20 Dec Tradition

Tradition.

Liturgy.

Stability.

Such words either spawn fear into the hearts of the spontaneous or excite the lovers of consistency and expectation. The Advent season, or season of waiting, is the prime example. There are a limited number of Christmas songs, hymns, Handel’s Messiah’s, but numerous variation and versions – some not particularly pleasant. There is an array of tradition and expectation that varies from family to family. Even families that claim they don’t practice consumerism, or shopping, or decorating are actually upholding a tradition!

Why tradition? Why repetition? Why bake the same cookies every year or pull out the same ornaments or make the same food? Why pray for a white Christmas and run through the stores searching for gifts or make that horrifying casserole?

The expectation of Christmas, religious or culturally, is the drive.

It’s the waiting for something to rejoice in.

It’s the reminder of the possibility of the peace among men.

It’s the feasting of eyes and hearts and tongues with a childlike exuberance and wonder.

It’s the knowledge that with a thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices.