But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 1:20, ESV)
Twenty Major Champion winners will team up with a family member in the 2024 PNC Championship. “Playing the game they love – together,” as the tournament website describes.
While this is a fun end-of-the-year event, these golfers are competitive and want to win. As golf fans, we enjoy the storylines of fathers playing with sons and grandsons, a mother and her son, and a father and his daughter.
Alastair J. Johnston says, “The essence of the game of golf is based on its history and traditions. Personal qualities of discipline and integrity are principles for which a parent must stand as an ambassador for past generations. Their legacy to the game is reflected in the values they successfully hand down to their children.”
Christmastime also holds history and traditions. While there are many different family and cultural traditions for celebrating Christmas, there is only one historical narrative that counts for the birth of Jesus.
This narrative fulfills what the Lord spoke through the prophet Isaiah: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14).”
One tradition for the fourth Sunday of Advent is to read the Gospel accounts of when the angel came to Mary and Joseph, announcing what will unfold. After telling Joseph that Mary will conceive a baby from the Holy Spirit, the angel continued, “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins (Matthew 1:21).”
A traditional theme for the Sunday before Christmas morning is love. It was God’s love that sent his son Jesus to the manger. Mary’s circumstances were not in her favor, but because of her love for the Lord, she responded, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word (Luke 1:38).”
Wherever you have been during these four weeks of Advent, there is still time to consider if your Christmas traditions honor past generations and pass along your values to those younger. Likewise, is the true narrative of Christmas represented in your Christmas morning experience?
Immanuel, God’s love – embodied in the flesh – with us.
Prayer: Lord, help us align our thoughts, intentions, and actions to the true narrative of Christmas. Thank you for your love through Jesus.