When I read these verses it made me think of the tradition of going home for Christmas. Joseph had to go back to Bethlehem in order to register for the census. He took Mary who was great with child and arrived there just in time for her to give birth to Jesus.
Not only do many families travel to the homes of their loved ones, but we establish traditions without even knowing it. Just this past week as our family was completing the yearly tradition of putting 20 strands of Christmas lights along our driveway and sidewalk, I was reminded of one by Bill, my 17 year old son. Every year since Mark and I have been married (25 to be exact), we have had a real Christmas tree. It seems to get harder and harder to find a time when we can all go to the Christmas tree farm and select the "perfect" tree. I suggested that we consider purchasing an artificial one instead. Bill in his soft spoken manner said, "Sure Mom, and the next thing you'll want to do is make our gingerbread house out of cardboard."
Look around you, what are your family traditions? Some we bring into our marriage from parents, some we establish simply by doing every year and others we establish with a specific purpose. Every family has traditions, often without realizing it.
If you have not established the tradition of attending a worship service on Christmas eve, tonight's the perfect time to begin. Focus your family on the true reason for the celebration. Whether you are alone, a single parent or married, rejoice with other believers and worship our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
"BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD, AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL, WHICH TRANSLATED MEANS, "GOD WITH US." Matthew 1:23