Picture this: a bustling village in Russia, where everyone has a role, everyone knows the rules, and everyone—especially Rev Tevye—has a deep appreciation for tradition.
In the classic musical Fiddler on the Roof, Tevye belts out the song “Tradition!” with great conviction, explaining how these customs hold his community together. From the smallest child to the eldest grandparent, tradition gives everyone a place, a purpose, and a shared sense of identity. And although Tevye’s world is fictional, his love for tradition can be a delightful reminder for us in the church today.
When we think of “tradition” in the church, it’s easy to imagine things like hymnbooks, stained-glass windows, or communion trays. But tradition is much more than preserving the “look” of things—it’s about remembering the essence of what brings us together and reminds us who we are in Christ. Just like Tevye’s village, traditions give our faith family a common ground, uniting us across generations.
1. Tradition Tethers Us to the Past
Church tradition connects us to the saints who have gone before us. Paul reminds us in 2 Thessalonians 2:15: “So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.” By holding on to these teachings, we don’t just learn history; we become part of a story that began long before us and will continue after us. When we pray the Lord’s Prayer, sing age-old hymns, or celebrate communion, we’re joining a chorus that has echoed through the centuries.
2. Tradition Grounds Us in the Present
Traditions in the church create routines that help us encounter God in our everyday lives. Weekly worship, singing familiar hymns, reading Scripture, and even sharing coffee after the service ground us in a rhythm of grace. They’re simple acts, but they remind us that God is always present with us. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Traditional practices are like stepping stones that keep us on a steady path, guiding us in our faith no matter what season of life we’re in.
3. Tradition Prepares Us for the Future
Tradition might seem “old,” but it has a surprising way of keeping us forward-looking. When we pass on the stories of our faith, we’re equipping future generations with wisdom, encouragement, and resilience. Just as Paul urged Timothy to “guard the good deposit” entrusted to him (2 Timothy 1:14), church traditions help us carry forward what matters most. And in a world of endless change, these familiar practices give us a solid foundation on which to build, adapt, and grow.
Closing Thoughts
So, next time we find ourselves singing a hymn from long ago or reciting a well-worn prayer, let’s remember Tevye’s joyful cry of “Tradition!”—but let’s remember it with a smile and a heart open to the beauty of what those traditions mean. Just like Tevye’s village was held together by customs that told them who they were, church traditions remind us that we’re part of something larger than ourselves.
We’re part of a family, a heritage, and a legacy that brings us closer to God and to one another. Let’s celebrate the traditions that keep us grounded, united, and faithful, as we walk together into the future God has for us.
