By: Pam Otto
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Tradition /trəˈdiSHən/: a long-established custom or belief that has been passed on from one generation to another.
Most of us have a variety of holiday traditions that evoke strong memories of earlier days…maybe it's the sight of a familiar ornament, the smell of a fresh pine tree, festive Christmas music, yummy baked goods or sipping some hot cider! Holiday traditions can send us to happy and peaceful places for some, or hard and challenging places for others. Some traditions are worth repeating while others may need to be left behind.
What traditions have you held onto from younger years that bring you comfort and joy? Is it the new Christmas pajamas you get each year or maybe the holiday gatherings or favorite family recipes? For me, I am always moved by the music of the season, whether the older traditional carols from childhood or the newer tunes played over and over throughout the month. I can't help but sing and hum to each and every song, whether lively or slow. The traditions of Christmas tunes and carols draw me in- every.single.time.
When I was young, I had a favorite Christmas carol called “Go Tell it on the Mountain.” Have you heard it? I loved the catchy tune and the repetitive chorus. The lyrics in this song compel us to GO and tell others about the Savior of the world! To tell others about Jesus and His birth!
Go, tell it on the mountain,
over the hills and everywhere.
Go, tell it on the mountain
that Jesus Christ is born.
While shepherds kept their watching
over silent flocks by night,
behold throughout the heavens,
there shone a holy light.
Go, tell it on the mountain,
over the hills and everywhere.
Go, tell it on the mountain
that Jesus Christ is born.
Down in a lowly manger
our humble Christ was born,
and God sent us salvation,
that blessed Christmas morn.
Go, tell it on the mountain,
over the hills and everywhere.
Go, tell it on the mountain
that Jesus Christ is born.
I love the challenge of this song, which asks us to go and tell. Go, tell it on the mountain, or the flatlands, or the hills, or the beaches, anywhere and everywhere! Go and tell others about the real reason we celebrate Christmas. Tell others how God has changed you and challenged you.
Let’s get wrapped up in the real story of Christmas and live out all our traditions with great joy and assurance knowing that Jesus is the Hope of the world!
Whatever traditions you continue each year, may we all stay mindful of the real reason we buy the gifts, decorate our homes, bake the goodies, trim the trees, sing the songs and celebrate with others. Let’s Go and Tell!
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13