Traditions! At no other time of the year are traditions more important than at Christmastime. A tradition is like a secret password that allows you into the club and tells you that you belong to something bigger than yourself. Traditions bind people together as family, church, nation, or culture.
Some Christmas customs and rituals cross cultural lines; others define them. In Australia, Santa's sleigh is pulled by eight white kangaroos. In Finland, it is traditional to take a sauna bath before Santa's visit. In Spain, Papa Noel delivers presents by climbing up balconies. And in New Zealand, Christmas is in summer, so families head to the beach for a yule-"tide" picnic.
When and how to open gifts is another traditions that varies world over. Should presents be opened on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning? Do you put them under the tree or hide them in the branches? Are they wrapped or unwrapped? One thing is certain: In the end, it doesn't really matter how a present is opened as long as it is opened.
What if you had put a lot of thought into finding the perfect present to give someone you love very much? This gift cost you more than anybody could ever know, but to you, this person was worth it. Now how would you feel if the one you adore never opened the gift, or refused to even receive it?
God gave the gift of His Son, Jesus, to you. Have you opened your heart to receive Him as your Savior? The Bible says, "It pleases me that you continue to remember and honor me by keeping up the traditions of the faith I taught you"(1 Corinthians 11:2, The Message). This Christmas, it would please the Lord if you would open the gift He has given you.
You don't even have to wait until Christmas. :)
(The above picture is of my mom and my sister Jennifer. Christmas 1980. Jenn was 4 years old.)
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