'Hold fast to the traditions' - December 9
Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 31; PM Psalm 35; Isa. 7:10-25; 2 Thess. 2:13-3:5; Luke 22:14-30
Today’s Reflection
But we must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the first fruits for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and through belief in the truth. For this purpose he called you through our proclamation of the good news, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by our letter.
Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word. —2 Thessalonians 2: 13-17
A few days after the first Sunday in Advent, I was walking up the stairs in the church and there, at the top of the stairs, was an evergreen tree, ready in its stand to be decorated. As soon as I saw it, I remembered, yes, it’s time already for the Chrismon tree.
And then I recalled the last time I had seen the tree in that exact spot, being decorated. It was about that same day in Advent in 2021, and the people decorating it included the two people who did so many things to prepare our church for all the liturgical seasons: Jane and Sharon. As I had that memory, my instinct was to walk over close to tree, close enough to touch it and smell it, and just pause for a moment to remember them for a moment and wonder who would be coming by later to decorate the tree this Advent.
Later that day, as I came up the stairs for my Wednesday night Advent reflection group, I received the answer to that question. There was the completely, beautifully decorated tree, with all the hand-stitched Chrismon ornaments, and Martha Noble Langston, putting the ornament boxes away. We stood there and talked a moment, before we both headed into the Advent group in the library, about how it had been strange to be the one to take the lead with the tree, which had been something her dear friend Jane had always done.
Martha shared how she had invited her granddaughter, Hill, to come join her in the work of hanging the Chrismons on the tree, and how beautiful it was to invite someone from the next generation into carrying on this tradition in our church. And then, when we gathered to reflect on Advent themes with the others in our group, there was a moment when Martha shared more about this with those gathered and it became a beautiful moment for us to stop and remember in this season of waiting and anticipation that leads us into Christmas and all that it means.
Becky+
Questions for Reflection
What are some traditions you and your family have to help prepare your hearts for Christmas in this Season of Advent? How might you invite others to share in the preparations with you in a different way this year?
Daily Challenge
Learn more about the history and meaning of Chrismon trees here or pick up one of the leaflets next to our Chrismon tree next time you are at the church to worship.