The Power and Blessing of Rituals
So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.
(2 Thessalonians 2;15)
Apart from the presents, many non-religious people love the Christmas season because of the rituals. Without the Messiah, there are still the rituals of Santa Claus, the Christmas tree, and decorating the yard. Subtle rituals are also present. A lit candle is different in December. People even ritualize their care by providing gifts for the less fortunate. People need their rituals.
We Presbyterians have a strange and conflicted relationship with rituals. In the Protestant Reformation, our forebearers rebelled so strongly against Roman Catholicism that they often went into an orgy of destruction, demolishing religious icons, sculptures, or any images in the name of freedom from idolatry. Further, they tried to wipe out any rituals not directly commanded in Scripture. They denied many beautiful and meaningful religious expressions in the name of spiritual integrity.
Sadly, Presbyterians and others from the Reformed tradition often lost out on rituals and symbols that speak to the soul. There are moments when I am jealous of my Roman Catholic brethren. The physical act of kneeling in worship has ritual power because it uses our whole body in humble prayer. We enjoyed Sunday's Christmas Cantata, which is a Presbyterian-approved ritual! Baptism and Communion are sacramental rituals. The Christian calendar of seasons is ritualistic. We are now in the season of Advent, experiencing the ritual of preparing for the coming Messiah.
Consider the secular and religious rituals you share during the holiday season today. My family has already ordered our Porketta from Fraboni's Meats for Christmas dinner. Porketta is a secular ritual. What are your family's secular rituals? Our Christmas tree is already up. I consider the tree a religious ritual because of the many religious symbols on the ornaments. In this season of powerful rituals, intentionally embrace yours. Make them sacred by inviting the Holy Spirit to bless them with joy and the meaning of memory. When you do, the Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany season will bring divine pleasure to you and yours.