Moving from text to context is one way to gain understanding when studying Scripture. Growth in understanding may also result when changes in tradition are examined in their larger context. The Christmas text in the Gospel of Luke’s second chapter and Christmas traditions are my parallel examples in this chat. Preachers and teachers, especially those who happen to have their own particular Christmas traditions, need to be reminded of this common step in Bible study. The movement from tradition to larger context may provide unexpected opportunities for growth.

The Christmas text in Luke 2:1–20 includes the shepherds and angels as part of the birth narrative. It concludes nicely with praising and glorifying God because the shepherds had seen and heard what they were told to expect. Traditions in families and congregations often end there, punctuated with, “Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.” The text and the tradition seem to stand alone.

I don’t ever recall seeing a note in a church bulletin inviting people to bring their New Year’s resolutions to church on Christmas Eve as gifts to baby Jesus! Christmas is Christmas, and other holidays and “stuff” that form the context of this holy celebration would mess it up. Yet, context is important. I was reminded of this fact when I read Luke 2 all the way to verse 50.

Before the chapter is over the boy Jesus in the Temple is twelve years old. Luke tells us that the annual trip to Jerusalem for the Passover was at least a twelve-year tradition. Relatives and friends did the same thing every year. Amber alert was not an issue; all the kids were safely accounted for by the close-knit group of celebrants. But one missing child changed that tradition forever. Children have a way of doing that “change thing”: He wants to spend Christmas Eve at the girlfriend’s church service; they want mom and dad to come to their house this year; with a new job and no time off, he will be alone in a different city this year; and the new minister changed the carol service! It just doesn’t feel quite right when comfortable traditions change.

Our understanding of the Scripture increases when we realize how the context has framed the root meaning of the text. How we celebrate the birth of Jesus can become so focused on the feel-good traditions we harbor and protect that we forget its context. God did not do this amazing, grace-filled act of becoming incarnate so we could have a feel-good holiday. The context of the birth of God incarnate is our lives. Traditions, by their nature, stay the same. When we remember that God has come into our lives we will never be the same again. Luke concludes the chapter saying that Jesus grew and his mother knew.

When viewed in its larger context, the presence of change in our traditions may provide us with unexpected opportunities for growth. Read all of Luke 2 and see if you agree.