Through The Ancestry Looking Glass

Embracing Our Heritage: A Personal Reflection

A couple of years ago, I had an enlightening experience while working with a high school class. I had been immersed in Mexican genealogical research, and there happened to be a boy of Mexican descent in the class. Out of curiosity and interest in my research, I asked him where his ancestors were from. He simply shrugged his shoulders and quietly said, “Somewhere in Mexico.”

Immediately, his friend, a Caucasian boy, chimed in and said, “That is so racist!”

In that moment, I felt it was important to address the situation with a simple yet powerful statement: “Everyone should be proud of their heritage.”

This experience reaffirmed my belief in the importance of understanding and celebrating our roots. It doesn’t matter where we come from or what our background is; each of us carries a unique heritage that deserves to be acknowledged and cherished. By embracing our ancestry, we can connect more deeply with our past and find a greater sense of identity and belonging.

Embracing Our Origins: The Power of Heritage

The truth is, we all come from the same origins. What makes us unique is our heritage. Just as the sun can’t help but shine in the heavens, we can’t change our race or nationality. It is an integral part of who we are.

From ancient times, recording family history has always been important. Religious texts like the Old Testament, the Torah, the Book of Mormon, and many others contain numerous genealogies—those famous “begats.” You know, Adam begat Seth, Seth begat Enosh, and so on. These records highlight the significance of lineage and ancestry.

However, it’s worth noting that these genealogical records often overlooked women, leaving an incomplete picture of our heritage. Despite this, the emphasis on documenting family connections underscores the universal human desire to understand our roots and honor our past.

By embracing our heritage and exploring our family history, we can connect more deeply with our ancestors and find a greater sense of identity and belonging.

Christmas is ALL about Genealogy

This is where my main point comes in. Christmas is ALL about genealogy. All those biblical begats lead up to the birth of Jesus Christ. Many years ago, a baby was born in a humble stable in a Middle Eastern town called Bethlehem. Mary and Joseph were chosen to be his parents because they were good people, and God knew they would raise him in a manner that allowed him to become the Messiah and Savior of the world!

It is Jesus Christ who wants us to be one eternal family. He cherishes who you are, no matter where you are or where you come from. He wants us to know our heritage, who our ancestors were, and their stories—their ups and downs- what made them who they were.

A Future Family Celebration

In a coming day, He will return to earth to reign and show us that we are all truly brothers and sisters. We are His. The master of all lies will be put to rest, and we will see our beautiful heritage and our role in the history of the world. Knowing our ancestors and reuniting with them someday will be a joyous celebration.

Embracing Our Roots This Holiday Season

As we gather with our loved ones during this festive season, let us take a moment to reflect on the rich tapestry of our heritage. Whether through sharing stories around the fireplace, exploring our family trees, or cooking traditional holiday dishes, embracing our roots can bring us closer together and deepen our understanding of who we are. This Christmas, let’s honor the legacy of our ancestors and celebrate the unique blend of cultures and histories that make our families special. Wishing you all a very blessed and joyous holiday season. Enjoy the magic of the holidays, and may the warmth of family and the light of heritage shine brightly in your hearts.

As a gift, I would like to share one of my favorite Christmas songs by Hilary Weeks, First Lullaby/Silent Night, www.hilaryweeks.com. Discover more of her beautiful Christmas and uplifting music on her website.

First Lullaby/Silent Night https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nguiUsQjuYY

Merry Christmas and happy researching!