Godly Tradition

December 26, 2023
Devotional by: Larkin Kelly

For many, including me, the holidays are all about tradition. Some traditions are made, and some are just gifted to you. I can't quite remember when this tradition started and I will try not to name the person involved, although my guess is that you will figure it out. Every Christmas Eve I received a platter of a certain baked good. It is always addressed directly to me, "Larkin", and it is never listed as "from" the actual baker, but always from Santa. As a young child, this sentiment would fill me with a sense of wonder. I was certain that the baker being discussed had a shiny red phone hidden somewhere in her home where she had a direct line to the big guy himself (Santa). If you know the person, I think you would agree that if any one human is capable of being one of Santa's elves, it is her.

In my high school and college years when I couldn't bother to make it to Christmas Eve service, those cookies would still show up, without fail, acting as a reminder that I was being thought of, treasured, and missed. Then, even later, after starting my own family, I would still consistently receive those cookies, like a message reminding me that I was still welcome and provide a subtle loving nudge, a hope of bringing me back into the fold.

Now, if you know this person, you like me know that this God-given talent of hers is something that can probably be done blindfolded and with her arms tied behind her back. It is likely a bit of a routine task for her, but receiving this baked good feels extremely special.

But isn't this a perfect reflection of what God's love is? It's something innate, simple, gifted to each of us. God's love for us instills wonder and awe, it is meant to reach out to us in our darkest time to remind us that we are beloved and valued, and it is consistently given over and over again. So know that even in the most mundane areas of our lives, in tasks that have become routine to us, God has found a way to make you the messenger of his love and grace. I encourage you this holiday season to reflect on what your God-given talents are, to look at the routine tasks that you do, and recognize how beautiful and meaningful they can be to others, and to remind you to spread joy consistently in the world.