“Contents,” Ensign, Dec. 2011, 1–3 Contents December 2011 Volume 41 • Number 12 Messages First Presidency Message 4 The Choice to Be Grateful President Henry B. Eyring Visiting Teaching Message 7 An Extensive Sphere of Action Features 10 Off Key but On Target JaNeal B. Freeman My dad sang loudly and off key, but his love of hymns taught me an important lesson. 11 The Joy of Sabbath Day Observance Elder Marcos A. Aidukaitis Because we never missed church while on vacation, something wonderful happened. 14 My Father’s Prayer David R. Baumgarten My rescue led to a lifetime of trust in my Heavenly Father. 16 The Peace and Joy of Knowing the Savior Lives Elder Russell M. Nelson The Son of the living God will lift you if you will love Him and keep His commandments. 22 Poem: Windows of Heaven Merrijane Rice 23 A Cycle of Service Sally Johnson Odekirk How a ward was blessed by serving a young man with disabilities. 26 The Christmas I Remember Best Sherilyn Clarke Stinson “We have a baby boy for you.” 28 The Gift of Giving Boyd C. Rich As missionaries serving in Austria soon after World War II, we found a way to double the joy of giving. 30 Come, Let Us Adore Him Elder Patrick Kearon What can we learn from those who saw the Christ child with their own eyes? 36 The Road to the Temple Chad E. Phares Latter-day Saints in Ukraine are finding that all roads of righteousness lead to the temple. 40 The Key to Opportunity: Celebrating 10 Years of the Perpetual Education Fund Rebekah Atkin Since 2001 the Perpetual Education Fund has blessed the lives of thousands. 46 Lost and Found Adam C. Olson How one couple connected daily decisions with a view of their eternal destination. 50 The Condescension of Jesus Christ David L. Frischknecht The Atonement of Jesus Christ offers hope, healing, and the glory of exaltation. 56 Forgiveness at Wakayama Ferron A. Olson As a soldier, I was surprised by what I saw in a ruined city. 58 Questions & Answers How do I achieve balance in my life given all the demands on my time? 62 Tithing: A Key to Peace in Troubled Times Breanna Olaveson While cutting costs, these families were blessed because they continued to pay tithing. 65 Sheet music: The Lamb of God Tom Edward Clark Departments We Talk of Christ 8 An Answer for Every “What If?” Michael D. Woodbury The Atonement has all the answers. Serving in the Church 34 My Service as a Single Member Julie Burdett As a single member, could I really serve as Primary president? 66 Latter-day Saint Voices Latter-day Saints find the spirit of Christmas through gratitude, love, service, and testimony. 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 The Light of the Son Jeff S. McIntosh Light helps us see the truth—and see it more clearly.