“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Romans 12:12).
Traditions are important in many families. The Latino traditions that my family carries out as we celebrate the arrival of the New Year are ones of travel, hope, and renewal:
- Washing and sweeping the steps of your front door symbolizes the releasing of the old and making a pathway for the new that is to come.
- Packing a suitcase and exiting and re-entering your home 12 times symbolizes safe travels and the wish to travel more in the coming year.
- Eating 12 grapes, one for each month, while making twelve wishes in the hope that they will come true.
As we celebrate the New Year, I hope your joyous celebrations are plentiful and that God’s love and grace comfort you during difficult times. Trust that God will lead you through the shadow of darkness and into the light of the Holy Spirit.
What traditions will you honor as you ring in the New Year?
This message is excerpted from “What traditions will you honor as you ring in the new year?” by Gabriela Contreras from the January 1, 2018, blog of the Women of the ELCA. Today is New Year’s Eve.
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