Summary: <br> <br> Merry Christmas, everyone! We hope you are having a wonderful holiday season. Let's spend an hour together. Allow Al and Geoff to lull you into peace with their dulcet tones.<br> <br> There's all sorts of temple news, not least of which is the <a href="http://thisweekinmormons.com/2017/12/mormon-church-changes-rules-temple-baptisms-allowing-youth-officiate-ordinances/">recent announcement</a> that worthy priests will now be able to officiate in baptisms for the dead, just as they do for live baptisms outside of the temple. The news was met with its fair share of snark, mostly because the increased duties for girls are those of existing temple workers, so... passing out towels has become the go-to mockery. Either way, the kids will have more to do!<br> <br> Building on that, Keepapitchinin has an <a href="http://www.keepapitchinin.org/2017/12/16/women-as-temple-witnesses-in-living-memory-what-i-know-and-what-i-dont-know/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">excellent rundown</a> of the history (or lack thereof) of women in specific temple roles.<br> <br> Also, apparently <a href="http://www.newsweek.com/mormons-baptized-donald-trumps-parents-grandparents-died-mormon-leaks-735289" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mormons baptized US president Donald Trump's deceased grandparents and parents in the temple</a>. Because they are dead, as Al would (and will) say.<br> <br> AND the <a href="https://www.deseretnews.com/article/865693897/President-Henry-B-Eyring-dedicates-Cedar-City-Utah-Temple-the-17th-in-Utah.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cedar City Utah Temple was dedicated</a>. President Eyring is an open-mouth smiler.<br> <br> In fun semi-political news, students attending BYU's Jerusalem Center <a href="http://www.ldsliving.com/Restricted-Travel-for-BYU-Students-Staff-on-Jerusalem-Campus/s/87238" target="_blank" rel="noopener">now face travel restriction</a>s in the wake of changing US policy regarding Jerusalem as the recognized capital of Israel. Neat.<br> <br> Hey, speaking of Jerusalem, LDS Living <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thisweekinmormons/photos/a.646456162058448.1073741825.118951004808969/1537159369654785/?type=3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">culturally clueless post</a> makes it rain with a about Judaism, coupled with a picture of the Dome of the Rock, which is an Islamic holy site. Well done!<br> <br> Are you excited to learn about how the Mormon Tabernacle Choir finds its guest performers and takes care of them? <a href="http://www.sltrib.com/religion/local/2017/12/14/how-does-the-mormon-tabernacle-choir-land-top-notch-guests-heres-the-man-to-ask/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Look no further than Ron Gunnell</a>, the smooth fixer of all things MoTab. Ron's story is the most wonderful thing of the week. Listen to how much Al loves it!<br> <br> Jana Riess has found something to complain about! We love you for sticking to form, Jana. Is this too Daily Wire of us in terms of snark? Anyway, <a href="http://thisweekinmormons.com/2017/08/lds-church-nixes-teachings-presidents-church-manuals-priesthood-relief-society-introduces-new-come-follow-program/">priesthood and Relief Society lessons are changing in 2018</a>, and <a href="http://religionnews.com/2017/12/09/im-not-a-fan-of-the-planned-2018-mormon-curriculum/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Riess has some reservations</a>. Are they justified? What do you think about lessons largely based on General Conference talks?<br> <br> A few petitions have circulated about <a href="http://kutv.com/news/local/petition-calls-for-ending-church-leader-interviews-of-sexual-matters-lds-church-responds" target="_blank" rel="noopener">changing Church policy</a> to require bishops to have someone else in the room during youth interviews about sexual topics. Many parents are uncomfortable with children learning about sexual things alone with a bishop. What's your take?<br> <br>
