Thursday, December 27, 2012

Family Memories

Christmas comes only once a year, something that makes the insane amount of preparation survivable by parents. However, knowing that it happens only one day in 365 makes me, as a parent, realize the significance of our family traditions. The things we do as an aspect of our annual family Christmas celebration will establish traditions for them that will be a part of their lifelong celebration of Jesus' birth. 

Each year on Christmas morning we begin our morning by reading the Christmas story from the Gospel of Luke. This isn't an uncommon tradition for many families. Several years ago our family tradition changed when Sharalyn had the children act out the story. Now each year, while I read, the children put on towels and bathrobes and find broom sticks and stuffed sheep to help the Nativity story come to life. If my memory is correct, each of our children from Reuben [born in 2005] down to Zeke [born in 2012] have held the starting role as baby Jesus. 

Christmas morning wouldn't be the same for our family without this simple drama. I hope in the years to come, as my children become teenagers and then young adults, that they will be just as eager to act, and that the roles they take on will have great meaning for them.

"And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'" [Luke 2:10-11]