How to View Traditions for Your Best Christmas Celebration
Christmas is often associated with traditions. Many people put their tree up on the same day every year. Then they decorate it with ornaments that tell their family’s story. I grew up baking the same collection of cookie recipes every year. I didn’t think I could fully experience Christmas until we made all the cookies. Each year, my sweet Pastor husband, my brother-in-law, and I spend an evening oohing and aahing over the Caldwell city lights. It’s our newest tradition.
If you watch any Hallmark Christmas movie, you will witness the influence of tradition. The characters in the movie believe if certain traditions aren’t maintained, they won’t have a great Christmas. Somehow, without traditions, everyone in those movies loses all joy and meaning to Christmas.
Seeing Tradition with Fresh Eyes
I recently gained a fresh perspective on traditions when I read Matthew 21. I discovered two distinct groups of people in the chapter. First of all, I read how the crowd was excited over Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. They were willing to see Christ with fresh, hope-filled eyes. Second, I read how the religious leaders who were committed to their traditions concerning how they viewed their relationship with God.
The nation of Israel created traditions that they passed down from when they wandered in the wilderness for forty years. They based their traditions on the instructions God gave Moses. God gave commands to help the Israelites remain aware of their need and to teach them how to live in the presence of a Holy God.
Matthew tells us Jesus said, “Don’t think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.” (Matthew 5:17, CSB) Jesus didn’t throw out the traditions the Jews held. Instead, He taught the Jewish people to see the traditions and the Law with fresh eyes. He longed for them to look into the intent of their traditions, release the expectation for perfect behavior, and live in the safety of His love and grace as they obeyed His commands.
Contrasting Points of View
When Jesus entered Jerusalem for His triumphal entry, the crowd welcomed Him by shouting Hosanna, which means “Lord, save us.” The religious leaders did not join in. Sadly, they were unwilling to let go of how they had always lived, along with the significance and power their way of life provided them. Jesus spoke a couple of parables to them in Matthew 21, revealing truth to them. However, they refused to let go of tradition.
The contrast between the two types of people is strong. One group is enthusiastic and hopeful. One group is angry and fearful. Both groups encountered the same Jesus.
Tradition as a Guide
W. Somerset Maugham, a British playwright and novelist from the 1930’s once said, “Tradition is a guide not a jailer.” Maugham expressed an interesting point of view; he revealed truth for us to consider. We are not to live trapped in our traditions. Instead, we must view traditions as a structure we can use.
We must look at our traditions with fresh eyes. Remember, Jesus came as a baby to show us how best to live this covenant relationship with God. Our traditions can guide us to better see Christ as our hope, or they can trap us in the belief that hope is found in the tradition itself.
Adapting Traditions
Christmas Day is less than two weeks away. Many of you are already fully engaged in your annual traditions. My sweet Pastor husband and I adjusted our traditions this year for two reasons. First, we live in a new house. Second, we have a different schedule this year since we chose to take a celebratory trip for our fortieth wedding anniversary.
However, we can adapt our traditions and still welcome Christ’s arrival with joy and hope. Think about it. Jesus has come to save us, and we have an opportunity to welcome Him with excitement and anticipation. I discovered it helpful to ask, “What can I do to celebrate Jesus’ arrival with a resounding Hosanna?”
As I asked the question of myself, I recognized not every tradition I’ve held in the past celebrates Jesus’ coming. For example, I love Christmas cookies, but if I don’t bake them with the intent of sharing the love of Christ, I’m holding an unnecessary tradition. In addition, if I decorate my house, but I experience more pride than humility, I’m indulging in an unnecessary tradition. Furthermore, I love to attend Christmas productions. However, if I spend money on tickets God instructed me to give to someone in need, I’m clutching a tradition in disobedience.
Enhance Your Relationship with Christ
We must remember we participate in traditions to enhance our covenant relationship with God. We don’t measure the success of our Christmas by the number of traditions we have upheld, or how well we did the tradition. All of us celebrate Christmas best when we engage in activities that encourage us to welcome each day of Advent with a joyous exclamation of Hosana!
In the remaining days of the holiday season, don’t allow your traditions to trap you in busyness, stress, and anxiety. Don’t believe the lie that your Christmas will only be good if you uphold every tradition with perfection. Instead, allow the truth that Christ has come to save us be the guide that determines and forms your traditions and celebrations this year.
It’s Christmas Time Photo by Fer Troulik on Unsplash
