Podcast Summary: followHIM – Christmas Part 1 • President & Sister Meredith • December 23 - 29 • Come Follow Me

Release Date: December 18, 2024
Hosts: Hank Smith & John Bytheway
Guests: President and Sister Meredith from BYU Idaho

Introduction

In the heartwarming episode of followHIM titled "Christmas Part 1", hosts Hank Smith and John Bytheway welcome special guests, President and Sister Meredith from BYU Idaho. The episode delves deep into the true essence of Christmas, exploring themes of joy, giving, and spiritual growth within the context of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Come, Follow Me course.

Christmas Traditions and the Essence of Joy

The conversation begins with a discussion about Christmas traditions that emphasize joy and generosity over material gifts. John Bytheway remarks, “We try to make it so anywhere you look you're going to see this is different. This is Christmas” (00:54). Hank echoes this sentiment, highlighting how the Savior’s presence naturally fosters miracles, such as increased politeness and generosity during the Christmas season (01:04).

Sister Meredith shares her family's magical Christmas traditions, particularly reading Luke chapter two on Christmas Eve, reminiscent of the traditional Luke 2 missionary video from the 1980s (01:29). President Meredith adds a personal touch by describing how their children engage in thoughtful gift-giving, focusing on the joy of giving rather than receiving (01:54). He shares, “Years ago, we asked our children to tell us about their favorite Christmas. It was about an experience, being excited for finding something for someone” (02:45).

Personal Stories: Overcoming Challenges Through Joy

The Merediths recount challenging Christmas experiences that underscored the importance of giving and faith. President Meredith narrates a poignant memory where, during financial struggles, his parents’ heartfelt prayers and homemade gifts created a lasting, meaningful Christmas (03:29). Sister Meredith adds her own memory of crafting a paddle for her sister’s Cabbage Patch doll, emphasizing the joy derived from giving despite limited resources (03:22).

Assignment to BYU Idaho: A Journey of Faith and Community

The episode transitions to the Merediths' unexpected assignment to BYU Idaho. They share the emotional experience of meeting with President Nelson and the First Presidency, where they received the call to lead BYU Idaho in Rexburg (05:16). Sister Meredith describes their family's seamless integration into the Rexburg community, highlighting the warmth and support they received from both the administration and local residents (09:30).

President Meredith provides insights into the vibrant academic environment at BYU Idaho, noting that 55% of the students are returned missionaries, with the institution hosting 34,000 students (06:00). He praises the small class sizes and the personal attention students receive, sharing a touching story of a professor reaching out to a struggling student during finals week (17:30).

BYU Idaho's Legacy and Leadership

Sister Meredith delves into the rich history and exceptional leadership of BYU Idaho, crediting past presidents like Elder Bednar, Kim Clark, and Henry J. Eyring for transforming the institution into a hub of spiritual and academic excellence (13:00). She emphasizes the intentionality behind promoting BYU Idaho's story, ensuring it shines as a "hidden gem" within higher education (13:40).

President Meredith highlights the role of teachers in shaping the student experience, recounting how every student at BYU Idaho knows at least one teacher by name, fostering a community where students feel seen and supported (15:51).

Come, Follow Me Manual: Integrating Christmas and Book of Mormon Studies

The hosts and guests discuss the Come, Follow Me manual's comprehensive approach to integrating significant holidays like Christmas and Easter into the study curriculum. Hank Smith admires the manual's opening remarks connecting every Book of Mormon prophet to the redemption through Jesus Christ (18:25). Sister Meredith points out the use of technology by Jennifer (Sister Meredith's daughter) to enhance scripture study, demonstrating the integration of modern tools with traditional study methods (23:00).

Theological Insights: Grace, Atonement, and Joy

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to exploring profound theological concepts:

1. Grace and the Enabling Power of the Atonement:

• Sister Meredith explains Elder Bednar's teachings on the dual aspects of the atonement: putteth off the natural man (cleansing from sin) and becometh a saint (strengthening to do good) (24:14).
• President Meredith shares personal struggles and how the enabling power of Christ’s grace has been pivotal in overcoming feelings of inadequacy (40:54).

2. Joy Amidst Trials:

• Sister Meredith discusses her intensive study of the concept of joy in the Book of Mormon, noting that joy often accompanies challenges and trials (27:26).
• President Meredith reflects on Third Nephi 17, highlighting the Savior’s focus on others and the profound joy experienced by the multitude as they witness Christ’s ministry (29:48).

3. Scriptural Reflections and Applications:

• The discussion includes references to Mosiah 3:19 and Elder Oaks' analogy of a tree being both cleansed and strengthened by the atonement (41:13; 47:37).
• John Bytheway shares an inspiring story of perseverance and faith from Guideposts magazine, emphasizing how scriptures support and uplift individuals in dire circumstances (45:35).

Life Applications and Personal Growth

The Merediths and hosts emphasize the practical application of spiritual principles in daily life:

• Witnessing and Compassion: They discuss the importance of being a living witness of Christ through compassionate actions, such as comforting those in mourning or assisting those struggling with challenges (32:36).

• Continuous Spiritual Learning: Hank Smith expresses his ongoing journey of discovering new insights from the Book of Mormon, likening it to an ever-expanding mansion with endless rooms to explore (25:34).

• Family and Community Integration: The Merediths share anecdotes about their children embracing the Rexburg community, illustrating the supportive and joyful environment fostered by BYU Idaho and the broader church community (12:56).

Conclusion and Teaser for Part Two

As the episode draws to a close, Sister Meredith reflects on the essence of fearlessness and joy that defines the Christmas season, citing the biblical message, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy” (53:35). She hints at continuing these profound discussions in the upcoming part two of the episode, promising deeper explorations of faith and life lessons.

Notable Quotes

• John Bytheway: “We try to make it so anywhere you look you're going to see this is different. This is Christmas” (00:54).

• President Meredith: “It is more blessed to give. Isn't it? Isn't it exciting when you are watching someone open something you found this is the perfect thing for them” (02:45).

• Sister Meredith: “It has been amazing and we've been cheering ever since” (12:52).

• President Meredith: “Being known and being seen. That is the way the Savior ministers to us one by one” (15:51).

• Sister Meredith: “We have this record of how Christ's joy is full because people are accepting they're receiving his atonement” (27:26).

• President Meredith: “I wish we could memorize all 34,000 names. They're just amazing” (17:30).

Timestamps Overview

• 00:00-00:25: Introduction and welcome
• 00:25-03:29: Christmas traditions and personal gift-giving stories
• 03:29-12:56: Assignment to BYU Idaho and community integration
• 13:00-18:25: BYU Idaho's legacy, leadership, and student engagement
• 18:25-27:26: Come, Follow Me manual and Book of Mormon study
• 27:26-37:03: Grace, atonement, and personal theological insights
• 37:03-48:31: Strengthening through faith and scriptural applications
• 48:31-53:46: Life applications, witnessing, and concluding remarks

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this enlightening episode, where President and Sister Meredith continue their profound exploration of faith, joy, and the true meaning of Christmas.