Exodus 13:1-2 The Lord said to Moses, “Consecrate to me every firstborn male. The first offspring of every womb among the Israelites belongs to me, whether human or animal.”
Essentially, what we are seeing here is the birth of Jewish faith traditions. And since we are already in the season of Advent as I type this, I find the timing quite fitting. It’s got me thinking about the traditions that I hold dear in this season, the traditions that we as a family observe, the traditions of our faith at this time of year.
Exodus 13:3 Then Moses said to the people, “Commemorate this day, the day you came out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery, because the Lord brought you out of it with a mighty hand. Eat nothing containing yeast.
I’ve never really thought about the fact that these traditions tie together our past, our present, and our future. It is a way we honor those who have come before while also incorporating those who are now a part of our lives. It also leaves open the ability to continue to enfold others–family, friends, etc, into our circle of traditions, all while celebrating You.
Exodus 13:4 Today, in the month of Aviv, you are leaving.
Precious Savior, Thank You for the faith traditions of this season. Thank You that we can honor You as well as honor our past, our present, and our future. Help us to be mindful of this gift as we celebrate traditions that honor You and the family and friends You’ve blessed us with. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.
Exodus 13:5 When the Lord brings you into the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Hivites and Jebusites—the land he swore to your ancestors to give you, a land flowing with milk and honey—you are to observe this ceremony in this month:
Have a blessed day.