Notes on “The Meaning of Memory”

Notes on “The Meaning of Memory”

This Thanksgiving Sunday begins our Advent season as we prepare our hearts for Christmas and remember the light of Christ in our lives. We begin with Elizabeth and Zechariah, and an angel making an unexpected prediction. The story is familiar to us as we remember telling upon telling of this story, as we remember Christmas after Christmas.

The tradition of storytelling is ancient. We all have family stories and Christmas traditions. Perhaps there’s a family recipe or a special gathering place or a particular song. These traditions that we pass down carry great meaning for us, and this year we examine the traditional Christmas stories once again seeking deeper meaning.

Luke 1:68-79 (CEB)

68 “Bless the Lord God of Israel
    because he has come to help and has delivered his people.
69 He has raised up a mighty savior for us in his servant David’s house,
70     just as he said through the mouths of his holy prophets long ago.
71 He has brought salvation from our enemies
    and from the power of all those who hate us.
72 He has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors,
    and remembered his holy covenant,
73         the solemn pledge he made to our ancestor Abraham.
He has granted 74 that we would be rescued
        from the power of our enemies
    so that we could serve him without fear,
75         in holiness and righteousness in God’s eyes,
            for as long as we live.
76 You, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High,
    for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way.
77 You will tell his people how to be saved
    through the forgiveness of their sins.
78 Because of our God’s deep compassion,
    the dawn from heaven will break upon us,
79     to give light to those who are sitting in darkness
    and in the shadow of death,
        to guide us on the path of peace.”

Consider these questions:

  1. What is your most cherished Christmas tradition? When did this tradition start? How did it start?
  2. Has there ever been a time when this tradition wasn’t practiced? What was your response?
  3. If your most cherished Christmas tradition is not a church tradition, consider the two questions above again through that lens.
  4. The text above is Zechariah’s response after his son is born. What traditions are indicated in the text? Why do you think these traditions are important?