Baby Jesus: Breaker of Bad Traditions

There is a great legend about a new minister and his congregation. The new minister led his congregation in prayer and half the congregation stood. The other half remained seated. Both groups insisted that their way of praying was the correct tradition in their congregation. The disagreement carried on until folks were screaming and yelling at each other, leaving the minister confused about what to do.

Afterward, the young minister contacted the congregation’s 99-year-old founder. The young minister asked the old minister, “Did the congregation stand for prayer at the beginning? Is that the tradition?” The elder minister said, “No.” The young minister responded by asking, “So the true tradition is staying seated during prayer?” The founder said, “No, that isn’t it either.” The young minister became frustrated: “What do you mean? I need to know the true tradition. Half the people stand and shout, insisting they are right.  The other half sit and scream, saying they are right.” The elder minister smiled at the younger minister and said, “Ah yes, that is the true tradition of the congregation.”

Many of us have been a part of such a tradition. Conflict, discord, and disfunction is in our DNA.  We can trace that tradition all the way back to Cain and Able.  Hostility is one of the oldest human traditions.

On the very first Christmas, Jesus Christ, arrived to break such traditions. In the Luke 2, the heavenly angels announce how Jesus undermines the human tradition of hostility. The angels say, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” In Jesus, there is a way for God's people to live in peace.

As you go about your holiday season, start a new Christmas tradition. Promote peace on earth and good will toward people.  Take time to set relationships right this holiday season. Seek forgiveness where you need to seek forgiveness. Forgive those who have wronged you.  As you do, you will find blessings in the Christian tradition of peace. You will also experience a blessing that the Prince of Peace offers His people through Christmas.