What Do You Get

WHAT DO YOU GET when you cross cycling and skiing?

No, this isn’t a joke. The answer is skibob. This sport requires just a few things. First, you need a tight-fitting aerodynamic suit. Next, slip on a futuristic, slick helmet. Then find yourself a skibob, also known as a skibike. Strap on some miniskis, climb to the top of a mountain, straddle the bike, and let gravity take its course. Oh yeah, and you must also have nerves of steel and a need for speed . . . because in a matter of seconds you’ll be zooming like a rocket.

How fast? you ask. Better let Romuald Bonvin answer that question. He’s the best speedbike rider in the world. At the 2000 World Championships of Speed Skiing, Bonvin set a record by gliding 114 miles per hour. But after the race, he said that’s only the beginning. Bonvin believes he can surpass 150 mph. In 2003, he took a step that way when he flew down a mountain at Les Arcs, France, at more than 125 mph—not bad for a guy who works as an account manager for a software company.

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POINT Skibob, skibike, speedbike—whatever name you use—can’t be called a traditional sport.

In a similar way, Jesus Christ can’t be called a traditional leader. Many expected God’s Son to crush the Romans and free his people. But Jesus combined passion and power. In the book of Matthew, Jesus’ disciples broke a hand-washing tradition. When the Pharisees questioned Jesus about it, the Lord asked the religious leaders why they kept tradition rather than doing what was right.

During the holidays, most of our families enjoy established traditions—and we should. But sometimes we spend too much time and money on meaningless customs instead of celebrating God’s Son’s birth.

GOAL! Sit down as a family to talk about your Christmas traditions. Which ones are worth keeping and which could be forgotten? Think about some new customs you want to try. The best way you can use your holiday time and money is to glorify him.