Art Rorheim Talks about Christmas Memories

Art Rorheim began working with children as a teen back in the 1930s. Now, at 96, he still shows up at Headquarters when he’s able. (If you ever visit Headquarters, take a look at Art’s office. He has so many artifacts and memorabilia from places he’s visited and clubs around the world! His room is a fascinating museum!)

We’re in the middle of the Christmas season and thought it might be fun to ask Art some questions about his own Christmas memories.

Here’s how he answered.

1. What’s your favorite Christmas carol? So many are beautiful, but I guess O Come All Ye Faithful would be my favorite.

2. What is your favorite all-time gift? That would be my Korean Bible – six volumes handwritten by 1300 Korean Awana leaders. (Think of the labor of love this Bible is – EVERY word handwritten.)

3. What is your favorite Christmas food? When I was a boy we attended Salem Church in Chicago – a Norwegian congregation. Every year we would have a Christmas party.  We would walk in a circle around the tree singing beautiful carols. Then we would eat wonderful food. All the ladies would bring their best Norwegian recipes. Everything was delicious. (Singing carols while circling a Christmas tree is a Norwegian tradition.)

4. What’s your favorite part of Christmas? As a boy, it was the Norwegian Christmas party, but as I grew older it was the celebrations we had with our own family. That’s what I enjoy now – being with family.

5. What verse do you feel best conveys the message of Christmas? 2 Corinthians 5:21 –  For He hath made HIm to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the rigteousness of God in Him.

Thanks, Art. We enjoyed hearing about your Christmas memories.