by Charleen Burghardt
They remembered that God was their Rock, that God Most High was their Redeemer (Psalm 78:35 NIV).
Christmas abounds with meaningful and fun traditions interwoven into the fabric of every household. These traditions offer predictable rituals, like putting up a Christmas tree or attending a choir cantata.
During my childhood, there was a unique tradition in my family where we would unwrap our gifts on Christmas Eve. Years later, I continued that tradition with my children. We gather for a meal, exchange presents, and eat homemade cookies. The next morning, Christmas Day, we eat egg and potato casserole with bagels covered in cream cheese. Then we open the gifts stuffed in our stockings. The day is casual, allowing everyone time to enjoy their presents, especially for the guys to try their new electronics.
Traditions we continue with our children
Another ritual we have is hanging ornaments to honor and remember my parents. After they passed, I ordered engraved pewter ornaments with their names and the significant dates. Every year, my son with autism looks forward to rummaging through the box of decorations to find their ornaments. He decides where to put them on the tree and carefully hangs them. We share stories of his grandparents and cherish their memories.
Long before our family traditions, Moses established an annual practice of Passover in which the Jewish people celebrate how God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Over 16 times, Moses instructed the Israelites to remember God’s miracle of deliverance and divine provision while they wandered in the wilderness.
Remember God’s miracle deliverance
In like manner, the apostle Paul urged the Ephesians to remember their rescue from darkness and Christ’s redemption. Participating in Holy Communion commemorates Christ’s work on the cross. Our Christian faith calls us to remember.
Communion calls us to remember
During this holiday, rehearse God’s gifts of forgiveness, redemption, joy, peace, and hope. When we do, we honor God, build our faith, and grow in thankfulness.
The tradition of remembering
Dear giving God,
We thank you for the gift of Christ coming to be born in a manger and the redemptive work of the cross. We remember your mighty works, along with your unconditional love. You made a way for us in Christ by your mercy and grace. May we always remember the imperishable gifts of joy and peace.
In Christ’s name,
Amen.
What are your traditions that help you remember a loved one or a special time?
I would enjoy hearing some of your traditions, post in the comment section.
First published in Word Weavers International, December 19, 2023
https://word-weavers.com/blog/600-The-Tradition-of-Remembering
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Love your srticle
Thank you!
Thank you for tge reminder to slow down, remember, and celebrate Jesus and the Gift that He gave to us!
We sure can get busy with activities and forget too slow down to remember
As you know I grew up in Germany and the Christ child (Christkind) brings the present on Christmas Eve. That’s when the Christmas Tree was decorated and presents opened. I continued these traditions here in the States with my own family.
It is fun to hear about the tradition that you brought from Germany. That is what makes Christmas memories.
I love your idea to have memorial ornaments to help future generations remember their grandparents. We plan to do the same!
Memorial ornaments help us remember but also help us grieve. The ornaments tell us that our loved ones are special.