This morning I was reading from Matthew 15 when the Pharisees questioned Jesus about why his disciples didn’t pay careful attention to the traditions of the church.
(I know this doesn’t seem like a very “Christmas-y” text, but stay with me.)
Jesus answered like he often did with another question. He asked, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?”
You see, the church people of the day had created countless religious traditions. Many regarded these traditions as important as the principles of God’s law. In doing so, they often forfeited the commands of God at the expense of their rules and traditions.
Jesus goes on to quote words from the prophet Isaiah saying,
“These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.”
As I sat to consider how this verse exposes me, my mind raced to another text in Colossians with a similar theme.
If you’ll allow me to paraphrase, in Colossians 2:8-20 Paul warns believers to be careful not to be distracted or captured by the traditions of the world (or even the church) at the expense of missing Christ. He explained how these things are just shadows of what is to come, but the real substance is Christ.
Obviously, we know these things. We know that Christmas isn’t about going caroling or presents under the tree or Santa Claus. We know this …And yet how often do we get captured or distracted by the lure of Christmas traditions (of the world, of our community, of the church or of our own family) to the point that we miss the substance. The real meat. The core. The reality. The satisfaction. Of Jesus. Jesus’ words to the Pharisees is relevant to me. Paul’s caution to the early church is relevant to me. Maybe they’re relevant to you too.
Yes and yes!