Happy Holy-Days to you! Not the usual spelling and for a reason. I love the holiday season, and I know that the word “holidays” is usually relegated to the Christmas season (which seems to begin earlier and earlier for the retail market). I say we take our word back in its original form. The Old Testament is very particular about the feasts that those who are of the family of God are to remember and teach to their children. Historically, the Christian church has recognized the Advent-Christmas and Lent-Easter periods with other days receiving more and less attention during different periods. New days have been added, and some are being recovered. Always, this is to be done to remember, not just the celebration, but the reason we celebrate.
“And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make greatmirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.” ―Nehemiah 8:12
For our family, the holiday season begins the end of October with Reformation Day on October 31st and All Saints Day November 1st. Then, of course, we celebrate Thanksgiving in late November followed by the four Sundays of Advent leading up to Christmas Day. As our family has grown, literally and figuratively, I have tried to make these holidays and this holiday season an increasingly more meaningful part of our family traditions.
“There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labor. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.” ―Ecclesiastes 2:24
Obviously, our culture already makes Christmas and Thanksgiving a big deal, and Halloween is becoming bigger and bigger each year. Yet, I wanted our holidays to be special for reasons other than the popular commercial motivations that seem to surround the public celebrations. I want to be sure that our holidays remain Holy in the hearts of our children.
Thankfully, we are beginning to see success even as each year seems to bring something different. Establishing traditions can be a challenge when you find yourself in a different location every few years. This year's season is our first in Germany. Last Christmas we spent sojourning through Kansas City; in 2009, I was in Iraq; and in 2008, we were together in Hawaii. All the transition can make establishing traditions a challenge, but it also allows for the possibility to introduce new traditions and find new ways to focus on the real meaning of each holiday. We are doing our best.
“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” –1 Corinthians 10:31
