There are all sorts of definitions for Christmas.  I am really irritated with how we have allowed the secular world to define Christmas, especially one major department store.  Anyway, one of the definitions is “Christmas is about family.” I suppose it is, as that is the nest into which Jesus was born.  God used two people, who were willing to create an unconventional family for their day in order to bring the holy light and life into the world, we call Jesus. 

Yes, I must admit family is one way I define Christmas as well.  For many years, Christmas for our family has been a few days away right after Christmas Eve.  And over time, we have developed a Christmas tradition which is constantly changing.  (I guess that’s our tradition then, right?)  It is our turn to travel this year in order to be with our son, instead of him traveling here.  We will all be flying to San Diego on Christmas Day – don’t ask why San Diego – just seemed like a place which would be warmer than December in Wisconsin.  Our family tradition this year is: we will not be together on Christmas Eve,  Julie and I are not putting a tree nor decorating extensively, we will be wearing shorts instead of winter coats, and as normal we will have a wonderful time.   Family is defined is so many different ways and so the key is celebrating family in a way that honors the Christ of Christmas.  

May you have a Christmas which honors Christ. 

Till next year…h

You can reach Pastor Howard at: hhintzman@wisconsinumc.org.

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