Our Family service at Christ Church consists of families from many different ethnic backgrounds which brings to our small fellowship a rich deepening and respect for each others beliefs and traditions. Every Sunday we all leave having learnt something new about each other and this morning was certainly no exception.
We discussed the ritual of putting up decorations and the giving of presents. One family shared that their Christmas tree is up but the lights are not switched on until Christmas Day say as to announce the arrival of baby Jesus - the Light coming into the world. Another family open their presents on the day of Epiphany - the day traditionally the Three Kings brought their gifts to Jesus. We all agreed; however, that amongst the different culture, traditions our response to Jesus was the same and we sung it in the last verse of the carol 'In the Bleak mid-winter'
What can I give Him poor as I am
If I were a shepherd I would bring a lamb
If I were a wise man I would do my part
What can I give Him - give Him my heart.
Happy Christmas to you.
Read other Sunday thoughts at Spiritual Sunday.
A Call to Worship and Obedience
6 days ago
8 comments:
My church is quite diverse too, although we are not small; in fact, we have 8,000 each weekend. Living in South Florida means living in a diverse community. I like the way your church *hugs* everyone's traditions. Thanks for sharing. Happy Spiritual Sunday.
I'm so glad you chose to share with us on Spiritual Sundays. This is an excellent post. I like the little poem that ends with I can give him my heart. That's all he really wants is our hearts.
Have a blessed Christmas.
Charlotte
What a wonderful church you attend, not only sharing each others traditions but passing them on to others. Wonderful words,thank you.
Christmas Blessings,
Kathi :)
I come from a tradition that didn't even recognize Christmas as a spiritual thing at all--only the secular part of it. I am so thankful that for the last 20 years I have been with a church that worships the way you do. Today at our church there will be 6 to 8 thousand who will celebrate the birth of Christ and all he means to us. Have a wonderful Christmas.
What a beautiful and inspirational post. I believe that's exactly what GOD wants from us. He wants us to open our hearts, to love one another, to share all of our wonderful traditions, and to celebrate our cultural diversity. Happy Spiritual Sunday to you and your family.
What a blessing to hear how other people celebrate the birth of Jesus. It sounds like you have a wonderful Church.
God Bless,
Ginger
giving our heart is the greatest for it does not matter our status love the post-reading about different traditons and why. Be blessed and have a wonderful Christmas.
When I was little (in Germany) the tree was put up on 24th and children not allowed to see it before the door opened at 5 pm. The gifts lay under the tree, brought by baby Jesus
My husband (Italian) had no Christmas tree but an enourmous handmade nativity and the gifts they got on Jan 6th ! Living in Belgium we had to put 3 traditions together in one for our family, lol !
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