I know I've written about this before, but there's no law I know if against redundancy, is there? It's Christmas Eve and I'm excited. No, it's not the gifts or stuff. Really, it is the marking of another year and the celebration with family as we remember the blessings our Father has granted and the ultimate gift of our salvation in Christ.
Our traditions are rather simple, yet I believe that they are profound too. Tonight, we will not track Santa, or rush the kids off to bed, or stay up all night assembling stuff, or sneaking out loads of presents. No, we will start the evening off with a simple candlelight service to celebrate the coming of the Savior. It is the first thing we do and I believe it sets the proper tone for all that follows.
After the service, we'll come home and exchange stocking gifts. If there is any sneaking around, it is sometime before this point as we all try to stealthfully place a small gift or two into each other's stocking. The stocking gifts take a lot of pressure off of the whole event and evening. It has allowed us to share something special and sleep well. It has been years since we had to get up early on Christmas morning.
But, when Christmas morning arrives, we are all excited. Usually, there are extended family around and plenty of food. We'll exchange gifts mid-morning and enjoy our company through the afternoon. It's peaceful and enjoyable. We will remember the story of Christ's birth and the significance of the gifts we share.
I hope that as you enjoy your Christmas traditions, you will remember the Lord Jesus Christ as well. He is the reason we celebrate and exchange gifts. It is a remembrance of the most precious gift we could ever have the opportunity to receive, life.
Merry Christmas!
