December

We Must Maintain Our Zeal for the Ministry

¹ Each year since 1992, Jehovah’s Witnesses have zealously devoted more than one billion hours to the worldwide Kingdom-preaching and disciple-making work. How happy we are to have had a small share in such a marvelous accomplishment!​—Matt. 28:19, 20.

² Of course, all thanks and praise belong to Jehovah, who has sustained us in our ministry during these “critical times.” (2 Tim. 3:1) What is required on our part if we are to continue having a zealous share in this important work?

³ Basis for Zeal: Deep love for God and neighbor, as well as a heartfelt desire to live up to our dedication, motivates us in our Kingdom service. (Matt. 22:37-39; 1 John 5:3) Love moves us to make sacrifices so that we can have a full share in the preaching work.​—Luke 9:23.

⁴ Work to Maintain Zeal: Our adversary the Devil makes every effort to dampen our zeal for the ministry. The apathy of those in our territory, the distractions of this world, the pressures of daily living, and concern over our own diminishing health are just a few of the things that he uses in an attempt to discourage us.

⁵ Therefore, we must work hard to keep our zeal alive. It is important for us to cultivate “the love [we] had at first.” That involves regularly reading and meditating on God’s Word, the Bible, and availing ourselves of all the spiritual provisions of “the faithful and discreet slave.”​—Rev. 2:4; Matt. 24:45; Ps. 119:97.

⁶ As Bible prophecies clearly indicate, Jehovah’s day for the destruction of ungodly men is fast approaching. (2 Pet. 2:3; 3:10) With that clearly in mind, let us work hard at maintaining our zeal for the ministry, having a full share in the worldwide Kingdom-preaching and disciple-making work now under way!

Make It Your Goal to Conduct a Bible Study

¹ “Lift up your eyes and view the fields, that they are white for harvesting.” (John 4:35) Those words spoken by Jesus Christ are certainly applicable to the situation Christian ministers face today.

² Honesthearted people desirous of being taught the ways of Jehovah are still being found. This is evident in the number of new disciples being baptized each year. If you are genuinely interested in conducting a Bible study, what might you do?

³ Set a Goal: First, set a goal to start and conduct a regular Bible study. Keep your goal in mind while engaging in the field ministry. Since our Christian commission involves teaching, along with preaching, all of us should seek to have an increased share in the Bible study work.​—Matt. 24:14; 28:19, 20.

⁴ Other Points to Keep in Mind: Heartfelt prayer is a must for Kingdom publishers. At times we find people who have prayed for spiritual assistance. What a blessing it is to be used by Jehovah to find and teach such ones!​—Hag. 2:7; Acts 10:1, 2.

⁵ A sister prayed for a Bible study and then displayed copies of the tract Would You Like to Know More About the Bible? at her place of work. When a woman picked up one of the tracts, read it through, and began to fill out the coupon, the sister spoke to her and was able to start a Bible study.

⁶ Fellow publishers who are effective in starting and conducting Bible studies can help you to reach your goal to conduct a Bible study. Prayerfully look for one, and take advantage of all the assistance available to reach this goal. Perhaps soon you will experience the joy of conducting a Bible study.

Service Meeting Schedule

Week Starting December 10

Song 46

10 min: Local announcements. Using the suggestions on page 8 or other presentations appropriate for your territory, demonstrate how to offer the December 15 Watchtower and the December Awake!

20 min: The Theocratic Ministry School for 2008. Talk by the school overseer. Discuss points needing emphasis locally from the October 2007 Our Kingdom Ministry insert. Review the role of the auxiliary counselor. Encourage all to be diligent in fulfilling their assignments, in participating in Bible highlights, and in applying the suggestions given weekly from Benefit From Theocratic Ministry School Education.

15 min: “Comfort the Brokenhearted.”a Relate one or two brief local experiences.

Song 34

Week Starting December 17

Song 28

10 min: Local announcements. Selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Encourage everyone to view the video Jehovah’s Witnesses​—Organized to Share the Good News in preparation for the discussion at the Service Meeting the week of December 31.

15 min: “We Must Maintain Our Zeal for the Ministry.”b Interview a publisher who is known for being zealous in the ministry. Questions to ask: In what ways have you had to work to maintain your zeal? What has helped you to maintain your zeal?

20 min: “Offer the Magazines That Bear Witness to the Truth.”c Ask for comments on the November 2006 Our Kingdom Ministry, page 8. Encourage audience to read the January 1 Watchtower and the January Awake! Ask them to bring these with them to the meeting next week.

Song 139

Week Starting December 24

Song 212

10 min: Local announcements. Read accounts report and donation acknowledgments. Mention the literature offer for January, and have one appropriate presentation demonstrated.

15 min: Prepare to Offer the Current Magazines. Audience discussion based on the January 1 Watchtower and the January Awake! After giving a brief overview of each issue, ask the audience which articles may appeal to people in the territory and why. Invite audience to give suggestions using some of the articles they plan to feature. What question could be asked to start a conversation? Which scripture in the article could then be read? How could the scripture be tied in to the article? Using the sample presentations from Our Kingdom Ministry or a presentation suggested by the audience, demonstrate how each magazine might be offered.

20 min: “Make It Your Goal to Conduct a Bible Study.”d Interview one or two who recently started a Bible study. How was the study started? How is the study progressing?

Song 21

Week Starting December 31

Song 89

5 min: Local announcements. Remind publishers to turn in field service reports for December.

15 min: The Motivating Power of Godly Devotion. Encouraging talk based on the March 1, 1990, Watchtower, pages 22-3.

25 min: “The Greatest Preaching Campaign the World Has Ever Known!”e Invite audience to comment on the positive reaction seen when showing the video Jehovah’s Witnesses​—Organized to Share the Good News to relatives, acquaintances, return visits, and Bible students.

Song 202

Week Starting January 7

Song 159

Note: Information regarding the district convention should not be considered before the week of January 7. Congregations are not to move their Service Meeting for the week of January 7 to an earlier night unless the circuit overseer is visiting. The Recommended Lodging List should be posted on the information board at the conclusion of the Service Meeting. If the Service Meeting is canceled because of a circuit assembly, book study overseers should be given a copy of the Recommended Lodging List and should announce the dates and location of the convention at the book study that week. Those in the group may write down the hotel phone numbers for making their reservations, but they should not receive a copy of the list.

5 min: Local announcements.

15 min: Local needs.

25 min: “2008 District Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses.”f To be handled by the congregation secretary. Before considering the insert, read the December 15, 2007, convention assignment letter. When considering paragraph 7 of the insert, read each point under “Rooming Guidelines” and “Steps in Making Your Hotel Reservation” in the box on page 4, unless the congregation is local and thus does not need to use hotels. Thank all for making their convention arrangements as soon as possible.

Song 99

[Footnotes]

August Service Report

Av. Av. Av. Av.

Number of: Hrs. Mags. R.V. Bi.St.

Sp’l Pios. 276 104.6 70.0 41.9 4.5

Pios. 101,720 56.4 31.8 17.4 1.9

Aux.Pios. 27,186 49.5 31.8 11.9 1.1

Pubs. 954,823 9.5 7.8 3.4 0.3

TOTAL 1,084,005 Baptized: 2,549

We are pleased to report a new peak in the total number of publishers! The total of 1,084,005 publishers reporting is an increase of 24,680 over the previous peak of 1,059,325 in August of 2006. Also, for the 2007 service year, 37,243 were baptized, which is the highest number of baptisms since 1998.

2008 District Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses

1. (a) Why does Paul’s counsel to the Hebrew Christians apply with special urgency today? (Read Hebrews 10:24, 25.) (b) What upcoming opportunity will we have to apply Paul’s counsel?

¹ The apostle Paul urged Hebrew Christians to gather together and to encourage one another “all the more so” as they beheld the day drawing near. (Heb. 10:24, 25) Evidence is mounting that “the day” Paul spoke of is very near at hand! Therefore, we look forward to opportunities to assemble with our brothers and sisters for spiritual instruction that can guide us through these increasingly perilous “last days.” (2 Tim. 3:1) Such an opportunity will be provided at the upcoming 2008 district conventions.

2. (a) Why is it vital to attend all three days of the convention? (b) How should we begin making preparations to attend?

² Attend All Three Days: We encourage you to be in attendance for all three days. By “not forsaking the gathering of ourselves together,” we will not miss out on vital spiritual food. (Heb. 10:25) Begin making preparations as soon as possible. You will want to inform your employer early so that he can make any necessary arrangements. If your children will be in school during the time of your convention, inform their teachers of your plans. Let them know that the convention is a regular part of your worship. You can be sure of Jehovah’s blessing on your efforts to put Kingdom interests first.​—Matt. 6:33.

3. In what ways may we show consideration for others?

³ Help Others Attend: Paul also appealed to his brothers to “consider one another.” (Heb. 10:24) Do brothers and sisters in your Congregation Book Study need assistance to attend the convention? Can you help your Bible students to enjoy the convention with you, even if they can be present for only one day? When you inform unbelieving family members of your convention plans, invite them to come with you. Your loving efforts may bring unexpected blessings.

4. How may we obtain information regarding the dates and locations of district conventions?

⁴ Obtaining Information: The branch office receives hundreds of telephone calls each year asking when and where the conventions will be held. Nearly all of these calls are from brothers and sisters who have already received this information. Before calling the branch office, we suggest that you first consult the March 1, 2008, issue of The Watchtower.

5. What should we do if we need rooming information concerning a convention other than the one to which our congregation is assigned?

⁵ If you will be attending a convention other than the one to which your congregation is assigned, you may obtain rooming information by writing to the convention headquarters address located on the back of the current Special Needs Room Request form. These forms will soon be sent to congregation secretaries. To receive a reply, be sure to include a stamped, self-addressed envelope with your letter.

6. What are some reminders regarding the Special Needs Room Request form?

⁶ Special Needs: If a publisher requests help in obtaining accommodations, the Congregation Service Committee should decide if the publisher qualifies to submit a Special Needs Room Request form. Before the congregation secretary sends the form to the convention Rooming Department, the guidelines found on the form and in the December 14, 2007, letter addressed to all bodies of elders should be consulted.

7. How may we cooperate with the arrangements that have been made for rooming? (See the box “Rooming Guidelines.”)

⁷ Reserving a Room: A Recommended Lodging List of available hotels will be posted on the information board at the conclusion of your Service Meeting for the week starting January 7. Before making a hotel reservation, review the “Rooming Guidelines” and the “Steps in Making Your Hotel Reservation.” Rather than accepting a higher rate at a hotel on the list or calling a hotel that is not on the list, please wait for the congregation to receive a revised list for your convention.

8. (a) In what ways may we glorify Jehovah as we attend our convention? (b) Because of the fine conduct of our brothers, what comments have been made by hotel personnel?

⁸ Fine Works: Obedience to Jehovah’s command to gather together for worship enables us to ‘benefit ourselves.’ More important, it provides opportunities to glorify Jehovah’s name. (Isa. 48:17) Our “fine works are publicly manifest” to many persons at district conventions, and some have been moved to express their feelings. (1 Tim. 5:25) In one city where our conventions have been held for many years, a hotel manager acknowledged: “A lot of talk goes on in the city about Jehovah’s Witnesses and what your conventions mean to us. We know how your people clean the civic center, and we see you cleaning up the parking lots. It is a pleasure having your people with us during our summer season. We hope we can continue our relationship in the years to come.” After relating the difficulties encountered with other groups and entertainers, a hotel manager commented on the cooperative spirit and patience shown by our brothers during their hotel stay. He said, “We wish all our guests were like Jehovah’s Witnesses!” The conduct of our brothers that led to these and many similar comments must bring joy to the heart of our God, Jehovah!

9. How does Matthew 4:4 highlight the importance of paying close attention to each part on the program?

⁹ Jesus said that our very lives depend on listening to “every utterance coming forth through Jehovah’s mouth.” (Matt. 4:4) At our annual conventions, Jehovah provides spiritual “food at the proper time,” prepared by “the faithful and discreet slave.” (Matt. 24:45) Much work has gone into preparing and serving this spiritual banquet. May we demonstrate our gratitude for Jehovah’s loving care by being present and paying close attention to each part on the program.

[Box on page 3]

Program Times:

Friday and Saturday

9:20 a.m. - 4:55 p.m.

Sunday

9:20 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

[Box on page 4]

Rooming Guidelines:

◼ Do not call for hotel reservations prior to your Service Meeting the week of January 7, 2008.

◼ If at all possible, make your hotel reservations during the month of January. Do not make your hotel reservation online, since we are not using that method.

◼ Stay only in hotels on the Recommended Lodging List.

◼ Do not accept a higher rate than what is shown on the list.

◼ Each room reserved should be in the name of the person who will actually occupy it.

◼ To comply with fire regulations, do not exceed the number of adults allowed in the hotel room, as shown on the list.

◼ Keep your first reservation.​—Matt. 5:37.

◼ Do not call hotels that are not on the list to ask if they have a rate for our convention.

◼ If no rooms are available after you have called ALL the hotels on the list or if you have a problem with a particular hotel, inform your congregation secretary. He should communicate with the convention Rooming Department using the contact information at the top of the list.

◼ If you must cancel a reservation, do so as early as possible. Be sure to receive a cancellation number.

Steps in Making Your Hotel Reservation:

1. Call hotels during regular business hours using the phone numbers on the list to get the discounted rate.

2. Inform the hotel that you are attending the convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

3. Specify the dates you will check in and check out of the hotel.

4. If no rooms are available, call another hotel on the list.

5. Make your reservation, and ask for a confirmation number.

6. Make your deposit by credit card, check, or money order within ten days. Never send cash. If a deposit is made by check or money order, write the confirmation number on the front.

The Greatest Preaching Campaign the World Has Ever Known!

For over 100 years, Jehovah’s Witnesses have been organized to share the good news. (1 Cor. 9:23) In what has become the greatest preaching campaign the world has ever known, we speak this message in hundreds of languages. We deliver it in more than 230 lands. (Matt. 24:14) But why is this work necessary? And how is it being accomplished on a global scale?

The video Jehovah’s Witnesses​—Organized to Share the Good News answers those questions by providing a close-up look at the many facets of our international activities. As you watch it, consider these questions: (1) How is our activity organized and directed? (2) How do the Writing, Translation Services, Art, and Audio/​Video Services Departments contribute to communicating the good news? (3) What is the purpose of our extensive printing and shipping operations? (John 17:3) (4) How many pieces of literature are printed in one year? (5) What have our Bible-based publications accomplished? (Heb. 4:12) (6) What is being done to provide spiritual assistance for those who are visually or hearing impaired? (7) How is our work financed? (8) How do we benefit from the work of Hospital Information Services, the Service Department, and the Convention Department? (9) As one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, how has this video enhanced your appreciation for (a) the effort that Jehovah’s organization is making to preach the good news? (b) the more than 100 Bethel families around the world? (c) the educational training provided for overseers and missionaries? (d) the importance of starting each day considering a Bible text and preparing each week for congregation meetings? (e) the benefits of attending our Christian gatherings? (f) what Paradise on earth will mean? (Isa. 11:9) (g) sharing personally in the ongoing harvest work?​—John 4:35.

What positive reaction have you seen when showing this video to your relatives, acquaintances, return visits, and Bible students? Why not share it and the good news with someone else very soon?​—Matt. 28:19, 20.

Offer the Magazines That Bear Witness to the Truth

1. What is the role of the The Watchtower and Awake!?

¹ The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom and its companion magazine, Awake!, remain at the forefront of the Kingdom-preaching and disciple-making work. (Matt. 24:14; 28:19, 20) We take delight in regularly presenting these two timely journals as we participate in various aspects of Kingdom service.

2. What changes have been seen in the The Watchtower and Awake!, and why?

² Over the years we have seen changes in the size and content of the magazines as well as in the methods we use to distribute them. These changes have been made with the objective of making the magazines more appealing and effective, so that the Kingdom message reaches the heart of ‘all sorts of men that they might be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth.’​—1 Tim. 2:4.

3. How will the magazines be used in the ministry?

³ Since January 2006, we have become adept at using various presentations for the one monthly issue of Awake! Now we will take a similar approach to offering just one of the two monthly issues of The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom in our public ministry. Sample presentations for each magazine appear on the back page of Our Kingdom Ministry. These usually highlight one of the opening articles in the magazine, but at times certain other articles with wide appeal are featured. The published suggestions can be used most effectively when we are well acquainted with the featured article and use our own words to adapt the presentation to our territory.

4. Why may it be beneficial to use other presentations aside from the suggested presentations in Our Kingdom Ministry?

⁴ Although Our Kingdom Ministry includes two suggestions for each magazine, feel free to use an entirely different presentation. One reason for doing so could be that one of the other articles would have wider appeal in your territory. Or it may be that you feel that you could make a more effective presentation by using an article that holds greater interest for you.

5. Before preparing a presentation for the featured magazine, what must you do?

⁵ How to Prepare Your Presentation: First of all, you must be thoroughly familiar with the article you choose to feature. You may not always be able to become familiar with every article in the magazine before you begin using it in the field ministry. However, you must reflect enthusiasm and sincerity with regard to the articles you choose to feature. You can do that only when you are well acquainted with the information you present.

6. How can we prepare our own presentations?

⁶ Next, be flexible, or versatile, in preparing your opening words. A pointed interest-arousing question related to the article may be used to begin a conversation. Always rely on the power of God’s Word to touch the heart. (Heb. 4:12) Select an appropriate scripture that relates to the subject you introduce, preferably a text that is cited or quoted in the article that you are featuring. Consider how to tie in the scripture with the article.

7. How may we further refine our presentations?

⁷ At Every Opportunity: For a presentation to be truly effective, it must be put to use. Share with the congregation in magazine witnessing on Saturday. Offer the magazines to people who have previously accepted other literature. Always offer the magazines to your Bible students and to other people who may be present when you make a return visit. You may be able to place magazines with people you talk with when you go shopping, while traveling, or while waiting at a doctor’s office. Refine your presentations as you use them throughout the month.

8. In what ways are The Watchtower and Awake! unique?

⁸ The Watchtower and Awake! magazines are unique. They exalt Jehovah as the Sovereign of the universe. (Acts 4:24) They comfort people with the good news of God’s Kingdom and encourage faith in Jesus Christ. (Matt. 24:14; Acts 10:43) In addition, they keep watch on world events as these fulfill Bible prophecy. (Matt. 25:13) Help individuals in your territory to benefit from these journals by preparing to offer them at every appropriate opportunity!

9. How can we lay the groundwork for a return visit?

⁹ When you succeed in placing a magazine, or even if you just have friendly spiritual conversation with someone, be prepared with a question or a thought-provoking statement that may open the way for a return visit and another spiritual conversation. If we are zealous in sowing seeds of truth, we can be sure that Jehovah will open the hearts of those who sincerely desire to know and serve Him.​—1 Cor. 3:6.

Announcements

◼ Literature offer for December: The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. As an alternative offer, you may use Draw Close to Jehovah or The Secret of Family Happiness. January: Keep on the Watch! Congregations that do not have a supply of such brochures may offer any 192-page book printed on paper that discolors or any book published prior to 1991 with the exception of Creation, Mankind’s Search for God, and Young People Ask. February: Is There a Creator Who Cares About You? As an alternative offer, you may use The Secret of Family Happiness. March: What Does the Bible Really Teach? Make a diligent effort to start Bible studies.

◼ Someone designated by the presiding overseer should audit the congregation’s accounts for the months of September, October, and November. The same person should not be used for consecutive audits. When the audit is complete, an announcement should be made to the congregation after the next accounts report is read.​—See Instructions for Congregation Accounting (S-27).

◼ Please note that the Memorial for the year 2009 will be on Thursday, April 9, after sundown. This advance notice is given so that brothers may make necessary reservations or contracts for available halls when there are several congregations using the Kingdom Hall and other facilities must be found. In such instances, the elders should have an agreement with the management ensuring that there will be no disturbances by other activities in the building so that the Memorial observance can proceed in a peaceful and orderly manner.

◼ As a reminder, all congregations should notify the branch office of their meeting times as they will be on January 1. If this has not been done, the congregation secretary should immediately do so by using the Web site www.jw.org or, if that is not possible, by submitting a Congregation Meeting Information (S-5) form.

◼ The branch facilities in Brooklyn, Patterson, and Wallkill, New York, will be closed on the following dates: March 8, 2008 (Gilead graduation); May 9-10, 2008 (spring cleaning); September 13, 2008 (Gilead graduation); and October 4, 2008 (annual meeting of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania). There will be no arrangements for tours or for congregations to pick up literature on those dates.

Theocratic Ministry School Review

The following questions will be considered at the Theocratic Ministry School during the week beginning December 31, 2007. The school overseer will conduct a 30-minute review based on material covered in assignments for the weeks of November 5 through December 31, 2007.

SPEECH QUALITIES

1. What points should we keep in mind to ensure an effective conclusion? [be p. 220 par. 4–p. 221 par. 3]

2. How can we make sure that what we say in the field ministry is accurate? [be p. 223 pars. 2-4]

3. In our presentations at congregation meetings, how can we reflect high regard for the congregation’s role as “a pillar and support of the truth”? (1 Tim. 3:15) [be p. 224 pars. 1-4]

4. Why is checking the reliability of our information important, and how can we do this? [be p. 225 pars. 1-2]

5. When teaching, how might we make our material easier for others to understand? [be p. 226 par. 3–p. 227 par. 1]

ASSIGNMENT NO. 1

6. What proves the account of Jonah to be authentic? [si p. 153 par. 3]

7. What prophecy of Micah ties in with God’s Kingdom rule by means of Christ Jesus? [si p. 158 par. 18]

8. What proves the book of Habakkuk to be inspired of God? [si p. 161 par. 4]

9. Why can it be said that by 520 B.C.E. the Jews had still not accomplished the purpose of their return from exile? (Hag. 1:4) [si p. 166 par. 3]

10. To what glorious day does Zechariah repeatedly refer? [si p. 172 par. 26]

WEEKLY BIBLE READING

11. How was Joel’s prophecy about an invasion of insects fulfilled in the first century, and how is it being fulfilled today? (Joel 2:1-10, 28) [w07 10/1 “Jehovah’s Word Is Alive​—Highlights From the Books of Joel and Amos”]

12. What did “a basket of summer fruit” signify? (Amos 8:1, 2) [w07 10/1 “Jehovah’s Word Is Alive​—Highlights From the Books of Joel and Amos”]

13. In what sense did Jehovah ‘feel regret over the calamity he had spoken concerning the Ninevites,’ and how should this affect us? (Jonah 3:10) [w03 7/15 pp. 17-18]

14. What does it mean to walk in Jehovah’s name? (Mic. 4:5) [w03 8/15 p. 17 par. 19]

15. When and how did Jehovah come to his “temple” for judgment in modern times? (Mal. 3:1-3) [re p. 32 box; jd p. 179 par. 3–p. 181 par. 6]

Comfort the Brokenhearted

¹ At no other time in mankind’s history has there been such a need to provide comfort. Following the lead of our King, Christ Jesus, we also work to “bind up the brokenhearted.”​—Isa. 61:1.

² Approach: To comfort people, our ministry should be characterized by a well-balanced, positive presentation. When we keep discussions about the world’s bad deeds and false doctrines to a minimum, Scriptural truth and the bright hope of God’s comforting promises are foremost in the conversation. This does not mean that Armageddon should not be discussed. Our commission is to proclaim both “the year of goodwill on the part of Jehovah and the day of vengeance on the part of our God,” and to “warn the wicked one from his wicked way.” However, the warning of Armageddon and a description of its destructive results is not meant to overshadow the theme of the good news of God’s Kingdom.​—Isa. 61:2; Ezek. 3:18; Matt. 24:14.

³ From Door-to-Door: It is not uncommon to find people who are downhearted because of sickness, the death of a loved one, injustices, or economic problems. As imitators of Christ, we are “moved with pity” and show a sympathetic attitude toward those whom we meet in the ministry. (Luke 7:13; Rom. 12:15) Although we share a scripture or two related to the problem, we must prove to be “swift about hearing,” thus allowing the person to express his feelings. (Jas. 1:19) After first listening, we are in a better position to provide comfort.

⁴ At an appropriate time in the conversation, we might say, “I would like to share with you some encouraging words from the Bible.” Good judgment should be used so as not to endeavor to refute every wrong view that the person may express. Rather, our focus should be to provide encouragement and comfort by using the Scriptures to fortify the heart. In this regard, you may consult Reasoning From the Scriptures pages 117-121 under the heading “Encouragement.” Or you may furnish the householder with a copy of the tract Comfort for the Depressed and review the encouraging material therein.

⁵ Look for Opportunities to Comfort Others: Do you know of a neighbor, workmate, schoolmate, or family member that is in need of comfort? Why not make an effort to visit such ones at their home with the goal of sharing comfort from the Scriptures? Knowing why they need comfort, you can prepare for that particular situation. In this regard some have written letters or made telephone calls. True love of neighbor will move us to show fellow feeling and to provide needed comfort from the Scriptures.​—Luke 10:25-37.

⁶ Yes, we are commissioned to comfort those who mourn, to lift saddened hearts, and to instill hope for a bright future. This is the comfort that people around the world need. Talking joyfully about the many good things God has promised will bring comfort and hope to the honesthearted. May we always remember the need to bind up the brokenhearted.

What to Say About the Magazines

The Watchtower Dec. 15

“During the holiday season, many try to show kindness and compassion. Do you think that the world would be a better place if people showed compassion all year round? [Allow for response. Then read 1 Peter 3:8.] This magazine explains the value of compassion and mentions some practical ways we can demonstrate it.”

Awake! Dec.

“Do you think that our dead loved ones will live again? [Allow for response.] The Bible says that there is a way out of death. [Read Psalm 68:20.] This magazine shows why we need not fear death as the permanent end of life.”

The Watchtower Jan. 1

“Many people pray for God’s Kingdom to come. For example, notice this famous prayer that Jesus taught his followers. [Read Matthew 6:9, 10.] Have you ever wondered what the Kingdom is and when it will come? [Allow for response.] This magazine shows what the Bible says on the matter.”

Awake! Jan.

“Throughout history women have suffered discrimination and violence. Why do you think that is? [Allow for response.] Notice how the Bible instructs husbands to treat their wives. [Read 1 Peter 3:7.] This magazine shows from the Bible how God and Christ view women.”