Red Cup Days, and Red Word Ways

tradition wrapup

 “‘These are the Lord’s appointed festivals, the sacred assemblies you are to proclaim at their appointed times” Leviticus 23:4

As I sit and wrap up presents for under the tree, I ponder the past few weeks of traditions and consider ways to wrap that up as well.

  • We’ve read about traditions that have been lost due to tragedy or life change.
  • We’ve visited old traditions and developing new ones as well.
  • We’ve laughed
  • We’ve cried
  • And we’ve embraced life during this treasured season of giving and loving.

It’s easy to get into the trap of duty: the ‘I have to’s” of the season.

God appointed “sacred” times of the year, times that are set apart to remember, for celebration, fellowship and worship of Him.  I think the important thing to remember here is not how others are observing the holiday, or not observing it. We tend to focus on what is wrong instead of what is right with the season.

  • If it means a lot to you to give a gift to each person that you know, if that is how you show your love – do it!
  • If decorations are your thing; what helps you to remember the Lord and His presence in your life – by all means decorate!
  • If you would rather make it a solemn celebration of the birth of your Savior and Lord – build your traditions around that focus.

I don’t think there is any one right way to observe the season. We all have traditions, old and new, and I think that if we can find a way to be joyful in all of our situations, we have succeeded in living according to the red words of Jesus:

“I’ve told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature. This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends. You are my friends when you do the things I command you. I’m no longer calling you servants because servants don’t understand what their master is thinking and planning. No, I’ve named you friends because I’ve let you in on everything I’ve heard from the Father. Luke 15:11

Let’s all put aside the criticism and offense, the red cup controversies, and simply worship the One who has brought us such great JOY!

Love

Give

Celebrate

These are the RED WORD ways of the season.

May we all live by them the whole year through!

Soli Deo Gloria!

Lisa

Thank you all for sharing a month of traditions with us. We will have a couple more days of postings, including some printable scripture cards, then will break until February for a much needed sabbatical.  We look forward to meeting up again with each of you again in the New Year! 

Be blessed and prosper in 2016!

Tags: celebrate the season, Focus on family, giving, holiday traditions, , loving, merry christmas, red cup, red words, sharing,

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