Promise of Grace
Every year, in a mall near you, a little child discovers that Santa isn’t real. The outcome may be funny, or embarrassing, depending on how they react. Growing up, my mother used to tell us the story of this young boy, at Santa’s village, with a seemingly feisty personality. He pulled on Santa’s beard, and seeing it wasn’t real, went into hyper-tantrum mode, attacking the props with flailing arms and legs. I can only imagine the poor exhausted parents, instantly questioning their life choices. Traditions are great, but can also be disappointing.
Even the most vocal people about Jesus being “the reason for the season” often fall short of living according to that truth. Christmas is good news. Every year, we celebrate that a savior, our savior has come, that we were given a hope like nothing in this world can give, not even religion. Jesus was a child, a precious son. He also was and still is a King, to which all authority on earth and in heavenly places was given. In His name, miracles take place, chains are broken, justice thrives, love wins. Christmas is the season when we celebrate that He came, that He lives, and that He will be back again.
At the center of turkey dinners and neatly wrapped presents is God, tugging at our hearts. Let Christmas traditions, old and new, express that to those around us. If we must let go of certain things in order to love better, so be it.
May we love God and people more than traditions, so that we may bring hope and healing around us. May this Christmas season bring you more life.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus. Never has there been better news, and we get to celebrate it every year. May our gifts be full of patience, mercy, and compassion. May we clothe ourselves with warmth for all. May we receive and dispense the grace that only You can give. Use us this Christmas season. Help us to choose the traditions that beautifully put our hope in You on display. Help us and teach us Your ways, Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
Closer to Christ
Is there any tradition that we celebrate, but that is not actually helping us displaying the heart of Christmas? How can we bring more peace into the lives of those around us, and into our own? If traditions need to go, or be tweaked, go ahead and do so. Loving God and people is always the #1 priority.
