Christmas Part 1 • President & Sister Meredith • December 23 - 29 • Come Follow Me
Dec 18, 2024
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Join President Meredith, the President of BYU-Idaho, and Sister Meredith, the university's First Lady, as they share heartfelt reflections on faith and Christmas traditions. They discuss the joy of giving based on personal stories and emphasize the importance of the Savior's role during this season. The couple recount their journey to Rexburg and the vibrant community they've embraced, shedding light on how grace empowers individuals through life's challenges. Their testimonies resonate with the transformative spirit of the holidays and the teachings of the Book of Mormon.
The Christmas spirit is rooted in joy and love, with meaningful experiences of giving overshadowing material gifts in creating lasting memories.
BYU-Idaho fosters a unique spiritual atmosphere through personal connections and discipleship, empowering students to grow both academically and spiritually.
Deep dives
The Meaning of Christmas and Joy
Joy is a central theme during the Christmas season, highlighting how the presence of the Savior brings about miracles and kindness in people's interactions. One co-host shared that a family tradition includes reading Luke chapter two on Christmas Eve, emphasizing the importance of reflection on the birth of Christ. Another tradition involves children drawing names to give gifts to one another, fostering a spirit of giving and connection among family members. This act of generosity illustrates a profound truth: the most cherished Christmas memories often revolve around experiences of giving rather than receiving.
Lessons from Personal Christmas Experiences
Sharing personal Christmas stories reveals that the most memorable moments often stem from love and creativity rather than material gifts. One guest recounted a Christmas during financial struggles when their parents crafted thoughtful, homemade gifts, which became more memorable than traditional presents. This emphasis on meaningful experiences reinforces the notion that the spirit of Christmas lies in connection and love rather than monetary value. The listener is reminded that love outshines possessions, reinforcing the idea that heartfelt efforts over materialism cultivate lasting joy.
The Role of BYU-Idaho and Its Community
BYU-Idaho is depicted as a nurturing educational environment, marked by a strong focus on discipleship and personal connections between students and faculty. The leadership of President Meredith reflects on the school's mission to transform students into disciples of Christ, fostering growth in both education and faith. The majority of the student body comprises return missionaries, which emphasizes the unique spiritual atmosphere on campus. Personal engagement is a hallmark of this community, as students readily report feeling seen and valued by their professors, underlining the institution's emphasis on meaningful relationships.
Understanding the Atonement and Its Gifts
The concept of grace and the enabling power of the atonement of Jesus Christ is explored as vital for both personal and spiritual growth. This perspective reveals that the atonement not only redeems individuals from sin but also empowers them to become better versions of themselves. The discussion emphasizes that genuine growth stems from both transformative experiences and the continual pursuit of becoming a 'saint.' Personal anecdotes from leaders and educators highlight how understanding and accessing this power is essential for meeting life's challenges, encouraging listeners to embrace it in their own journeys.
Merry Christmas! Brother and Sister Meredith share their testimonies of Jesus Christ and their experiences sharing the gospel at Brigham Young University-Idaho as they serve as President and First Lady of the university. They explore how the Book of Mormon testifies of Jesus Christ and the gift of His life and Atonement.
01:24 The Merediths share family Christmas traditions
05:02 Bios
06:33 The call to serve at BYU-Idaho
13:32 BYU-Idaho is set apart and sacred
18:25 The Come, Follow Me Manual
20:16 Christmas in the Book of Mormon
26:20 Come, Follow Me journal prompts
27:32 Something I learned or felt about the Savior
32:02 President Meredith shares a story about a church visitor
37:04 Learning about grace
40:55 The natural man and Miracle Gro
45:40 A prisoner in Vietnam bears testimony of Jesus
46:31 The Holy Ghost’s role
48:31 Jesus Christ’s role in joy
54:48 End of Part 1 - The Merediths
Thanks to the followHIM team: Steve & Shannon Sorensen: Cofounder, Executive Producer, Sponsor David & Verla Sorensen: Sponsors Dr. Hank Smith: Co-host John Bytheway: Co-host David Perry: Producer Kyle Nelson: Marketing, Sponsor Lisa Spice: Client Relations, Editor, Show Notes Jamie Neilson: Social Media, Graphic Design Will Stoughton: Video Editor Krystal Roberts: Translation Team, English & French Transcripts, Website Ariel Cuadra: Spanish Transcripts
"Let Zion in Her Beauty Rise" by Marshall McDonald