Christmas ’24 … in 5

Family. Christmas has a lot to do with family. My memories about Christmas are less about places and gifts and more about family.

Being a nomad, not like the movie Nomad, but more like a roaming Bedouin shepherd who has no place to truly call home. Basically, I have moved a lot and there are many places I spent Christmas. This lifestyle goes back all my life, for it seems I inherited it from my father who did the same to me and my siblings.

Some years we had trees, others we didn’t. Sometimes we visited grandparents, others we remained at home. Because of this, no real Christmas traditions we passed along. And now, my son is developing his own traditions with his wife and his in-laws. And those traditions include … family.

Maybe I do have a new tradition … my wife going to Texas to be with, you guessed it, family. So tomorrow, she flies out to see them.

Think about the first Christmas. An important factor was family. Joseph remained faithful and supportive of Mary. Elizabeth and Mary celebrated new births. Mary and Joseph had baby Jesus.

And then there is the family of mankind … peace on earth, good will to mankind … unto you (plural, all people) is born … and the promise to Abram fulfilled through Jesus – through your seed all the world would be blessed. And Jesus came so that we who believe might be called children of God – to be family.

This Christmas, spend some time with family.

And maybe, find someone near you that doesn’t have any family near by and invite them to spend time with your family. Set an extra plate and enjoy the friendship.

Family. Christmas has a lot to do with family.