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Join Meridian Writer Wally Goddard in American Fork, Utah to strengthen your family—Tomorrow!

Those who live in Utah have a unique opportunity on Thursday, January 8th, to attend 3 free presentations by popular Meridian writer Wally Goddard. He will be recording programs for Covenant Communications at their studio in American Fork. You are invited to be the studio audience. Come and read all the details.

The Revised and Enhanced History of Joseph Smith by His Mother

With the new Sunday School curriculum covering the History of the Church, we thought it would be well to make Lucy Mack Smith's history of her prophet son, Joseph, available in serial form again on Meridian. Today's article is part 1 of the introduction. Stay up with this primary source book of Church History by starting reading today.

Edited by Scot Facer Proctor and Maurine Jensen Proctor

Beautifully Modest

Beautifully Modest combines the latest in fashion, elegance, and style in every dress we design. Click Here to see more.

Poignant Civil War Records Digitized by Latter-day Saints

A powerful and amazing letter from Abraham Lincoln discovered in the National Archives by Family History Missionaries, Ronald and Elaine Knight, emphasizes the importance of the project of digitizing precious Civil War letters.

By Laura Leavitt Hauck

Current Research on Latter-day Saints and Parenting

A handful of studies suggest that the values, beliefs, and practices of the Church appear to have the potential for a strong (and generally positive) impact on child and adolescent development, as well as on the family unit as a whole. Few studies, however, have included this rapidly growing population of individuals, making it difficult to understand the role of religion in parenting among LDS families. Here is a study with an invitation for you to participate.

By Steven Behling

“Extraordinary Latter-day Saint Featured in BYU Documentary”

A page-turning true account of an extraordinary Latter-day Saint in an unimaginable situation is now a new BYU-TV documentary to be broadcast on January 12th and 19th. Come and read all about it.

Focus on the Family Explains Decision to Pull Mormon Interview

Focus on the Family got to work this week in explaining in detail why it pulled from its website an interview with a Mormon author, Glenn Beck.

Come Let Us Anew

Though gloom and doom may prevail in the news, action is the answer to feeling better about ourselves, our lives and our health. Today's article includes a printable “Blueprint for Success” binder to help you reach for the divine in 2009 through health goals and healthy habits.

By Carolyn Allen

Take Control of Your Life

Even little children can decide on something they'd like to do in their lives this next year with this Family Home Evening.

By C.S. Bezas

Latter-day Saint Youth Celebrate “A Brand New Year”

The onset of 2009 brings an opportunity for young people of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to renew their commitment to their faith while participating in a program of instruction, song and dance that reviews the activities of 2008. The program also introduces their theme as Mormon youth for the new year: “Be thou an example of the believers” (1 Timothy 4:12).

Top Ten Church-Related Stories of the Year

Every year Meridian picks our top ten Church stories of the year, which includes both stories about the Church and stories about its members. This year was sober, exciting, vibrant, sometimes disconcerting, but the news flowed in a steady stream from our pages keeping our readers not only in the know about events, but also updated with savvy analysis.

By Maurine Proctor

2008 Ending on the Road to Disaster

"As 2008 draws to a close, for each of us this should be a time of cheerful season festivities and spirited anticipation for a bright new year. Regrettably, I am having a hard time with either – as I watch our great nation slowly commit economic and moral suicide."

By Stephen M. Studdert

Why so few Latter-day Saints Make New Years' Resolutions

Improvement is a good thing, right? So why do so few Latter-day Saints jump on the New Years' Resolutions bandwagon?

By Joni Hilton

Get Ready for Higher Taxes

What would higher taxes do to your family budget and why can you expect to see them?

By Thom K. Hall

Lesson Intro
"Doctrine and Covenants—A Brief History"
By John A. Tvedtnes

Celebrating the Holiday That Dare Not Speak Its Name

Who could have ever imagine we'd enter a time when saying “Merry Christmas” was an offense?

By Robert Knight

What is Meridian Worth To You?

Is Meridian worth $10 to you? The downturn of the economy has certainly hit Meridian Magazine and we are asking for your help.

By Scot Facer Proctor, Publisher

California Betrayal
Brown vs. the People

Though his job is to enforce state law, in an astonishing move last Friday, California attorney general Jerry Brown decided not to honor an earlier promise to defend the constitutionality of Proposition 8, the state marriage amendment approved by voters on November 4.

By William C. Duncan

Great Idea for New Year

Just as you finish up Christmas, New Years is only a week away. Here are some fun ideas to help you ring in the New Year.

By Dian Thomas

Merry Christmas 2008!

The story this week isn't breaking news even though it's good news. Simple, short, and sweet.

By Steven Kapp Perry

Sowing Seeds of Hope—A Gift You Can Give this Christmas

The biggest concern of the Relief Society president in Kenya is that her sisters are hungry.

By Patty Liston

Giving Ourselves Free

A principle of deliverance that is widely overlooked is the simple act of charity. When times are the hardest and there seems no hope on the horizon, we might try reaching out to someone and expect, in the process, to nudge open the door of deliverance. A recent example of generosity taught me how Zion people can save others and in the process find their deliverance.

By Larry Barkdull

Getting a Book Club Off the Ground

Here are three recommendations for December reading, plus some great ideas for how to expand your circle of friends.

By Darla Gaylor

Reflections of Christ

A young photographer has created a moving exhibit on the life of Christ. Click on and view it to put yourself in the spirit of Christmas.

Reviewed by Catherine K. Arveseth

Protecting and Strengthening Religious Freedom: A Memo to President-elect Obama

Secularists are wrong when they ask believers to leave their religion at the door before entering into the public square. In this memo, the authors ask that President-elect Obama call on all citizens to respect the ability of religious citizens to participate in public policy debates—including debates about marriage—without fear of intimidation and reprisal.

By Ryan Messmore and
Thomas M. Messner

Getting the Gimmies

It is the time of year to teach your children to avoid the dread disease called the gimmies.

By Susan Law Corpany

Readers Talk about Why They are Donating to Meridian Magazine

If you have been unsure about whether or not to contribute $10 to Meridian Magazine, please read some of the 24 reader letters we have published today.

“In the Spirit of Christmas”

Food had run out that Christmas, so she had to trade her favorite doll for a loaf of bread.

By Hannelore Janke

Latter-day Laughs

Mark Matheson of Highland, Utah, writes: “In testimony meeting, a cute girl gave us spiritual food for thought when she proclaimed: ‘I would like to bury my testimony….'” Come laugh with us.

Edited and Compiled by Trish Manwaring, Assistant Editor, Meridian Magazine

"Praise to the Man" Latest Release from The Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Music Director Dr. Mack Wilberg discusses music and arrangements from this new album commemorating the life and mission of Joseph Smith.

By Steven Kapp Perry

The Christmas Elf Project: A Cycle of Giving

Allowing those in need to be givers this Christmas turned out to be a boon with the Christmas Elf project.

By Darla Isackson

Last-Minute Christmas Books for Kids

Are you looking for last minute gifts? Well, look no further. We've compiled some outstanding books that will surely complete your Christmas list.

By Holly E. Newton

Discovering New Levels of Faith

It seems to me that God has delivered challenges to my faith in carefully timed and measured increments. He provides a carefully designed progressive education for every one of His children.

By H. Wallace Goddard

Holiday Breakfast Special

I love to find a recipe that can be used for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Here's one that fits the bill.

By Dian Thomas

Cheesy Spaghetti Pie

Here's a nice take and what to do with all that yummy pasta in your food storage!

The Bottom of the Dreaded Hill

He was an unlikely investigator by so many standards; he was perhaps the one you would walk right past and say to yourself, “I don't think so.” But, the Lord knew Richard; He knew his heart.

By Heidi S. Swinton

Are You Ready?
A Record “Worthy of All Acceptation”

To help Meridian readers get ready to participate in the new.familysearch.org's global family research, this is the first of a series of articles in the coming months on how to gather, source, and document the branches and roots of this eternal family tree.

By James W. Petty, AG, CG

25,000 Historical Titles Now Free Online
FamilySearch Digital Preservation Initiative Hits a Milestone

FamilySearch International reached a milestone today with the digitization of its 25,000th publication online. When all is said and done, there will be over a million publications in the digital collection online.

“I Am Crying Deeply In My Heart”

Children in Africa have to take over their father's jobs because they are sick with AIDS. Grandmothers raise their grandchildren alone because the middle generation is lost to AIDS. Meridian is partnering with Reach the Children to make a difference.

By Patty Liston

Tens of Thousands Attended Christmas Concerts

Over 20,000 concertgoers attended each of the four performances of the annual Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Orchestra at Temple Square Christmas concert in the Conference Center.

Lesson 48
“Come Unto Christ ”
Moroni 7-8; 10
By Robert J. Norman

The Christmas Kindness Blanket

Today marks the first of eight days of Christmas stories from Meridian to warm the season and read aloud to your family. “We were strangers in a new place on that bitterly cold night and wondered if we would ever really feel warm again,” said Maurine Proctor, author of today's story.

By Maurine Proctor

Heavenly Peace

Rarely do we get from Point A to Point B without challenges along the way. Where is peace in this world or turmoil?

By Vickey Pahnke Taylor

Still More Christmas Gifts on a Budget

If you are still looking for Christmas presents you can give even though Santa has left your checkbook bare this year, here are some ideas from ingenious Meridian readers.

By Kathryn H. Kidd

Latter-day Laughs

Meridian reader Nate Nelson writes: “We have been teaching the Primary song Latter-day Prophets to our three Primary-aged children. The older two kids haven't had much trouble deciphering the lyrics, but the other day we heard our 4-year-old singing the song to herself: ‘… David O. McKay was swallowed by Joseph Fielding Smith….'” Come laugh with us.

Edited and Compiled by Trish Manwaring, Assistant Editor, Meridian Magazine

The Wise Men's Gifts to the Christ Child — and Ours

Despite the presence of the Wise Men in our nativity stories, we know little about them. We know more about their gifts, however ? and the gifts they gave the Christ Child are patterns for the gifts we can give to God and to others.

By Clark L. and Kathryn H. Kidd

Popcorn Popping by Marvin Goldstein

LDS pianist Marvin Goldstein produces that most rare of children's CDs; one that adults will like as much or more than the kids!

By Steven Kapp Perry

Just in Time for Christmas

The Miracle of the Wooden Shoes, Christmas Rose and Sharing Christmas are three books you should add to your holiday book collection.

By Michele Ashman Bell

What Mormon Leaders Really Teach

The world is adrift in ignorance about what Mormon leaders really teach, but this YouTube video gets right to the heart of it.

A Woman's Heart - New Music Celebrating the Seasons of a Woman's Life

With intimate stories and insights into writing tender songs, Janice leads us through the process of producing the work of a lifetime. You will be moved by this piece.

By Janice Kapp Perry

Remembering Favorite Christmases

The Christmases you remember most are the ones from the heart.

By Dian Thomas

Quick and Easy Quesadillas

Come and enjoy making this week's easy recipe!

The Joseph Smith Papers
Joseph Smith Papers Reveal Personality of Church Founder

This keepsake first volume in the series is already sold out in stores for Christmas. According to Dean Jessee the expansive papers in the entire collection reveals a man of considerable accomplishment.

The Magical Power of a Kiss

Would you like to know the first time President Faust kissed his wife?

By Gary and Joy Lundberg

“Caring For Family During a Pandemic – Part 1”

Pandemics don't care if it's the holiday season; they come uninvited. And while it doesn't seem to be in the spirit of Christmas to discuss such a dark subject, this article may preserve the lives of those you love someday.

By Carolyn Nicolaysen

WHY ANASAZI WORKS
Don't Fix Your Child; Let the Goodness Come Out

Parents with troubled children wonder what they can possibly do to help them. Here are some ideas, as well as a look at a program where teens make remarkable turn-a-rounds.

By C. Terry Warner
Chairman of The Arbinger Institute

Some People are Just Like That

Some people are so negative, they would find something wrong with the accommodations at the Taj Mahal.

By Susan Law Corpany

The Family Cookbook as an Ancestral Treasure

Here's an idea for making a family cookbook a treasure of ancestral stories and memories.

By James W. Petty, AG, CG

The Three Levels of Christmas

There are three levels on which we can celebrate Christmas. Are we at the level of Christmas trees and colorful packages, or of glorious Christmas carols and the story of the Nativity? Or are we at a level even beyond those?

By Daryl Hoole

Making Christmas Meaningful without Money

Today's suggestions for a meaningful Christmas mention not just gifts, but at least one activity that will greatly enhance the Christmas season for families with children.

By Kathryn H. Kidd

The Best Gift of All

Christmas is coming quickly. The economy is failing swiftly. What are parents to do to provide a beautiful season for their children?

By C.S. Bezas

Create a Miracle — It's Christmas and You Really Can Help

If you yearn to have a gift of yours make a long-term difference in somebody's life this Christmas, this is the best idea we've ever seen.

By Patty Liston

Sign the Critical Pro-Life, Pro-Family Petition to the UN
Stop abortion from becoming a universal human right

Abortion advocates are trying to reinterpret passages from the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights to mean that across the world a woman has a “right” to an abortion. Please join with us now in signing a petition that will go to the UN this next week.

Going Green without Losing Your Mind

I need to give you some background before I give you some good information on Going Green. In the end, I want to influence your decision to make some meaningful changes, but I want you to do it because it is the right thing to do.

By Darla R. Gaylor

In The Name of Love—The Christian Rock Movement

Is there faith-based and inspiring music in the rock and roll world? Let's take a look.

By Kelly L. Martinez

Funeral Arrangements for Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin

Funeral services for Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin will be held in the Tabernacle on Temple Square on Friday, 5 December 2008, at 12 noon. Read story for details.

Staying Connected To Grandkids – Long-distance Love

My time as a grandfather is a time to love, listen and leave. Our home happens to be about seven hundred miles from the closest of our forty-four. Here are some thoughts and ideas about long-distance love.

By Lynn Harbertson

Christmas: A Time of Special Traditions from Around the World

Christmas today is the sum of customs observed for so long that their origins may have been forgotten. Take some time this year to discover the meaning of your Christmas traditions and start a new tradition or two.

By Dian Thomas

Using Imagery to Convey Meaning

Images are the building blocks of stories. Our minds are naturally hard-wired to think in terms of stories. The ability to generate images in our minds is an under-taught skill in our world today.

By Steffani Raff

Christmas Came Just The Same
How To Have A Merry Christmas Without Unnecessary Expense

In our new world, we will be forced to make decisions we should have made long ago. Here are a few ways to make your Christmas this year a little simpler and less expensive.

By Lyle and Tracy Shamo

“We Are All Mormons!”

My fellow Americans, in the coming battle for the heart and soul of America and everything we cherish, may this call to arms be the mantra of every concerned patriot: "WE ALL ARE MORMONS!"

By Rabbi Shifren

Christmastime in Today's Nauvoo

For us, the facts and folklore of Nauvoo live large in our minds and hearts. In those few legendary years of the 1840s, Nauvoo was our Camelot, “for one, brief shining moment” a Zion society of love and joy that we hope will someday, somewhere be duplicated.

By Marjorie H. Rice

False Claims on Proposition 8 and the Church's Contributions

Here are the answers to the critics false claim that the Church improperly contributed to the success of the campaign to support California Prop 8.

From FAIR, the Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research

“The Twelve Months of Preparedness”

We have just been through a season of gift giving. One of the greatest gifts we can give is a strong commitment to follow God's counsel to prepare and provide for ourselves and our families, to become self reliant.

By Carolyn Nicolaysen

Pigs at the Trough

Like pigs waiting in line to get their snouts in the feeding trough, come many of the nation's governors -- on the heels of the mayors -- asking Washington for bailout money.

By Cal Thomas

The Gift of Family History

RootsMagic and Personal Historian are the perfect gifts to make family and personal histories easy! For a limited time, Meridian readers can buy them for only $19.95 each (a $10 savings). Click here!

Lesson 2
"Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World"
By Phillip Allred

Feed My Sheep

One of my goals for the New Year is to be more kind to my fellow man. The starving sheep are out there. Some may need to be picked up and hand fed.

By Susan Law Corpany

In the Big Scheme of Things—Does It Matter?

Unanswered questions about the gospel should not jeopardize our testimony. It may be the Lord's way of calling us to Him.

By Larry Barkdull

Blog Creates “Mormon of the Year” Contest

Every year Time magazine chooses a person of the year, and, perhaps in that spirit, Kent Larsen, on the Times and Seasons blog, has created a new category —Mormon of the Year— which is about judging the impact that the nominees had on the world and on Mormonism.

Lessons Shared by Meridian Readers

Some moments in life leave lessons on your soul that you never forget. Meridian readers share some of these moments.

By Kathryn H. Kidd

Latter-day Laughs

Meridian reader Robert Hart writes: “A friend in our ward plays the part of Santa Claus every year and has a very authentic costume. After visiting one of the families in our ward, one of the children approached his parents and said, ‘I know who it was that was just here: Brother Gillman.' The mother told him not to say anything to his smaller brothers and sisters because it might ruin their Christmas. ‘Don't worry, Mom,' the boy said. ‘I won't say a word, but isn't it something that Santa Claus lives in our ward?'" Here's another batch of great Christmas laughs.

Edited and Compiled by Trish Manwaring, Assistant Editor, Meridian Magazine

News Article Highlights Church's Preparedness for Hard Economic Times

An Associated Press article that ran this past week highlighted the Church's system for taking care of its poor and needy.

Running Faster

We are coming up on a new year, when many choose to make resolutions or to set lofty goals. Good for us! But in the setting and working on them, we would do well to take a piece of advice from Elder Maxwell's to heart.

By Vickey Pahnke Taylor

Latter-day Laughs

Meridian reader Jeremy Jenkins writes: "I teach the 6 year olds in primary. One Sunday around Christmas I heard one boy talking to his little friend saying, 'Man, I need to make some changes in my life. Santa doesn't come for another week but today when I was checking my stocking there was already coal in there!'" Come enjoy a round up of great Christmas laughs.

Edited and Compiled by Trish Manwaring, Assistant Editor, Meridian Magazine

The Mom Song

Here's a talent number from another church—all the things a mother would say in a 24-hour period condensed to three minutes and sung to the William Tell Overture. Take a funny break in your busy day.

Lesson 1
"Introduction to the Doctrine and Covenants"
Introduction to the Doctrine and Covenants and Church History; D&C Section 1
By Breck England

How Mahonri Moriancamur Can Help Us in Troubled Times

While mobs attack our temples and our personal assets slip away, many of us are left wondering if the times that were foreseen by Paul are upon us.

By G.G. Vandagriff

Elder Bruce D. Porter in Newsweek: No Case in Bible for Homosexuality

In response to a recent Newsweek cover that claims the Bible makes a case for same-sex marriage, Elder Porter has co-authored this hard-hitting response.

The Birth of Christ in Scripture

Many homes celebrated Christmas this past week. But how much of a focus was on the birth of Him who came to redeem, even Jesus Christ?

By C.S. Bezas

Joy to Everyone this Christmas

Stephen Jones, Dean of the College of Fine Arts & Communications at Brigham Young University, Provo, composed a song and put it to video as a free gift to the Christian community this holiday season.

Readers Continue to Talk about Why They are Donating to Meridian

Letters of encouragement and enthusiasm (and humor) continue to pour in from our loyal and generous readers everywhere concerning donating to Meridian. Come and be uplifted by reading these stories!

The Twelve Days of Christmas

For the past twelve days, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square have been sharing clips from their 2007 Christmas Concert performance of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” with subscribers to the Choir's weekly newsletter. On this, the twelfth day, we wanted to extend access to this delightful set of clips to Meridian's Readers.

By Robb Cundick

Happy Holidays for Your Honey

Don't make your husband last on your list this Christmas. Make the holidays a little happier for your honey by paying attention to the Four A's: Appreciation, Admiration, Attention and Affection.

By Laura M. Brotherson

“The Least of These”
A Christmas Wish that Really Did Come True

What do you do with your last $5?

By Richard M. Siddoway

Magical Recommendations as Stocking Stuffers

In December's reviews of books about magic, you will find a book for every teen, both young and mature. If you are looking for last-minute stocking stuffers, we make the following magical recommendations.

Reviewed By Hollie Parry

The Christmas Tree and the Tree of Life

The Christmas tree is another symbol of the tree of life, complete with its bright balls representing the delicious fruit.

By Garth Norman

Margaret Barker on Christmas: The Original Story

In her new book, Methodist scholar Margaret Barker, looks at the Christmas stories in the context of their teachings about the temple.

By Kevin Christensen

Lessons Learned and, Now, Shared

What are the stories from your life, things you have experienced that have taught you valuable lessons? We share one and invite you to share yours.

By Kathryn H. Kidd

Make a Joyful Noise

Why is the gospel of Jesus Christ the "good news"? Christmas carols contain the secret. Come celebrate Christmas with this simple Family Home Evening. Time for some FHE Fun!

By C.S. Bezas

“Christmas Blessings”

Elder Robert E. Wells tells about a Christmas Eve when President Spencer W. Kimball called him with a request. This is our fifth day of running Christmas stories to read aloud with your family.

By Elder Robert E. Wells

Aid Organizations Winning Measles Battle: Deaths Drop Dramatically

Recently health and relief organizations of which the Church is a part announced that measles deaths decreased by 74 percent worldwide from 2000 to 2007.

A Christmas Message from LDS Missionaries

Here is the Christmas story told through missionaries from 25 countries. A must-see video clip that will move you; it will move anyone who believes in Jesus Christ and wants to feel the spirit of the season. Share this one as much as possible.

“The Worst Christmas Pageant Ever”

Being fourteen is a terrible disease, and so far there's no cure. So being fourteen was definitely part of my problem. The other part was that I was supposed to be the featured Youth Participant in the ward Christmas program that Sunday.

By Ann Edwards Cannon

December Reviews

Three novels that didn't reach me in time for an earlier review all merit attention as excellent examples of this year's noteworthy LDS fiction.

By Jennie Hansen

“Roses Are Red”

There are some stories you just need to read around the dinner table at the Christmas season. This is one of them. You and your family will never forget it.

By Richard M. Siddoway

Blessing the Sick

Administering to the sick is a powerful ordinance, charged with symbolism and meaning that strike at the heart of our priesthood commission.

By Larry Barkdull

Everyday Peace

The peace that is found in the home looks and sounds quite different from the peace we find in the temple. The source of that peace however, is the same.

By Kimberli Pelo Robison

Elder Wirthlin and the Inspired Road of Silent Night

A composer, a writer, and a missionary all found their inspiration at a little town in Austria.

By David C. Cooper

“How Far Is It to Bethlehem?”

It is thousands of miles and dollars to get to Bethlehem, but you can be there with the Savior by taking a journey of a different kind.

By Janet Peterson

Is There an Unforgivable Sin?

Criticism: LDS apostle, Bruce R. McConkie contradicted the Bible when he wrote that a man may commit a sin so grievous that it will place him beyond the atoning blood of Christ, when the Bible says that the blood of Christ cleanses us all from all sin.

From FAIR, the Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research

“Have Yourself A Healthy Little Christmas”

Though filled with happiness and cheer (as the song goes) we all know only too well that it's also filled with more health detours than at any time of the year. Though it may not be a time to lose weight, it's also not a time to entirely lose focus! Here's a holiday survival guide with carols and tips to make this your healthiest, happiest holiday ever!

By Carolyn Allen

What Will You Give the Lord for Christmas?

With all the gift purchasing, have you thought yet what you will give the Lord for Christmas? Here is a thought-provoking Family Home Evening to help even the youngest at heart with this important question.

By C.S. Bezas

A Christmas Question: Wilt Thou Be Made Whole?

The single most important thing that we can focus on in our lives is the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ and there is not one of us to whom the Lord would not make that same query: Wilt thou be made whole?

By Sean Brotherson

The Joseph Smith Papers
The Survival Story of Joseph Smith's First Journal

Joseph Smith's first journal, a pocket memory book he purchased in 1832, bears distinguishing markers of the mileage accrued in the journey from Ohio to Salt Lake City. The pocket journal also contains the handwriting of other Church leaders, including Oliver Cowdery, Sidney Rigdon and Frederick G. Williams.

Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Featuring The King's Singers — Comes to PBS

The world's most famous choir and one of the world's most soft-after and acclaimed vocal ensembles come together in a magnificent Christmas celebration that will be aired this year on PBS stations Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. This is typically one of the most-watched holiday shows on PBS. Come and get all the details.

Tis the Season for Great Christmas Books

Christmas time always brings about some wonderful books on the subject. Here are some picture books to learn from, and some to just enjoy reading to your youngsters.

By Holly E. Newton

Newsweek's “Creative” Take on the Bible

Put on your seatbelts, Newsweek's cover story, this week demonstrates just how far on a flight of fancy the mainstream media will go to support same-sex marriage even to re-interpreting the Bible.

Proposition 8 and Member Involvement

Critics claim that Church members were commanded to vote for and work for the passage of Proposition 8 in California.

From FAIR, the Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research

Violence and Religious Intimidation:
No Place in Civil Society

A powerful Washington, D.C. Fund for Religious Liberty this past week published an ad in the New York Times in defense of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and made it clear: Beginning today, we commit ourselves to exposing and publicly shaming anyone who resorts to the rhetoric of anti-religious bigotry against any faith, on any side of any cause, for any reason. Come and read an interview with the man who funded that ad.

By Maurine Proctor

Christmas in a Shoe

Would life be different for us if the Wise Men had just brought the Christ child Christmas cards?

By Marvin Payne

Hope for a Wayward Spouse

How do you rescue a wayward spouse, who started out loyal to the Church and then lost her testimony?

By Larry Barkdull

Pick a Card, Any Card

Am I the only LDS woman in the world who dreads having to buy a greeting card? If we're going to send cards this often, we need cards that fit real life.

By Joni Hilton

Lesson 47
“To Keep Them in the Right Way”
Moroni 1-6
By Breck England

I Have a Complaint

Some people are so given to complaining, if they had been there when Jesus blessed the loaves and fishes, they would have asked if He had cooked the fish long enough.

By Paul Bishop

Prop 8 Backlash Is “An Outrage That Must Stop”

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints expressed appreciation on Friday for a full-page advertisement in The New York Times that decries the “violence and intimidation” directed toward the Church because of its support of Proposition 8.

Care and Repair of Family Photographs

The visual history of your ancestors is the most important part of your family history because it is the part that breathes life into the stories and vital statistics.

By Janet Hovorka

Latter-day Laughs

Sally Farb of Beaverton, Oregon, writes: “My 10-year-old daughter, Serafina, was reminiscing about her Primary experiences one day. She asked: ‘Remember when I was in the Violent 8 class and I was the only girl?'” Come laugh with us.

Edited and Compiled by Trish Manwaring, Assistant Editor, Meridian Magazine

Christmas with the Pioneers!

This Is The Place Heritage Park puts on a month-long celebration that lets visitors step back into the family fun and charms of a 19th-century Christmas.

By Steven Kapp Perry

Pop-Up Books are Pure Fun

Christmas time is the perfect time to give books for gifts. Here are some of the year's best pop-up books, and other extraordinary books, that will greatly please your gift recipient.

By Holly E. Newton

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin: A Daughter Remembers

Madeline Wirthlin Stover reminisces about her father and gives us insight into the man who said of his calling in the Twelve: “I don't know why I'm here, because I am the least of the apostles.”

By Maurine Proctor

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin's Solemn Testimony of Jesus Christ

As we remember our friend and precious apostle, Elder Joseph Bitner Wirthlin, we invite you to enjoy hearing and seeing this 3 ½ minute testimony and special witness of Jesus Christ.

Just Released on DVD: The Errand of Angels

Errand is a mature Mormon movie. Viewers who have served LDS missions will likely recognize many of their own experiences on the screen. Moreover, this is not an “inside joke” film that only LDS audiences will understand. Rather, it is about people and relationships.

Reviewed by Dennis R. Cutchins

The Kids Are Not OK

Are the kids OK? A whole lot of folks out there would like to believe the answer is "yes." The postmodernist myth is that we can dispense with a shared faith in objective moral truth.

By Maggie Gallagher

Beloved Apostle, Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin Dies

The oldest living apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died peacefully in his sleep on Monday night, at age 91. Elder Wirthlin constantly turned our minds and our hearts to the Savior Jesus Christ: “ Each of us will have our own Fridays—those days when the universe itself seems shattered and the shards of our world lie littered about us in pieces… But I testify to you in the name of the One who conquered death—Sunday will come.”

By Maurine Proctor

The Covenant of Zion

The transition from Babylon to Zion is challenging, but we have little to fear. The Lord will lead us by the hand and clear away all obstacles.

By Larry Barkdull

Monuments of Publishing

The average high school or college student may not consider The Joseph Smith Papers light reading, but future scholars will base their work on them. Church Historian Marlin K. Jensen calls it "the most important Church history project of this generation."

By Davis Bitton

The Mormon Work Ethic

Why Utah's Economy is soaring above its neighbors.

From The Economist

Pandemics – Prepare for a Quarantine

This is fascinating and necessary material on how to prepare in case of a quarantine—a likely scenario in the face of pandemic.

By Carolyn Nicolaysen

The Divine Void: Hungering for God's Love

Like Adam and Eve, we have been cast out of the presence of God and, for us, the veil has been dropped. No wonder we ache sometimes for what we have lost.

By G.G. Vandagriff

Lesson 46
“By Faith All Things Are Fulfilled”
Ether 7-15
By Jeffrey Marsh

Mormons in the Crosshairs

The editor of National Review said of the recent uproar concerning Prop 8, “ Surely we don't have to be Mormon to be outraged. I make no statement about their recruitment strategies when I say, watching California, ‘We're all Mormons now.'”

By Kathryn Jean Lopez

Draper Utah Temple Open House Reservations Available to Public

Tours of the twelfth temple in Utah of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – the Draper Utah Temple – can be reserved by the general public beginning 1 December 2008, at 10 a.m.

Mack Wilberg Brings Us Inside the Tabernacle Choir
Cricket & Seagull Fireside Chat

Tabernacle Choir Director Mack Wilberg talks about the choir's new holiday release featuring The King's Singers.

By Steven Kapp Perry

TWILIGHT Appeals to a Limited, But Faithful, Demographic

Unlike Harry Potter , with its grand themes and rich characters, what you see on the surface of Twilight is exactly what you get.

By Jonathan Decker

LDS Christmas Books to Add to Your Library

Are you looking for a great gift written by various LDS authors? Here are some outstanding books that will be perfect to find under the Christmas tree.

By Holly E. Newton

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