Traditions

We have this tradition right about now.  We’re mere days from Christmas.  And this year,  just like the host of years before, we are preparing our home for this annual family celebration.  More than 50 will be represented.  It’s the extended-family version.  This is a preparatory process that takes weeks not days.  But, we know who’s coming and it brings great joy.

The spirit of this tradition is not burdensome.  It is a delight.  It brings us life as we work to make this home stand up straight.  Inside and outside.  Planning.  Arranging.  Preparing.  All sentimental tasks to welcome in those we so dearly love.

This undertaking helps to remind us of our long-established and inherited ways.   This didn’t start with us. The generations before ours began this time-honored festivity. It’s how traditions work. Somebody before us and then someone before them found it important enough to schedule this moment and extend the invitation. Over the years, calendars came in sync. The generations came.

On this day, the oldest to the youngest will be represented. It’s our gathering that is less about individual people but a treasured occasion that embodies the whole. There is a sameness amid the differences.  There is an ease, a comfort, a familiarity that gladdens familial souls. Sadly, there are those who reigned in this family, yet now long gone, but it is by their legacy that this tradition still stands at all.

I hope you have such an event.  A celebratory occasion.  It’s not too late. Small or big is not the distinction. Nor is what you have or what you have not.

With those you love,

and all that brings,

find reason for hope

in which to cling.

With one or more

let those hearts sing

the tradition to this season.

Behold,

Our coming King.

Luke 2