READ: LUKE 2: 21-24
Mary and Joseph were following the rituals of their Jewish faith, going to the temple to dedicate their Son to the Lord. I love the rituals and traditions of Christmas. One of the hardest things when you first get married is to merge families that have different traditions and customs. For the first time this year, Virginia and I have to share our married daughters with the in-laws. I don’t like that. It messes up our traditions.
Some people say “I can’t celebrate Christmas this year because the children can’t come home.” Or “I can’t celebrate Christmas this year because it won’t be the same without a loved one I lost.” Or “it has been a tough year financially” or “too much has changed in our lives.”
Listen: people, customs, traditions, and rituals are important at Christmas, but we don’t celebrate those things. The celebration is of the birth of Jesus, the love of God coming close to you and to me. No matter where you are, with others or alone, all together or with a few empty chairs, Jesus is coming. Worship and adore Him. The celebration is over the fact that no matter your circumstances, God is with you. God is for you. So celebrate anyway.
Mary and Joseph were following the rituals of their Jewish faith, going to the temple to dedicate their Son to the Lord. I love the rituals and traditions of Christmas. One of the hardest things when you first get married is to merge families that have different traditions and customs. For the first time this year, Virginia and I have to share our married daughters with the in-laws. I don’t like that. It messes up our traditions.
Some people say “I can’t celebrate Christmas this year because the children can’t come home.” Or “I can’t celebrate Christmas this year because it won’t be the same without a loved one I lost.” Or “it has been a tough year financially” or “too much has changed in our lives.”
Listen: people, customs, traditions, and rituals are important at Christmas, but we don’t celebrate those things. The celebration is of the birth of Jesus, the love of God coming close to you and to me. No matter where you are, with others or alone, all together or with a few empty chairs, Jesus is coming. Worship and adore Him. The celebration is over the fact that no matter your circumstances, God is with you. God is for you. So celebrate anyway.
– Dr. Tim Thompson