Unique Nativities to set the scene this Christmas

Editor's note: Our bi-weekly Friday column, “Found in the footnotes,” explores some of the footnotes from remarks given by General Authorities and General Officers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

As far as historians know, Emma Smith never kept a journal. While this can be challenging in some respects, that doesn’t keep historians from knowing a lot about the Prophet’s wife.

Whether up at the pulpit or seated with the congregation, many Latter-day Saints love to sing in church. But for those of us without musical talent, singing aloud with other people doesn’t seem like a good idea—for us or for them.

In recent decades, the demographic characteristics of the Church have shifted such that members who are single now constitute more than half of the adult membership.

The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has approved the phased reopening of Church historic sites in May 2021. These sites closed last spring due to COVID-19.

I recently received an email from a friend looking for advice. He related how he has been diagnosed with major depression for several decades. Throughout that time, he has gone to counseling, read self-help books, taken antidepressant medication, and done his best to keep his covenants. Still, his feelings of depression never fully resolved and have waxed and waned. Then about five years ago he was diagnosed with a chronic nervous system disease which has increased his suffering and decreased his hope. Although he tries every day to look forward with faith and gratitude, he finds this more and more difficult as his situation deteriorates. I empathized with his situation. Reflecting on his case, I realized he was definitely not alone. I have personally known many individuals who suffer with persistent problems. Despite their best efforts, they are not able to fully overcome their challenges.

With 47 sessions and 59 presenters, the conference is sure to be inspirational and uplifting. Here are 8 things you need to know about the conference.

Jennie Taylor has known plenty of heartache in her life. As a 10-year-old, she lost her father to suicide. Years later, when she was married with four children, her teenage brother-in-law also committed suicide. And during her husband Brent’s fourth deployment as a soldier in 2018, she found out he’d been killed in action.

A partnership to assist exploited children in Hawaii has been launched by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Ho’ōla Nā Pua (New Life for Our Children). The Church has given the nonprofit organization a $400,000 donation to support the Bromley Family Pearl Haven Campus, the first licensed residential treatment center in Hawaii for youth 11 to 17 years of age who have been sexually exploited. The donation will support the center’s specialized clinical and therapeutic service programs.