The seasons of Advent and Christmas have always been special times in my life. From childhood, family traditions have been seeded in my heart and practices. Each year, as my children grew older, I could see that these traditions were important to them also.  

It warms my heart to see my little sons grow into strong, successful men who enjoy carrying on these special times within our family. My mother was the chief motivator for most of these activities. My brothers and sisters were willing participants in our leadup to Christmas.  

Recently my brother Eric shared an old post from our family online site. He was remembering the practice of setting up the creche. He talked about the various shapes and conditions that the stable took over the years. He remembered creating buildings from old shoe boxes and disguising them with paint and pine branches.  

Finally when he was in college, he took the time to build a real stable for the holy night figures. It was built with pieces of wood leftover from a project that my other two brothers were building in the basement. My mother loved that stable and used it for the rest of her life.  

My mother’s heart was warmed to watch her children grow into strong successful people and carry on the traditions of her childhood. 

This brings me to the most important mother in this seasonal drama-Mary, the virgin mother of God. I am sure that there were family traditions around the Jewish feasts and holy days that Mary passed on to Jesus. Mary knew that her child was special from the time of conception. 

I try to imagine what it was like for her to hold that little, tiny baby and know that he was the son of God. He was destined to change the world in which she lived. He looked like any other baby-chubby, cute, and huggable, but he wasn’t like any other baby. He was God. What a responsibility she had.  

I am sure that Mary’s heart was warmed as she watched Jesus grow into his role of rabbi and leader but filled with inconceivable sadness when his life ended on the cross of Calvary.  

Mary continues to be an important role model for me for her unconditional acceptance of God’s will for her. God’s unconditional love was shining on her every day of her life. Just as it shines on us. Enjoy your traditions! 

Terri