As I reflect on 2020 and the Christmas season, it’s easy to look at what’s changed, but I’m encouraged by all that has not.
1. Christmas lights
It seems like more folks than ever decorated their houses with lights this year. Every year we grab our travel mugs of hot chocolate and drive around our local area looking at all the lights.
2. Christmas cards
December is my favorite time of year to get the mail. Instead of bills and supermarket circulars, our mailbox is full of colorful cards from friends and family sharing photos and greetings.
3. Decorating the tree
We have a family tradition my husband and I started when we first married. If you’d like to read more about it, I have a post on the Pelican Book Group blog. http://blog.pelicanbookgroup.com/2020/12/18/christmas-with-karen-malley/
4. Lighting the Advent wreath
This is another special family tradition. Growing up, my family received a small paper booklet with prayers and Bible verses to read each week while lighting the Advent wreath. I now use the same booklet (which is yellowed and falling apart) with my own family.
5. Shopping and giving gifts
Thanks to online shopping (and free shipping!), we ordered and shipped gifts to family members in four different states.
6. Talking to family and friends
We still have phones and video calls. We’ll be exchanging those shipped gifts via video calls on Christmas day. We still can see loved one’s smiles and hear their voices as they open packages.
7. Baking cookies
Another favorite tradition at Christmas time! From baking cookies with my grandmother, my mother, and now my son, cookies are a delicious way to celebrate the season. There’s nothing like the smell of cookies baking while listening to Christmas music and looking at the tree decorated with lights!
8. Church services
Although we’re watching from home, I’m so grateful for the technology that allows us to continue hearing from the Bible and enjoy worshipping God from the comfort and safety of our homes.
9. Christmas music, movies, and books
Between the radio stations, TV stations, streaming services, and e-books it’s easy to find all your favorite music and movies and enjoy new books.
10. The everlasting gift of Jesus’ birth
Everything else on this list is fun or meaningful in some way, but the heart of Christmas is Jesus. The true Light of the World, He shines in the darkness to bring everlasting life. No matter where we find ourselves this Christmas, the light and hope He brings to the world cannot be dimmed. Merry Christmas!
Luke 2: 6-12
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
What’s a favorite Christmas tradition of yours? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!
Merry Christmas Karen to you and your family,
Thank you for your writing this morning about your Christmas traditions,it was nice for you to share each one. They were all amazing. I love them all too,decorated the tree, riding see all the lights ,hearing all Christmas traditional songs, watching some of the Christmas movies, and writing and receiving Christmas cards. I also love Christmas cookies (which I hope to bake some new recipes this year). I would say the thing I love most is going to church on Christmas eve. It just really makes Christmas come alive in my heart and soul. I love hearing the stories of Jesus birth,singing the Christmas music, the candle light service and the silent reflection of what Christ truly means to me. I love the fellowship with all brothers and sisters in Christ. I pray that you will have a white Christmas there in Pa. and I pray that you can be surrounded by your loved ones too. May you be able to enjoy this wonderful season and be able to stop and relax from work to do one of the things that is truly your gift which is working on your novella. I am looking forward to it and also your next book in the coming months. Thank you so much for your inspiration that I receive from your heartfelt words in your writing. I appreciate you and them more than words can say.I hope you have a wonderful and blessed Christmas and that God will shine his richest blessings upon you and your family. May we all feel the love of God and go out and share it to all others we meet. Jesus is the true light of the world. Let us all shine it brightly especially at this time as this. Peace and blessings to all.
Ginger,
Thank you so much for your beautiful words. Whenever I wonder if anyone is reading these posts, one of you truly blesses me with your comments. Christmas Eve service is one thing which will not be the same this year. Singing Silent Night at candlelight on Christmas Eve that never fails to bring a tear to my eye. I always feel close to Christ at that moment. Watching it online won’t quite be the same, but God is not limited to a place. Wherever we are able to worship Him, He receives it, and will bless us. May God bless you and the ones you love this Christmas!
One of the most meaningful traditions for me is the the candle lighting at the Christmas Eve service. It makes me teary every year. It has always been special, but when I became a pastor, it became even more special. Having the privilege of being up front and looking out over the congregation holding up their candles is truly a beautiful and heartwarming sight.
This has been a very dark year for so many people. Whether in church or at home this year as we light our candles, may it remind us to shine our light for Christ all year long wherever we go!
Thank you, Karen, for blessing us every Sunday with your gift of words and your heart for sharing the love of Christ to your readers. Merry Christmas! Enjoy all your traditions!
I guess we have that in common! Christmas Eve service has always been special, but I’ve never seen it from up front. Thank you for your kind words. Merry Christmas to you, too!
Merry Christmas Karen and blessed new year to all!
Thanks! Merry Christmas to you, too!
What a lovely post, Karen.
My Christmas traditions went out the window this year….hopefully 2021 won’t be as difficult a year.
Good luck, God’s blessings and Merry Christmas to you and yours.
PamT
Yes, there are a lot of things that are not the same, but no matter what this Christmas looks like, God is still on the throne . The gift of Jesus is still with us!