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One Woman's Pilgrimage
by Linda Bush Cannon
Luke 2:7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
The theologian J. Hampton Keathley, III , Th.M. wrote in his essay “Acclamations of the Birth of Christ (Luke 2:1-20)”:
“… to her first-born…” Note again the careful emphasis “her first-born,” not Joseph’s. Joseph was the legal father by adoption, but not by conception. Once again, God’s Word carefully guards the doctrine of the virgin birth of Christ (cf. Matthew 1:16 “the husband of Mary of whom …” This statement by Matthew completely broke with Jewish custom in genealogies and the sequence).
God broke all traditions with Christ. Everything was different, unexpected, new – BIG CHANGES! And Mary said yes to God’s plan.
Often at Christmas we have lots of traditions that we have done for years. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love traditions! But… are there things you participate in, places you go to, people you see, that aren’t good for you? People/places/situations that don’t bring you joy and peace, or perhaps even draw you away from your walk with the Lord? Perhaps it’s time to break with these unhealthy traditions, which may be chaining you down, causing you difficulty and pain. It’s okay to say no to things that aren’t good for you, or just say no because you’re doing too much. You can forgive someone for something they’ve done to you in the past, but it doesn’t mean you must see them again. It is not unholy to set safe boundaries around yourself. And as far as doing too much: buy cookies or recruit help from the Pillsbury dough boy instead of doing it all from scratch. Buy a gift or give a gift card instead of trying to make all your gifts. Cut down/back on what you spend, in spite of tradition. Do something new – go someplace different, or don’t go at all. Have people over instead of traveling all over the place this season.
Pray about it - ask the Lord to show you what changes would help you walk closer to Him, to help you and your loved ones focus more on Christ. And if He calls you to it, break tradition – give birth to a calmer, more balanced and happier YOU – what better gift to give this year to yourself, and others?
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You can find her on her website at www.cannoncrosscoaching.com
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