Traditions are wonderful experiences, especially when those traditions surround a purpose. But what about those traditions that occur just because it is tradition? Are those just as wonderful and spectacular? As I've been studying God's Word, learning about personal boundaries, and pondering my purpose in life, I find myself questioning our family traditions. Do they have purpose and meaning?
Most family traditions include special extended family gatherings, special church events, specific holiday foods, and other delightful traditions. Recently, a friend shared on her podcast that one of her family traditions is to read Luke 2 before opening gifts. What a beautiful picture of a purposeful tradition, one that focuses on the meaning of Christmas. But, what about the traditions that are done because they have always been done? When should traditions be questioned?
On Thanksgiving day, someone in our family questioned why we always have turkey. I explained that it was tradition, which led to a discussion about how everyone's favorite part of Thanksgiving is the leftover turkey sandwiches. As the annual hostess of Thanksgiving, I had two choices: exclaim that the tradition will stand because that is what we've always done, or value the thoughts of everyone and take their love for turkey sandwiches seriously. As we sat around the table, we all agreed that next year I would cook the turkey the day before and on Thanksgiving Day, we would have turkey sandwiches. We did not discuss changing the sides, but since the teenagers in the room exclaimed their disappointment in the traditional foods, we will most likely change the menu to accommodate their desires. Sometimes traditions need to change not because someone complained, but because we love one another and the purpose of the gathering is to enjoy a meal together and be thankful for all God has given us.
I would like to take this thought further and look at Christmas traditions. Christmas concerts, dances, work parties, church programs, family dinners, Christmas Eve services, New Year's Services, and caroling - a month packed with festivities and joyous events. To some this is joyous, but for others, it's exhausting and can create resentment. I equivalate the hustle and bustle of December with the concept of needing a vacation after a vacation. Why are we so busy? Is it for the sake of tradition? Are we upholding the purpose and meaning of those traditions or just going through the motions because it is expected.
At times, I have felt so busy with the chaos of the Christmas season, that I have allowed resentment to take hold; bitterness sets in. Instead of the season being about Christ, it's all about doing what is traditional or expected.
So, I ask again: Do our traditions have purpose and meaning? Over the past two years, God has challenged me to set my eyes on Him and to be purposeful in the things that I do. My first purpose is to pour the love of God into my children. The second is to live purposefully by not cluttering my life with things that lack purpose and meaning. We are called to share God's love with those who do not know Him and to live for His purpose. If a tradition has lost sizzle, if it's done because it has always been done, or if the thought of that tradition causes resentment or bitterness, I challenge you to question if your traditions need to change. I pray that all traditions celebrated bring meaning and joy back into the Christmas season.
Matthew 5:43-48
"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy'. But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust. For you if you love those wo love you, what reward have you? DO not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect."
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