Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas!
Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from some
of today's most beloved writer's (Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shellie
Rushing Tomlinson, Sibella Giorello and more)! Please follow the series through
Christmas day as each contributor shares heartfelt stories of how God has
touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year.
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***
Family Traditions: A Glimpse into Christmas Future
by Tricia Goyer
Have you ever thought about family traditions? As I helped
my 1-year-old place ornaments on the Christmas tree this year I imagined her
doing the same thing with her children—and maybe even grandchildren—one day.
Traditions are beliefs and customs handed down through generations. By sharing meaningful
moments with your kids you're sending yourself into the future.
How amazing is that?
Sharing family traditions cause us to slow down from the
busy, adult world for a while. We ignore the laundry to set out the nativity
set with our kids. We set aside time in our schedules to drive around and look
at Christmas lights.
Holiday traditions aren't only fun,
they also help strength family bonds. Through traditions kids trust in the
security of family unit. They think, “This is our family and this is what I
do.” Of course, the most important thing to share isn't just what we do ... but
why. Why do we put out a nativity? To remind us the real meaning of the
season—Jesus coming to earth. What do the Christmas lights represent displayed
on homes and on trees? They represent the Light of the World, Jesus.
Using traditions to bond our families and share our faith
isn't new. I love these two Scriptures that talk about that very thing.
Exodus 12:25
says, “When you enter the land that the LORD will give you as he promised,
observe this ceremony.”
Psalm 78:4 says, “We will not hide them from their children;
we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power,
and the wonders he has done.”
What are you're traditions? Here are a few of ours:
Baking a Birthday cake for Jesus
Buying a new ornament every year for each child
Acting out the Christmas story (with props!)
Praying together before opening presents
What are your traditions? Write a list and appreciate them
in a new way this year. Then ask, “If I could add one new tradition this
holiday season, what would it be?” I'd love to hear what you choose! It also
makes me smile to think of your children's grandchildren doing the same.
***
Tricia Goyer is a CBA best-selling author and the winner of
two American Christian Fiction Writers’ Book of the Year Awards (Night Song and
Dawn of a Thousand Nights). She co-wrote 3:16
Teen Edition with Max Lucado and contributed to the Women of Faith Study Bible.
Also a noted marriage and parenting writer, she lives with her husband and
children in Arkansas.
www.triciagoyer.com
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