12 Days of Traditions...Day 5

Among my heart's many treasured traditions of advent are those events that bring our church family together in celebration. While we gather and serve and love in ongoing ways throughout the year, there is something extra-special about the weekly events that bring us together in December.

This past Saturday was the annual Ladies' Christmas Brunch, a much-anticipated outreach event. As always, volunteer table designers decorated tables in the Christmas theme of their choosing. The results were stunning! Here is a small sampling:

And here is the table that my friend, Heather, and I decorated. Its natural theme revolved around the Willow Tree Nativity:

The sell-out crowd was put at ease as we took in the elegance and beauty all around us. We were even a little bit spoiled as we were served by the gentlemen of our church. I love this annual event, as it's a very precious time of pulling away from the busyness of December. It's an opportunity to slow down, gain perspective, and be encouraged in the Word. The guest speaker was engaging and personable, but most importantly, she gave a very clear presentation of the gospel.

Adding to the significance of this day was the company with whom I got to share it. I was so thankful to enjoy it with Heather and a few of the other special ladies in my life:

My grandma and my mom

My mother-in-law, grandma, and mom

I'm blessed by the opportunities God provides to create more memories...and traditions...with the precious women I come from. Afterall, many of the traditions that we enjoy today were passed on to us from these beautiful women. I'm thankful that they consistently modeled what it means to treasure and exalt Christ in our traditions. I'm thankful that they told the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord. May we faithful to do the same.