From the Youth Director - December 2010

Merry Christmas! May the peace that entered this world as a child consume you and your family this season. It’s difficult to try to write a Christmas time note when it’s the first week in November. So I’m listening to the sound track to Polar Express and Manheim Steamroller to get into the right frame of mind. I did have an eggnog milkshake last night and somehow the taste and smell of eggnog triggers warm fuzzies in my brain. Eggnog milk shakes help to shift my focus from all the things that are consuming my thoughts and help me get ready for the holidays.

We will be going to West Virginia for Thanksgiving. It will be the first time many of us have been together in 20 years. My aunts and uncles were examples of AAA (Authentic, Affirming, Available) adults early in life. When my mom was put in a hospital and my dad worked as many jobs as he could get, it was my extended family that took care of us. The evidence of character is in their children who mostly are AAA adults themselves. Most of my family members are active in their churches, some are teachers and coaches. So it turns out that “If we want spiritual children and youth, we need spiritual adults and parents”. (From the 5 principles of Vibrant Faith). It will be interesting to witness some of their Christmas traditions.

What are some of your favorite traditions for Christmas? What is your favorite Christmas movie? We have a few but since Jacob has been around we have worn out our copy of Polar Express. There are a few versions of a Christmas carol out too. Is it the black and white one from the 50’s or the “Muppets Christmas Carol”? Rhonda’s favorite is “A Christmas Story”, it’s a good pre-game show, but it’s too secular for the main event. When all of those traditions and memories add up, it makes for a special time of year. For me it culminates at the Christmas Eve service. Rhonda and I used to drive down from Orlando to make it to the 11pm service.

I usually wear one of the late Dr. Joseph H. Smith’s or Dr. Richard L. Peter’s jackets or ties or tie clips as the physical absence is remarkably noted on my soul. As it is with all the family members and friends who have gone on to the more perfect Christmas celebration.

We as a youth group will continue our traditions with our shopping for the Men in Mission on Dec 8th. And caroling Dec 15. Merry Christmas!

4 Given,

Jimmy Smith