big 'T'...little 't'...

First I must give credit to Dr. Grant for the big 'T' and little 't' concept, I am not nearly that clever. He used it in a different context, but during the Advent season it certainly applies. You see there are traditions, little 't', and Traditions, big 'T'. That capital letter brings a named importance, a special meaning to what it is attached to, while that little letter is common, unspecific, and rather mundane. Let me explain...

Here is the Tuck house we have many traditions at Christmas time. Some have been passed down from grandparents and some are new. We decorate our tree every year after the twins birthday, we bake and cook like crazy, we drink cocoa so it will snow (ask the kids!), we buy presents, we have an ongoing and usually unfinished puzzle under the table cloth, EAT way more than we should, we count down to Christmas on a candy strip, send cards, and many more traditions. But these are all common activities that a lot of people engage in at this time of year. These build memories in our children and create a bond as a family. If we leave something out, than it feels odd and incomplete. But, these are the little 't' part of Christmas...it is not what makes Christmas special.

Our Tradition at this time of year is properly focused on God's plan for our redemption. From the creation through to the birth of Christ, God has brought all events to His purpose in the birth of His son, Jesus.

Luke 2: 10-11

But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;

for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior,

who is Christ the Lord."

This is the real importance and meaning of this season. This gives us joy and drives our celebration of Christmas. We try to create a balance between this big 'T' and little 't'. Our celebration begins with the decorating of the church and the creating of our advent wreath to set this season apart from the rest of the year. We practice and sing in choirs to give God glory in song. We listen to readings in our family devotions to put our hearts in the right place for the real Tradition. This is what rests in our hearts and give us focus.

So, do we give up the traditions in favor of the Traditions? Some do, and bless them for their convictions. God has not laid that on Brian's heart, so we continue on, balancing the common with the important. This week will see the wrapping of presents, baking of cookies, reading of scripture, laughter and great joy. We're a bit behind on some of those traditions and a few may not get done this year, but our Tradition has been growing in our understanding and we rejoice, giving thanks to God for His gift of Salvation.

Merry Christmas!