Christmas Traditions

December is a busy month. Most people spend the month going to various Christmas parties, decorating their Christmas tree, shopping for gifts, and preparing for a special Christmas dinner. In the midst of all the celebrations, it is easy to forget the reason for the season.

Christmas is really about a big present God gave the world over 2,000 years ago—Jesus! A well-known verse in the Bible and probably the first one you memorized is John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

I still become emotional when I read that verse. Even though humanity messed up, God loved His creation so much that He sent His best gift—His Son Jesus—to redeem us from our fallen state. I am grateful for that gift, and it is important to remind our families of it.

Many families have traditions they observe at Christmastime. Many years ago, my husband and I established the traditions we celebrate.

On Christmas Eve, we attend the Carols, Candlelight & Communion service at Rhema Bible Church. Afterward, our family gets together for dinner where we eat my famous Chicken and Dumplings. The entire family loves them, but it can be a miracle to find one item that everyone agrees on!

Before we open the gifts, my husband reminds our family of God’s goodness. He tells us that God should be the most important person in our lives, and it is because of the Lord’s provision we can give gifts. Then we pray for families that are experiencing difficulties during this time.

As I was meditating on what the Lord would have me write this month, the words “Jehovah Jireh, God our Provider,” came to me. As I said previously, God provided a way for our salvation through the blood of Jesus. But God’s provisions go beyond that.

“ ‘Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need’ ” (Luke 12:22–31 NLT).

I encourage you to trust God for the financial supply you need for this Christmas season. It may come in various ways—through a raise or bonus or through other methods. I always ask God to direct me to where the items I need are on sale. Don’t limit God on how He provides.

Trust Him as the Apostle Paul declared in Philippians 4:19 (NLT) “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”

Have a Merry Christmas, and remember to celebrate the greatest event, the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!