HomeWord - Jan. 27, 2009

Traditions
This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden

The LORD said to Moses and Aaron in Egypt, "This month is to be for you the first month, the first month of your year. Tell the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each man is to take a lamb for his family, one for each household." — Exodus 12:1-3

Each year freshers – first year students – matriculate into Oxford University. The ceremony has been held for hundreds of years in the Sheldonian Theater in the center of Oxford. Freshers dress in white shirts, white bow ties, black suits and black gowns to be officially inducted into the University. The ceremony is run by the Vice-Chancellor of the University with portions of it still spoken in Latin. Any student matriculated into the University has participated in the same ceremony for centuries.

Oxford is filled with traditions that make up its unique history. Balls, boat races and ceremonies continue on a regular basis, making history an active part of everyday life. It is these traditions that make Oxford a unique, rich and wonderful place to live and study.

Traditions can be a healthy way of remembering what the Lord has done for you. In the verse above, God ordained the yearly celebration of the Passover to remind the Israelites that the Lord had spared them while they were slaves in Egypt. Holidays continue to be traditions reminding us of what the Lord has done. For example, we celebrate Easter to remember the resurrection and Christmas to remember Christ’s birth.

It is equally as beneficial for a family to create its own traditions to commemorate its blessings. Whether it is adding specific traditions to already celebrated holidays, or creating new and unique traditions to remember how the Lord has been faithful in your own life, traditions refuel, unite and rekindle passion for the Lord. In the story of Exodus as the Israelites moved on, they began to complain and forget all the Lord had done for them. Do not be like the Israelites. Let history play an active part of your family life and take time to recognize how good the Lord is.

GOING DEEPER:

Why is it hard at times to appreciate all the Lord has done for us?
Make a list of areas where the Lord has delivered you. How can you celebrate some of those and let His good work be living history?

FURTHER READING:
Genesis 9:13-15; Joshua 4:6; Psalm 136