This weekend we started the process of decking the halls at the Underwood home. We are what some might call “over-decorators,” which is another way of saying Christmas-obsessed, I suppose.

As I put the finishing touches on the decor in my dining room Monday morning, I found myself a little misty-eyed. The red tapers in milk glass candlesticks reminded me of my Mema’s love for the Christmas season. Those old electric candles glowing in the windows are the same ones my mom remembers from the windows of her childhood home.

I plugged in the green ceramic Christmas tree with the plastic cardinals perched on its branches and smiled, knowing it’s one of our daughter’s favorite pieces of Christmas décor. It once sat in the home of Scott’s great-grandmother, Mama Casiday, for whom our girl is named.

There are ornaments on the tree made by and for family members who will celebrate this Christmas in heaven. And the nativity print hanging above our piano is something Scott and I were thrilled to find at a price we could afford as a young married couple.

When I walk through my dining room, it’s as if I’m walking through a portal of sweet memories and beloved relationships. It never ceases to remind me of the profound gift of family and a legacy of faith.

But here’s something else I realize: at some point in generations past, someone in both Scott’s family and my family made the choice to begin that legacy.

I also know this: it’s possible that as you read these words, you feel the ache that your family doesn’t have that same heritage. If that’s true, let me encourage you with this – you can be the one who changes that. You can be the person who begins the legacy, who starts the new traditions, who stakes the claim that your family will be rooted and grounded in faith in Jesus Christ.

And if you, like Scott and me, are the recipient of such a beautiful heritage of faith, may I challenge you not to be the one who lets it fall apart. Don’t take those opportunities to share with your children about the grace of God for granted. Don’t miss the chance to remind them that, of all the things we are grateful for, the gift of salvation is the greatest.

This year, as the holiday season begins, make time and space for the wonder of a Baby born in a manger who became the Savior who died on the cross and is now the Hope who never stops interceding on our behalf.

As you settle into your seat at the Thanksgiving table this year, don’t waste this moment to choose a legacy for your family – a legacy of grace and gratitude.
Happy Thanksgiving from our home to yours.

If you’d like some encouragement for making this Christmas season one full of meaningful experiences, memorable encounters and managed expectations, I’d love for you to join me for a Lopsided Living Advent. Every Friday in December I’ll be happy to slip an email full of ideas, inspiration and tips into your inbox. Sign up at bit.ly/LopsidedLivingAdvent.