Every year about this time, as I prepare for Thanksgiving and the rush of the Christmas season, I look forward to the many traditions my family keeps. Some traditions remain important and timely; others no longer bring me closer to my family or the teachings of Jesus.
When I think of traditions old and new, I find myself drawn back to Jesus’ teachings and the example he set for us. Are there traditions I’m holding onto that aren’t in alignment with Jesus’ gospel of acceptance and grace? How can I create a new tradition that brings me closer to Jesus on my path of discipleship?
I hope that as we enter the holiday season, you find time to enjoy the traditions in your life while also forging new ones in Christian community. I pray that you create intentional space to ask yourself how the traditions you’ve kept are bringing you closer to Jesus, and the power to step away from those that are no longer serving you.
This message is excerpted from “Traditions to break and create” by SommerAnn McCullough in the November 2018 Cafe online magazine.
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