As we gradually create new holiday traditions without our beloved father/husband, Christmas Day saw another “second annual:” the beach bonfire. With an overcast sky and sideways winds we wondered if we should pursue it. Temps were in the 30’s, but when the children woke from naps, we decided to try.

Nelson and Klaus went to the beach an hour before sunset to stoke up the fire, and when the rest of us arrived, it was roaring, successfully fighting the cold winds to keep us warm. We took turns standing in the sweet spot out of the way of sparks and smoke but in the path of warmth, nursing cups of hot chocolate and coffee. This year we also pursued s’mores, a big hit with the small fry.

To top everything off, God painted a spectacular winter sunset in Christmas colors at just the right time. We stood around the fire appreciating our hats, coats, and the view when Skylar said, “How ‘bout we make a sand castle?” The sun had set, the temp had dropped, and none of us wanted to kneel in the wildly blowing sand to build with gloved hands, so we distracted her.

Instead the fire was our focus, and I thought of how that’s been true for millennia: fires for warming, cooking, light, and in vehicles (from cars to rockets). But fire can be tricky. We can add things to make it bigger (gasoline) or to calm it (water). Sometimes it works best to subtract things (oxygen). Whether or not we want to increase or decrease a flame depends on what we want it to do for us.

The Bible highlights fire in both the Old and New Testaments, using it as a symbol of God’s presence, the truth of which does a great deal for us. When the children of Israel traversed the desert for 40 years, he personally led them by cloaking himself in a pillar of fire, a constant, sure reminder he was there. And who could forget the fire he sent down to pulverize Elijah’s sacrifice (and the water around it) as a demonstration of his superiority.

God also used fire in judgment (consuming Sodom and Gomorrah) and in animal sacrifice (obliterating sin). He even referred to the tongue as a destructive fire, especially in tale-bearing and gossiping. And then there’s God’s predicted judgment of the earth, a fiery destruction the likes of which we’ve never known. But worst of all will be the lake of fire for the devil and those who align themselves with him.

Fire destroys, but it can also purify. We sometimes refer to people as having had a “baptism by fire” in reference to hard times, yet God labels those very things “cleansing fires” sent to purify our hearts. Just as we can boil the impurities out of contaminated water, so he refines our imperfections, preparing us to one day meet Jesus.

In that sense, turning up the heat is his expression of deep love for us.

”Let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28-29)

How many years does a family have to repeat an event to label it a tradition? Last week the Nymans participated in our 2^nd annual ringing of the bells with the Salvation Army. Thanks to Linnea’s research and scheduling, we rang at two Walmart doors in Michigan City, manning two red kettles for two hours. It wasn’t difficult to stand in the cold when Walmart’s wide doors opened again and again, wafting warm air our way and welcoming us inside when we needed a warm-up.

Skylar and Micah did beautifully, never complaining about the length of time they were “stuck” ringing bells. The children’s cheery, “Merry Christmas!” to each contributor brought far more donations than we would have seen without them being there.

As was true last year, the bell-ringing offered a classic opportunity to study human nature. When the 20-something girls were ringing, male contributors were plentiful. One said, “You two are the best lookin’ elves I’ve ever seen. I wish my name was Santa Claus.”

Another told Nelson, “I force my kids to ring these bells every year. They don’t like it, but it’s good for them.”

This year we learned that what gets plunked into the red kettles isn’t always money. Throughout the country kettle-counters find treasure ranging from valuable antique coins to engagement rings. The Army doesn’t hold these treasures but has them appraised, then sells them and puts the proceeds into their programs.

Last year gold coins began showing up in random states throughout the nation just before Christmas: Indiana, Florida, Illinois, Tennessee, Georgia, Colorado, Washington. Most of the coins were solid gold, minted in the early 1900’s, worth about $20 at the time but now appraising for $1500 – $2000.

One kettle contained a diamond and sapphire ring. “Wrapped in a rubber band was a $50 bill, and inside the $50 bill was a note, and inside the note was a ring,” the counter said. The note read, “They need more than I. Do good! A friend.” It was appraised at $2000.

Another special find was a gold nugget that was eventually auctioned for $4000. That donation, too, included an anonymous note from the generous donor. Once in a while kettle-counters find large bills with notes that say, “In memory of…” their loved one. One such contribution has been made every Christmas for 7 years, a $1600 gold Liberty coin “In memory of Mimi.”

Generosity is a character trait God highly esteems. He’s especially delighted when people give from sparse resources, because he understands our temptation to hold onto what little we might have. But leave it to him to include a return-blessing when we give: “Whoever sows generously will reap generously.” And that’s especially good news when money is tight.

Our family’s minimal participation with the Salvation Army was a blessing for sure, and I think a family tradition has been born.

“In the midst of a very severe trial, [the Macedonians’] overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.” (2 Corinthians 8:2)