“And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and, as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up to read.” Luke 4:16

Customs and Traditions

I thought about this verse as I considered the many customs and traditions surrounding Christmas. My favorite memories of Christmas are of traveling every year to my grandma’s house before or shortly after Christmas day.

We pulled into the driveway of her secluded property right on the bend of the Feather River. Snow was falling softly, and we knew as we pulled into the drive we would soon be greeted with open arms by her as she made her way out the front door. Warm hugs and a quick invitation to get inside to the cozy place we called “Grandma’s,” we were immediately offered hot cocoa in those 70’s style orange, yellow, brown, and pea green Tupperware mugs. In the next hours and days we would be joined by aunts, uncles, and lots of cousins.

Grandma always made Christmas special. She loved to bake and make even a stranger feel welcome. After the Christmas feast, we all gathered around in her small living room to be together and exchange gifts. When I think about how many people were there (our family of five, plus two uncles and one aunt each with their families), it amazes me how we all fit!

Now I have my own large family and we have many of our own traditions. It is important to me not only to share in all the joy and fun of Christmas, but especially to impart to my children of the truth of JESUS being the true meaning of Christmas. One tradition we have adopted is to go caroling. Not only has it become a fun tradition, but singing those songs of Jesus and His birth reminds each of us of why we celebrate. We also enjoy seeing the joy on the faces of those with whom we share our carols.

In John 18:39, we learn of another custom held by the Jews. Pilate said to them, “But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the Passover. Will ye, therefore, that I release unto you the King of the Jews?” every year

The answer to that would change the world forever. Because Jesus willingly came as a baby and lived His whole life knowing of this end for a new beginning, we have salvation and a new life in Him!

Ever since I was a child, I prayed for my grandma, that she, too, would know of His love and believe. A Christmas does not go by (among many other times throughout the year) that I do not stop and remember traditions of old and all the special times with her. I am grateful that months before she passed, my prayers were answered when she acknowledged Jesus as her Savior.

“Dear Lord, I am guilty often during the season of getting caught up in all of the traditions and busyness it can bring. I never want to forget the whole reason we celebrate—the coming of Your Son, JESUS. Thank You for the sacrifice You made. And thank You for answering my lifelong prayers when You called my grandma Your own.”