* Article was published in the December edition of The Herald; a monthly publication of Green Hill Baptist Church.
I enjoy traditions at
Christmastime. Growing up our family would always take a drive down Reindeer Lane,
which was a street transformed into a winter wonderland. Turning the corner you
would see a giant sleigh and nine tiny reindeer suspended across the front yard
of a home. Rudolph and his shiny red nose always led the way. The decorations
were so large that they stretched from the front porch to the street. The
decorations were also mechanical, so it was convincingly realistic – especially
to a 5 year-old! As the reindeer’s legs moved and Santa’s hand waved, it
appeared as if they were actually soaring through the night sky. Bright colored
lights adorned the yard and carols played over a loud speaker. What wonderful
memories!
Traditions are often part of
the memory-making process. Certain foods or aromas are associated with
experiences of old. Familiar smells or tastes trigger memories that vicariously
carry us off into another dimension. The aroma of mom’s hot-baked cinnamon
rolls rising upstairs to my bedroom still lingers in my mind. I remember
ripping open presents while licking icing from my sticky fingers.
What traditions do you enjoy
at Christmastime? I’ve heard of some dressing up into biblical attire and
displaying a live nativity or trekking out into the woods and cutting down a
family tree. While others look forward to watching a traditional Christmas
classic. For me, it’s always been It’s a
Wonderful Life, with Jimmy Stewart. Arguably, that’s the greatest movie of
all time! Of course, Charles Dickens, A
Christmas Carol is a close second.
Whether it’s gathering with family
and friends, opening a single gift on Christmas Eve, baking cookies, drinking
spiced cider, volunteering at a soup kitchen or reading the Christmas story, traditions
can create warm memories that remind us of God’s gracious blessing of family
and friends. Traditions can serve to remind us of the goodness of God.
Traditions can be good, but Christmas
is not about tradition. Christmas is about truth. It’s not about Santa and nine
tiny reindeer, but a baby who came as the Savior of the world. Luke tells us “For today in the city of David there has
been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Like 2:11 NASB)
Christmas is about God’s Son who
grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. Christmas is about a
baby who would later be suspended on a cross, and through the shedding of his
own innocent blood bring peace and forgiveness of sins. Christmas is about the
Christ who alone is the Way to salvation. “For
God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever
believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 NASB)
Christmas is about God giving to us the greatest gift of all, Himself.
Church, as we gather with family
and friends and celebrate Christmas; as we drive down our own “Reindeer Lane”
of traditions; let us celebrate the truth of Christ. Merry Christmas!
In the Love of Our Savior,
Pastor Brett
