Thursday, December 17, 2020
For God so loved the
world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not
perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
Traditions…Old and New
Traditions are a big part of Christmas for most people. So many of our traditions
have already been replaced this year by Stay at Home orders at Easter
and Thanksgiving. Many of our Christmas traditions will look a little different
this year as well. Some families will choose to not come together in a large
group. Some churches will not have Christmas Eve services. Many school programs
have been cancelled and I saw Santa literally in a bubble! He was in a big
plastic bubble with some fake snow. You could walk up to it and wave and get
your picture taken, but not on his lap, not this year.
Not only are traditions a big part of our Christmas
celebrations, but they are also a big part of gift giving as well. I love to give my kids pajamas
on Christmas Eve. Some people want every person to have the same number of
gifts to open. And some have even more specific traditions about what they give
their loved ones for Christmas. But this year is a year that has broken all the
rules and has no precedent. This is a good year to start a new tradition.
While everything is looking a little different, why not start
some new traditions – spending less and giving more. Spending less money and
giving more of ourselves. When we give more – from our hearts – it brings the
focus back to Christ. It is the overflowing of our hearts full of His love that
enables us to give more of ourselves. We love
because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19
This love that God gave us, this perfect gift that was wrapped
in swaddling clothes rather than beautiful wrapping paper tied up with a bow.
This love is the beginning of love and this love is the perfect gift for us to
pass on to others. There are so many ways we can show Jesus to others this season - and every season from now on. First, you have to know this love, accept this love, and be filled with this love before you can share it. It's 2020. People need love, time, presence, and moments more than they need anything else. It has been a hard year, being separated from loved ones and friends and have we not all discovered what the truly meaningful and important things in life are? And none of them can be bought, wrapped, and put under the tree.
Call a neighbor, bake some cookies, drop off a meal, spend some time together. Share the love of Jesus - the greatest gift ever given - with all those around you this year. Make some new traditions, traditions that point to Him. Maybe Christmas might look a little different this year, but it may be the most meaningful Christmas you have had in years.
