MEDITATION:
Written by Linda Bailey, a contemporary author, radio broadcaster, and ministry leader from Australia.
In Iceland, books are exchanged as Christmas Eve presents, then you spend the rest of the night in bed reading them and eating chocolate. The tradition is part of a season called Jolabokaflod, or ‘The Christmas Book Flood’, because Iceland, which publishes more books per capita than any other country, sells most of the books between September and November due to people preparing for the upcoming holiday. This is a Christmas tradition that I could commit to. Putting your feet up in bed, reading a good book and eating chocolate. You wouldn’t have to tell me twice!
I would love to know how this tradition started. Most of our Australian traditions come about because it’s Summer and we have hot weather and long days. People gather together outside in parks and play backyard cricket and have a BBQ. I’m assuming that tradition wouldn’t work in Iceland in the depth of their winter! A lot of our family’s Christmas traditions have come from our faith. My parents were committed to making Christmas a very special time – not just for us but for many people. And their focus was always on Jesus rather than the presents and the decorations. Whatever is important to us comes out in the traditions we create. Have a think about the traditions you are part of this Christmas season. If someone was looking on, what would they say is of utmost importance to you?
SCRIPTURE:
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
LINK TO CHRISTMAS MUSIC/VIDEO:
Pathways Press.com 
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