Christmas traditions are fascinating. The tree, the carols, the stockings, the gifts, the dinners, the fellowship, the cookies and pies and candy. I imagine that U. S. traditions are fairly unified. Surely all stores play the same songs, even though a Miami resident might never have dreamed of a white Christmas, and no one anywhere knows who King Wenceslas was.
Traditions in other cultures vary widely, you know. Russian families might fast on January 6th, which is Christmas Eve. Then after the first star appears, they would have a dinner whose main dish is sauerkraut, before going to a church service at midnight. Families in India might attend a midnight service, too, but not until they had finished decorating the banana plant.
Mexican children will spend several evenings in the Posada, searching for a house that will let them in, imitating Mary and Joseph’s arrival in Bethlehem. Eventually one home will say, yes, there is room, and all will go in. They will offer prayers of thanks, and then enjoy food, treats, and games, probably including a piñata.
It’s a pleasure to be part of the grand celebration of God’s marvelous gift. Although we find a wide variety of ways to express our gratitude, we experience the same joy and peace that was promised to the shepherds so long ago. Now we have heard the news. Let us tell it, too.
Doug Reed | Literature And Teaching Ministries | www.latm.info 