Tradition and the Heart

One of the hallmarks of Christmas is tradition.

Some of the traditions I experience have been around a very long time.

Others are relatively new.

One of my traditions that has been around for a long time is our annual Christmas program.

I remember participating in these as a child.

I recall dressing up as a shepherd one year and a wise man the next.

I recall the handful of lines I and others had to learn.

I also recall feeling rather nervous as I and my classmates waited for our turn to go on.

I also recall the feeling of relief we felt when our scenes were done.

Now, decades later, I find myself involved in these programs once again.

Because of my age, I have been cast as everything from wise neighbors to bus drivers.

I enjoy the programs more now because they give me the opportunity to work with our young people.

By contrast, some traditions I participate in are relatively new.

                                                                                                                          

For the third year now, we have distributed empty boxes to volunteers at the beginning of Advent.

These volunteers fill their boxes with nonperishable food items.

On Christmas Eve, volunteers return their filled boxes.

The contents are then donated to our local food bank.

It’s funny, but some traditions are not planned at all like comments I hear from others.

The most common of these surfaces when I do something kind without expecting anything in return.

“You did not have to do that.”

In a manner of speaking, I did.

That is part of what the Lord meant when He commanded us to love our neighbor.

The most unusual of theses surfaces when someone comments on my level of involvement during the season.

“You could be doing anything you want.”

These individuals often look surprised to learn I am doing exactly that.

That is part of what the Lord meant when He commanded us to love God.

Traditions can be wonderful things especially at Christmas.

We just need to make certain our hearts are in the right place first.

Philippians 4:8 (NET) - Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things.

Christmas Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, December 28, 2018.

I’ll be back here on Friday, January 4, 2019