Many of us have Christmas traditions that we look forward to each year. As many of you know, one of ours is our annual Christmas Eve dinner with Lee Anns side of the family. We always look forward to the home-made French fries done out in the garage with the big propane fryer in peanut oil. Oh, did I mention the lobster and steak? Tonights the night - soooo excited! So thats one of our traditions. We all have them and hopefully, we are very psyched about the events happening over the next several days. So this got me to thinking. Imagine that were one of the Bethlehem shepherds, and we are traveling forward in time to 2014 so we can witness the celebration of the Messiahs birth. What an amazing privilege to see people all over the world commemorating the event that changed our life - and to know that it has transformed the lives of countless others over the last 2,000 years. Now, consider the shock of observing the elaborate traditions that have come to be associated with Christmas. To a first-century shepherd, these customs might seem just a bit on the extravagant side. Im not suggesting to anyone how to celebrate Christmas. The things we do, places we go, and ways we decorate are not the issue - I believe that appropriate merriment pleases God, who even gave the Israelites festivals to observe. In fact, Christians, of all people, have the greatest reason to rejoice over Jesus birth. But occasionally, it might be good to examine our own unique set of Christmas traditions. Consider whether they are enjoyable or stressful. Do they remind you of Christ or cause you to forget Him in the rush of activity? With each passing year, increasing expectations of what Christmas is supposed to be can steal the joy of Christs birth. This year, lets all pause for a bit to look at this season through a shepherds eyes. Spend time reading about the Savior in scripture, delighting in Him, and glorifying God for His good gift. Maybe the start of a new tradition?
Posted on: Wed, 24 Dec 2014 13:25:09 +0000