There are snowflakes falling, people caroling, and delicious food baking in the kitchen. It’s little wonder why right now is known as the most “wonderful time of the year”. People are simply more cheery.
I’m reminded of the traditions of yesteryear which shaped how I view this special season. My parents always made it a unique time, with fun new ways to remember the Savior along with classic Christmas customs.
Although our minds are filled with the joy of holiday traditions, I’d like to share two traditions to infuse our children with light, no matter the month of the year.
Honor the Sabbath
In recent years, this has become more and more prevalent in General Conference talks. There is a reason. The world is going further and further into darkness, and Sabbath Day observance is one of the principal ways we can clearly see it.
One of the biggest controversies of late has to do with NFL players kneeling during the National Anthem. People ask my opinion on it all the time, and whether I plan to boycott. Do you know what I tell them?
I don’t have to worry about making that decision because I’ve never watched television on Sunday. The tradition started with my parents, and even though it felt unfair at the time, it filled me with an added light for having respected the Sabbath. It’s one tradition I can say with certainty will be passed down to my children.
Just as we choose to honor the Savior this specific time of year, there’s a specific day of the week that we ought to do the same, and with the same zeal. “Christ”-mas once a week!
Read the Book of Mormon
This is another tradition that adds light to our homes and lives. Perfection is not needed in this regard. There will be kids who don’t pay attention and hit each other during scripture study. There will be times where everyone is tired. And there will be times where it’s simply hard to finish a chapter. The key is just to consistently do it. Our children won’t remember many specific experiences reading the scriptures as a family.
But they’ll remember that they did it.
The blessings are truly astonishing as we commit to reading the Book of Mormon on our own, with our spouses, and especially with our kids. When they get to the age where they start to question if the Book of Mormon is true, they’ll already know where to go for the answer. When they’re having challenges at school, they’ll understand where to turn. And when they leave the home, you won’t lose them. The promises on this are specific and powerful in this regard.
Our homes may be illuminated by bright, colorful lights right now, but it’s time to consistently teach our children to exude that light from their countenances as well.
