The power of a tradition is that it memorializes something considered important or sacred and is a way that ancestors communicate with their descendants. For example, old European and earlier American society gave us many of our most wonderful Christmas traditions. These are the familiar images of baby Jesus in a manger, the three wise men, Mary and Joseph, shepherds, and angels. They also include Christmas trees, church services, traditional carols, giving gifts, good will, the story of Scrooge and even the playful metaphor of Santa Claus. These are all traditions our ancestors initiated and handed down so that future generations might know of their love for their world’s most valuable treasure: Jesus Christ.Although modernity has largely moved away from the religious heart and soul of the holiday, Christmas traditions were specifically designed to stir goodwill and love among people because the one celebrated is an expression of good will and love from God. What a great idea, to rejoice at God’s gift to the world by transforming an entire home, village, town or city with colorful lights, garland and the sounds of heartwarming songs in a common expression of Christmas joy. It is sad to me that our society has moved so far away from the original meaning of these holiday traditions as it has from many other aspects of our Christian heritage.
The good news is God is never far away, regardless of how far people have drifted. The great hope for our generation is, as always, in the tireless, timeless work of bringing the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ back into the center of human life. Our ancestors knew this and memorialized it in our Christmas traditions. Therefore this year as we begin to turn our hearts towards Christmas, I encourage the faithful to keep Christmas as Christmas; a day when we remember and celebrate God’s gift of His own Son, Jesus Christ, to the world. In the words of the immortal Linus, “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”
1 comment:
Thank you for your words of wisdom!
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