I found myself wondering at what seemed to be a lack of a sense of style and taste. What had I been thinking? But I realized as we went through things that the different collections and styles were reflections of the age of our children, the state of our finances, and the people in our lives. There was a box of crocheted and knitted candy canes, wreaths, and stockings from early in our marriage. They were gifts and were all we had for a while. But they also became the main tree decorations we used whenever there was a toddler (or tree crazy kitten) in the house because nothing broke if the tree should come crashing down!
There are fancy and expensive ornaments received as gifts from beloved friends and family; handmade ornaments from crafters and from the kids when they were younger and even a couple of boxes of candy canes. There are also some boxes of ornaments that reflect an attempt to have a color-coordinated and elegant tree. When my life was full of half-eaten peanut butter sandwiches, scattered toys, and a Christmas tree that had to be safe for little hands, I know there were times when I longed to have a beautiful and stylish Christmas decor.
But now I find myself treasuring the miss-mash style of what have become memories of family and friends; even things that I once couldn't wait to replace with something "prettier" or "nicer". Perhaps that attitude dooms me to a tree on which you may find Garfield, the spaceship Enterprise, angels with yarn hair next to crystal bells, and a plaid catnip mouse by a popsicle-stick nativity. This Christmas tree may never grace a magazine cover but it is irreplaceable. It has become a scrapbook of our family garlanded with love, laughter, and tears for those we miss.
Time and reflection have a way of changing how we view events in our lives and what we value. Just look at how the time and place of the birth of our Savior has become holy and is seen by many as a pivotal point in all of human history. Even wars have taken a pause to remember this birth; where and when it happened. But what we celebrate as grand and holy probably didn't feel that way to Mary at the time.
I'm sure that given a choice, Mary would never have chosen a stable in a town far away from her family as a place in which to give birth. She and Joseph had to have been wanting and praying for room in the inn or anywhere clean and decent, quickly and with privacy and help; giving birth for the first time is frightening and overwhelming and often long and hard. Carols, candlelight, and holy reverence are so different from the scandal, poverty, and hardship of Christ's birth. Yet we read that Mary treasured everything she heard and pondered their meaning in her heart.
Take time and make a silent space to reflect on the birth of Jesus; God's own child born here on earth that the world might be saved. On that night, the light of God's love shone, bringing hope for all people. As we sing about stables, cattle feed in the trough, poor and nomadic shepherds with their sheep, look past the decorations to the truth. Out of love, God has come to bring forgiveness, hope, and life to all people. Do not be afraid but rejoice! Read the Christmas story, Luke 2:1-20.
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