Tradition is defined as a belief, practice, or custom passed down from generation to generation, often within a particular culture or society. It also refers to long-established practices or sets of beliefs followed by a group.

For many, family traditions are an integral part of the Christmas holidays. Growing up, my family had our own cherished traditions that made the season special.

We always attended the Christmas Eve service, enjoyed a chili supper, exchanged gifts, and later, when the grandkids came along, we added a birthday cake for Jesus.

While we have carried on some of these traditions, life changes, and so do traditions. While they are meaningful, they don’t last forever. New traditions may take their place, but ultimately, Christmas isn’t about the traditions.

Christmas is about the gift of Jesus. If our traditions overshadow that truth, we risk focusing on the wrong thing.

Every tradition, every shared moment with family and friends, exists because of Jesus. It has taken me over 60 years to fully grasp this perspective, and for that, I am deeply grateful.

Grateful for Jesus. Grateful for my family. Grateful for the moments made special because of Him. He has always been, and always will be, at the center of it all.

And that grilled ham and cheese I had on Christmas night? It might not become a tradition, but if it does, I’ll be grateful for that too.

From my family to yours:

May the Jesus we celebrate at Christmas bless and keep you every day. His promise surpasses any tradition the season can bring.

“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.” (Romans 12:9)

Hold fast – “To remain firmly committed or steadfast to a belief, principle, or position.

To persist in the face of difficulty or adversity.

To hold on tightly to something, either physically or metaphorically.”

It’s hard to “hold fast”.  We live in a world of distractions, often times choosing to live in that world of distraction.  

Other times the distractions just seem to find us and those distractions make life difficult.   Either way, we need to make the critical decision to hold fast to what is good and what is Godly.  At all times.  In all situations.  

Daniel held fast (Daniel 6).

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego held fast (Daniel 3).

Job held fast (Job 1-42).

Paul and Silas held fast (Acts 16:16-40). 

Their stories are real and so is yours.  In the middle of your story hearing the stories from the Bible seem so far away.  But their story was real, just almost unimaginable.  They never imagined their story would unfold like it did.  They held fast in some extreme circumstances and so can you.  

You never imagined your story unfolding like it may have either, but here you are in the middle of it.  

You may not be thrown in a den of lions or in a fiery furnace, but here’s the great equalizer between your story and those unimaginable stories in the Bible where God served as a rescuer.  

The same God who delivered them will deliver you.  Your job is to do like they did.  Hold fast.  Remove distractions from your life that you have control over.  Those distractions that you do cannot control ‘hold fast to what is good’.  

Find peace and rest in the same God who rescued Daniel, Job and countless others throughout history.  He rescued them, and He will rescue you.  

Hold fast.  Others did.  So can you.  

Life is often challenging, but even in the hardest times, remember:  God is present.

Keep your heart and eyes open for hope, not just to find it but to share it generously with others.

Whether it’s a kind word, your time, or a helping hand, give freely without expecting anything in return. What you offer—hope, resources, love—can change someone’s life.

And in giving, you’ll find profound fulfillment, as it truly is better to give than to receive.  So today, take a step toward selflessness.

Be a source of hope and light for those around you.  The world needs it.  Your world needs it.

God is our Hope, shaping the future brighter than the past or present.

When despair looms, as it did for Elijah, God doesn’t shout, He whispers.

In the quiet, beyond the chaos, a gentle voice calls your name. 

But to hear it, you must listen. 

Been there,
Am still there,
A place of silence, struggle, and care.
You don’t get to choose when you depart,
The desert works first on your heart.

It shapes, it molds, it teaches slow,
Through burning sands and winds that blow.
You’ll leave when you’re ready, not before,
Each step prepares you for what’s in store.

Keep moving, no matter how slight,
Each step forward is a fight.
Don’t lose hope, let it be your guide,
Even when the path seems wide.

Follow the Sun; it shows the way,
Its light a promise for a brighter day.
For though the desert feels endless and vast,
Its lessons carve truths that forever last.

And when you leave, you’ll come to know,
The desert was where your roots did grow.
A journey through hardship, courage, and grace,
Transforming your spirit in that sacred place.