Christmas Traditions
Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. Luke 2:17, 18
For the vast majority of the population in our land, the season of Christmas is looked forward to with great anticipation. All kinds of preparations are made. Decorations are put up. Gatherings are scheduled. A festive spirit permeates nearly everything for most of the month of December.
Christians have the best of reasons to look forward to the season of Christmas. We long to again celebrate the coming of the Savior Jesus at his birth long ago in Bethlehem. The shepherds, who had been keeping watch over their flocks by night outside of Bethlehem, were among the first to hear of Jesus’ birth. They told others what they had seen: the newborn King! Those who heard this blessed news “marveled.” They were amazed. They rejoiced greatly.
By God’s grace, we have come to know the Savior Jesus as our Lord and King! And so, down through the years, believers have adopted certain traditions which we observe during the Christmas season. However, we do not do these things out of mere habit or custom. Along with the chief traditions of gathering with our fellow believers to worship our newborn King, we also do other things which can help to focus our hearts and minds on the message of Christmas. During this week, our meditations will focus on some of these traditions and how they can aid us in our spiritual lives during the Christmas season. May God help us to keep our Savior at the front and center of our Christmas season!
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for coming to earth to be our Savior. Help us to always see You as the One who has brought us forgiveness, life, and salvation. Amen.