Leaders Abide in Hope

This time of year, I love to read the Christmas story from the first couple of chapters of Luke. Like many others, I used to assume the story ended with the Shepherds rejoicing and praising God for all they had seen and heard in Bethlehem. But for the last several years, I have enjoyed reflecting on a couple of the lesser known players in this historical account – Simeon and Anna (Luke 2:22-38); two devout Jews holding fast to the hope of the coming Messiah and gifted with Spiritual insight. Simeon and Anna served day and night in the temple, confident that they would not abandon their temple duties until they had seen the Christ Child. When reading this account, it is apparent that the hope of this single event motivated Simeon and Anna in their daily temple duties. It was the very reason for their existence and provided a great source of joy. And when Mary and Joseph entered the temple with Jesus on that glorious day, Simeon and Anna were overwhelmingly fulfilled. Their joy was beyond expression as they held their Savior in their arms and imparted their wisdom to the new parents.

I am always amazed at the faithfulness of Simeon and Anna. How many times did their hearts leap in their chest when they saw new parents approaching the temple for the atoning sacrifice; always wondering “is this the Child?” How many times did they imagine what it would be like to hold the infant Messiah in their arms? As the months dragged into years, did their faith ever falter?

As leaders, this story can provide inspiration and encouragement to be faithful in our duties. Our faithfulness is strengthened when, like Simeon and Anna, we are confident and unwavering in our commitment to the divine purpose of our being. There will be days when the tasks seem mundane and our efforts go unnoticed and unappreciated by others, but with the proper perspective joy and peace are always within reach.

Traditions

Traditions

My daughter, Sarah, came home this week from Dallas for the Thanksgiving holidays. As she began planning out her week at home, I was quickly informed that we would begin decorating the house for Christmas on Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. When I suggested that this would be a little early and that we should probably wait another week or so, she quickly protested and called her sister, Hannah, to support her position. They were both very outspoken and confident that we had ALWAYS decorated the day after Thanksgiving. It was tradition! We absolutely could NOT break with tradition after all these years.

The funny thing...I honestly don't remember ALWAYS decorating for Christmas the day after Thanksgiving. But I guess that really doesn't matter. My family now has a tradition, real or imagined, that has some pretty strong feelings attached. Traditions are like that. They become an expectation around which we can jointly identify; a landmark that assures us we are in familiar territory; and an event that provides emotional security. We would all be well advised to take note of the traditions at work and at home and make sure they are celebrated. Or better yet, introduce some new traditions this year.

Happy Thanksgiving! Guess I'll be hanging Christmas lights tomorrow.