My Christmas Tradition

Growing up in the Ruff House we had some strange traditions. There are too many to list on this entry that were either too awkward or too embarrassing to describe to you all. One of my favorite traditions out of the whole year was our Christmas celebration. We would all wake up at the crack of dawn, while waiting for my Dad and Mom to get up from the previous night of wrapping presents. Before we could touch any of the presents, we had to go "to Church". By "going to Church", I mean that we had a Ruff Christmas service in our living room. We all had our parts to complete the service. My brother Aaron started off the service with reading a bible verse. After he chose and read a verse or two in the Bible, my sister Rebecca said a prayer. Next up in the Church service was the song. Consequently, my sister Susannah chose a few songs for us to sing. Here comes the best part of the service, The Sermon. Seeing that I have followed in the footsteps of the best Pastor that I have ever known, I was never prepared. Who ever thinks about writing a sermon or even a speech before opening up presents on my favorite holiday! All that I can remember is that the sermons were short, but sweet. Usually prepared in less than 10 minutes and were based on thoughts and actions from the previous year in my life. Being alone for the first time in let's see my whole life on Christmas, I have had a long time to reflect on my life and where it is going and where I fit into others lives. I had a thought that I would reenact my Christmas tradition with my family, sans family. And this year, I researched, did my studying and for my sermon thanks to the gift of the internet will show a nativity video. One that touched my heart immensely. Welcome to the 4 siblings Church.

Aaron-

Matthew 1:18-25

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"—which means, "God with us."

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.


Rebecca-

Dear Heavenly Father, Help us remember the birth of Jesus,
that we may share this day with our family members remembering that the real reason for Christmas is for YOU. The last few years for all of us has been tough

Close the door of hate
and open the door of love for us all
Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting.
Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings,
and teach us to be merry with clear hearts.

May the Christmas morning make us happy to in our stomachs and within our hearts,
Gifts isn't everything on this holiday. We celebrate our love for YOU and mom's Cinnamon Rolls
forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus' sake. Amen.

Susannah-

Blessed Be Your Name- Matt Redman

Silent Night- Hymn book


Jonathan-