Simon Peter in writing his final inspired letter considered it very important to pass on to the next generation the truths which he had received. “I will always remind you about these things – even though you already know them and are standing firm in the truth you have been taught. And it is only right that I should keep on reminding you as long as I live. For our Lord Jesus Christ has shown me that I must soon leave this earthly life, so I will work hard to make sure you always remember these things after I am gone.” (2 Peter 1:12-15).
The nativity scene, the angel on top of the Christmas tree, the Christmas church events and listening to the Bible readings on His birth are some of the reminders of the precious Bethlehem story.
As we enter this Christmas Season, we do well to pass the truths of the Season along to the up and coming generations. We also need to distinguish between truth and tradition. Sometimes these two coincide and sometimes they do not. As a family, my wife and I fostered Christmas traditions that are not necessarily biblical traditions, yet they promote unity, love, kindness and fun. These include putting up a Christmas tree, opening a 25-day advent calendar with the chocolate characters inside, baking favourite foods and hanging up those stockings to be emptied on Christmas day. Over the years we have built “creative” snowmen and tossed our bodies into the snowdrifts to form snow angels. Christmas traditions often vary depending upon country and culture, especially places where snow is absent.
There are, however, many truths that we are passing on to our two children and four grandchildren that arise from the pages of scripture. Most of these truths speak of the coming to earth of the Lord Jesus and His reasons for coming. The nativity scene, the angel on top of the Christmas tree, the Christmas church events and listening to the Bible readings on His birth are some of the reminders of the precious Bethlehem story. It is fun to pass on traditions and it is critical that we pass on truth. As we meet with family and friends may we remember the facts of Christ’s birth and remind each other of the true reason for the Season.