The dictionary defines this variously as:

• a mode of thought or behavior followed by a people continuously from generation to generation; a cultural custom or usage
• a set of such customs and usages viewed as a coherent body of precedents influencing the present
• a body of unwritten religious precepts
• any time-honored practice or set of such practices

Certainly Tevye, the main character in Fiddler on the Roof, understood the importance of tradition to his community (which is the underlying theme of the musical). Tradition still gives a framework of meaning to help define expectation, especially in religious contexts. This is especially true for us around Christmas. We like to do many of the same things every year - even if we’re unclear as to their origins, as Tevye certainly was when he answered his self-posed question about that, “I don’t know!” Though HBF has had a relatively short history, we still have established traditions surrounding the Christmas celebration. So, here’s an annotated reminder of what we’re doing this year:

• Sun. 12/6: Advent Service I, 10:00 AM; Sunday Tunes Christmas Open House 2:00-4:00, invite friends!
• Fri. 12/11 Colgate Chaplains Office presents a service of Lessons and Carols, at the Colgate Chapel. 7:00 Organ Recital, followed by the service at 7:30. This is a beautiful and engaging service of readings, carol singing and musical performances. Very traditional!
• Sun. 12/13: Kids Christmas Program during the 10:00 AM service. Gaye Andrews produced this event for over 20 years at HBF. Thanks to Brenda Farrell and Susan Nolen for stepping up and doing it this year! And of course, thanks to the kids for their willingness. Also, 6:30PM is the HBF Christmas Dinner at the church. Beef and chicken will be provided - bring a side dish or dessert to supplement. This is usually a fairly formal affair. The program this year will be a bit more informal however, as we revert back to singing carols and sharing around the tables as we have in years past. “Tradition!”
• Mon. 12/14: Suzuki Musical Concert at HBF, 6:30 PM. This includes our own Lin Henke - our building put to good use!
• Sun. 12/20: Advent Service II, 10:00 AM.
• Thurs. 12/24: Christmas Eve Service, 4:00 PM.

Some of these HBF traditions are of relatively recent origin; some go back to the beginning. There were always Gaye’s plays, some of which were quite elaborate productions that happened in the Hamilton Central School large group instruction room (on Sunday mornings!). For the first dozen years or so we had the Christmas dinner at a restaurant, then had it catered at First Baptist or Camp Fiver. It’s wonderful that we can now do it ourselves in our own building. And of course we are beginning to establish some other traditions, like Sunday Tunes Open House, that are possible because of the building. Let the traditions continue, and continue to evolve!

Paul instructed his protégée Timothy to “continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you have learned it” - referring primarily to the “holy scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ” (2 Timothy 3:14-15). Traditions are most effective when they reinforce the reality of Jesus Christ, whose birth - the ultimate divine intervention in human history - we celebrate. So, have a blessed Christmas season!