Each year, I hang on to these days before Christmas, cherishing every moment and memory. The excitement, joy, hope, and love that shines through family, friends, and neighbors is unlike any other time of year. I smile as I watch the world around me celebrate.
And yet, a part of me is sad as I know these days will go by like sand through my fingers. Every year will be different than the year before: my children will be older, there may be unexpected empty chairs at the table, there may be newly occupied chairs, new burdens, new freedoms, and all the things twelve months of living life will bring.
I catch myself lamenting at times. We work to decorate for Christmas, making our home a postcard of the season, then we put it all away again for next year. We clean the dishes just to dirty them again. We slave away at the stove just for the food to be eaten in half a minute. We wrap presents just for them to be ripped open. Wouldn’t Solomon call these things meaningless and chasing after the wind? Perhaps even, insanity?
And yet we do the same thing year after year: decorate, cook, celebrate, then clean it all up again. There must be something in our hearts that drives us and presses us into this pattern. Maybe the part of me that is sad to see this year’s Christmas slip away is ultimately my yearning for the Lord to mend our brokenness. I am weary of grief, and I long for the promised restoration. I cling to the hope of future joy and celebration, even though I lament the passing of this season into memory.
The Value of the Work
As I ponder these things, I place a red tablecloth on the dining room table, and cover it with creamy lace to add dimension. The table itself was my grandmother’s, the red tablecloth was my husband’s grandmother’s, and the lace was my mother’s. Every part of this room is steeped in tradition and celebration, having seen hundreds of Christmases combined.
I continue setting the table, lighting candles, prepping the fresh bread, sweeping the floors, and a thousand other things I’m doing at the same time: the phone rings, the baby needs a new diaper, my middle child needs a Band-Aid and a kiss, my oldest is starting a project of some sort in the room I just cleaned, the washing machine chimes, the dog is waiting at the door, and the work continues.
Finally, we all sit at the table. The same moment I realize my feet are throbbing, I look at the faces around me. Each person has come to this table with their own feelings, experiences, and their own interpretations of the day. Yet each person has depended on this meal, on this moment, as a part of our beautiful family tradition. Their bellies are hungry, but really, it’s their souls that desire to be fed.
The Value of Tradition
We work hard to keep traditions and celebrations, and it truly is hard work! There is beauty with repetition; a sense of security with an expected pattern. Traditions form into habits and shape us into who we are.These habits speak to our values and what we cherish. As mothers and fathers who conduct the symphony of our home, we should keep only those traditions that offer meaning in the celebration of that which is good. Likewise, we should discard any tradition that distracts.
God commanded the celebration of festivals in Scripture because we as a people are quick to forget. We need reminders, and we need to celebrate with intention. Our souls need seasons like these to look forward to. A few of the festivals required the Jews to gather in Jerusalem, meaning that they traveled and met together year after year. There was commotion, crowds, and excitement during those seasons as family and friends were reunited. Does this sound familiar? God knows it is good for our souls when we come together with the purpose of worship, celebration, and remembrance.
The Surpassing Value of Jesus
There is no reminder greater and worthy of celebration than that of grace through Jesus Christ. No matter what we are walking through or the road we have traveled this year, we can come to the table knowing that the grace of God is able to meet us there, and his love is enough to cover us. Jesus died for us, not because we tried hard enough or because we were perfect. He died for us because we are sinners in need of a Savior. He proved that he has authority over all things, including death, and we have faith that he will indeed come again and all will bow down and worship! What a celebration that will be!
At the table this year, remember with your family that he didn’t do any of this because he had to. He did it because he loves you, and he wants to freely pour out that same love to every precious one that walks through your door this Christmas. Beloved, he is using you through this season to be his hands and feet, showing grace and value to all of his dear children, just as he has shown you. What better way is there to show the love of Christ than through a meal shared together with sweet conversations about the goodness of God?
No, this is not meaningless, nor is it insanity. These things are good. These traditions are meaningful and important. Truly, we need them, and we have an immense opportunity to honor God through them. Personally, my efforts are never truly postcard-perfect. My Christmas tablecloth is faded, the lace has holes, and our wooden table is chipping away. But as imperfect as it is, it is ready. A place is prepared, just waiting for broken souls to find healing, love, and rest once more.
Dear faithful servant, set the table. You are serving so much more than a meal.
In 2024, Rooted had the honor of publishing three new books for teenagers: The Jesus I Wish I Knew in High School, Asian American Edition (by Rooted authors); Longing for Christmas (Rooted authors), and Identity: Discovering Who You Are in Christ by Lindsey Carlson.
