six suggestions for balancing callings with family responsibilities. 66 Latter-day Saint Voices 70 Small and Simple Things 73 Family Home Evening Ideas 74 News of the Church 79 In Other Church Magazines Until We Meet Again 80 Christmas in the Vineyard Larry Hiller What better way to show gratitude for the Savior’s birth than by serving others?