About three years ago I noticed a definite lack in our holidays. Granted, the outside world puts continual emphasis on the commercial side of things and always delivers an emotional spin, but I thought we kept Christ in the center of our celebrations. However, I noticed that we ran from one invitation to another, from one house to another for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's and Easter.
Each event had the traditional format: friends, family, food, presents, and some indication of God's part, usually a prayer before dinner.
I missed worship, deep thankfulness, dependence and acknowledgment of Christ. The business of the season left out the reason for living and I longed for peaceful moments with Him. So I instituted a tradition called the 'Spiritual Side'.
Our Spiritual Thanksgiving included gathering around communion in my kitchen. We each took a turn to thank God for that year and our lives. This year my grandchild was old enough to participate. That little tidbit surprised me. We sang songs like Jesus Loves Me, Joy Down In My Heart and others she recognized. She led us through each song at the top of her voice. Then she thanked God for each person, all the pets, our world and Jesus. What a blessing.
Our Spiritual Christmas is a morning brunch in a nice restaurant. It can be held any day in December to allow my children freedom for traditions of their own. After the brunch we return to the kitchen and appreciate Christ, the Christmas story, communion and presents...in that order.
Our Spiritual Easter is called 'Miracle Celebration'. Once again, in the morning, we gather around the table for prayer and communion. Our conversation centered on the miracles of God and the specific miracles He preformed in our lives during the year. Then we visit and enjoy one another's company till each leaves for their next Easter moment with others.
Our Spiritual New Year's, the celebration of tomorrow, gathers in my living room on New Year's Day. We ask God for His guidance for the year, lay hands on each other for healing and speak a blessing. Each person is individually prayed over in turn. This year, as you might suspect, I look forward to what my grandchild will say. Out of the mouths of babes...
May your year be filled with health, wealth of every kind, moments with God that change your life and peace, His peace.
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