Create memories with family Christmas traditions - be like Mary, not Martha.

One of the best ways to create lasting memories is to adopt family Christmas traditions. Holiday traditions are special and strengthen the bond of family. When family Christmas traditions are adopted and implemented, you can alleviate stress. Instead of being like Mary, become more like Martha and enjoy the time with family. Holiday traditions make shopping easier and create memory-making opportunities for generations to come. “We reveal to ourselves and others what is important to us by the way we celebrate.” ― Noël Piper, Treasuring God in Our Traditions Holiday traditions are lovely, timeless treasures.  Scripture provides many examples of Biblical and familial traditions. Many are in the Old Testament, and our friends in the Jewish community still celebrate them today, for example, Passover.  Our Christian traditions honor Christ: waving palm branches on Palm Sunday, fasting during Lent, lighting the Advent wreath, displaying a nativity, and many more.  Several years ago, I read Treasuring God in Our Traditions by Noël Piper. It was a beautiful reminder of incorporating traditions into our daily lives while raising our children. Treasuring God in Our Traditions inspired me to implant traditions more deeply in my children's hearts. We have always had family traditions. It was a priority for me to establish them as our children grew. I wanted specific expressions of love foundational for our children and, someday, their children. I dreamt of hearing them request certain traditions or share their memories with new additions to the family. Some of our traditions have become non-negotiable; they are must-haves, especially during the holiday season, special days, and birthdays.  Our family traditions include meals, special foods, gifts, and attending church services. There is no greater tradition than honoring, praising, and worshiping the Lord with family and friends. What if, especially at, but not limited to, the holiday season, we create new traditions that honor the Lord and set aside time to show our gratitude for him and the blessings He has generously bestowed upon us throughout the year? Not all traditions, however,  must be rooted in faith, but when we are faithful, our traditions will reflect love and our relationship with Christ.  The goal of family Christmas traditions or holiday traditions, in general, is not to create more anxiety and stress. In Luke 10:38-42, we learn the story of Martha, who, alongside her sister Mary, welcomed Jesus into her home. Mary immediately sat at Jesus' feet and listened to him teach. Martha, stricken with anxiety over her to-do list, quickly became upset that Mary was not helping her. When she asked Jesus if he cared that Mary had left her to do all the work, Jesus said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her." Read the full show notes for the list of family Christmas traditions.    Sign up to receive the Monthly Bible Verse Intention Email.   Schedule a discovery call with Robyn.    Treasuring God in Our Traditions by Noël Piper