Its a Generationl Thing
Reflect
Its a transmission of customs, story making , story telling and practices from one generation to another. We build and pass on cultural identity and belonging to who we are as family members. TRADITIONS, that’s my word for this month. As believers we are in the family of Christ. We are also part of a generational family that is worthy to be adhered to. In all its imperfections, it is part of our path to freedom in Christ. Christ does not ask us to delete our blood line; He invites us to celebrate it.
When you ask someone if they have family traditions, they, will inevitably go right to Christmas. Whether it be a cherry in a ginger ale standing tall in a flute glass, a special movie, jammies that match, or opening one gift before bed on Christmas eve ……..these are the elements that build memories and character within generations. These are the moments that deserve a “save the date” out of our busy December calendars. The traditions can change depending on circumstances brought on by loss of a loved one . However, make new ones contingent on what would spark sweet conversation and memories of the loved one who once occupied that now empty chair .
I must write this as a family member who does not experience disputes at Christmas with close family members, and I do not apologize for that. This is not to say that as a Christ follower I lack the compassion of those many beloved people who fall aside and have no family gathering at Christmas. I am glad we live in a time where churches all over the nation open their doors for welcoming in and celebrating Christmas for all who choose to come. But there are those of us, after all the events we partake come to completion , Christmas is a reflection , a personal reflection deserving of a reverent reaction in its small family gatherings. I also recognize those who prefer to adhere to traditions as a way to embody with those who are part of our tapestry. I am talking of the past that is precious and makes us smile. We are founded on the rock of Jesus Christ and Christmas is the time to highlight that with family members in an intimate setting.
Life is generational. As a Russian/Irish I know who I am in Christ. I know I was grafted in but I also want to remain true to the threads of my past. If not, who do my grandchildren say I am when talking about me way after I am gone. They know I am grounded in Christ, but where did Nana come from?
My worldly DNA has much to do with who I am as a women, daughter, mother, grandmother, survivor (better word than widow) friend and teacher. My memories of mid night Christmas eve walking in the snow to the Orthodox Church several blocks away as my dad shoveled a path, are dear and imprinted into the makeup of who I am now. That shot of vodka dad let us have to keep warm is not necessarily something I would pass down, however, it is part of my story. It was tradition.
As I conclude, I want to ask this. Is it okay to skip some of the parties in the hustle bustle month? Is it expectable to pull on the reigns and hold fast to those beautiful traditions that are the very make up of who generationally we are as blood family members. Is our culture valid?
The blood of a tiny baby that was shed for me 33 years after being born The King of The Jews, makes me new and whole, but it does not delete my generational beautiful traditions. What a glorious thing! We serve a Messiah who sets us free but recognizes the validity of who we are at the table of our family traditions. Hold with solidarity to those unique traditions. Learn of the origin of them. Dont miss out on them out of guilt or shame for not showing up at a party you are expected to attend. To celebrate and to party are very different. We can partake in both. We get to choose.
I say this. If your traditions have been minimized because of busy……Make new ones or renew the old ones as they breathe history to the generations to come and knowledge of the past.