Our family Christmas tree is decorated with lovely ornaments which hold memories from over the years. Our son’s 3-year-old light green mitten and a first-grade popsicle stick frame from our daughter hang on different branches. These are accompanied by an aged photo of my in-laws as young missionaries in Chile. Colorful lights glisten off the sparkly soccer, tennis, baseball and football ornaments which represent favorite teams across the USA. Mickey Mouse ears, Hershey chocolate bars and Coca-Cola bears remind us of fun family adventures. Looking at the tree allows for time to reflect on the past, to be thankful for the present and anxiously await what God has in store for the future.
Jesus was the long-awaited promise. He was looked for by many scholars. Family upon family prayed in anticipation for salvation to come. The arrival of the Christ-child was not as they expected. Through His death and resurrection, a gift considered above and beyond, was most definitely a fulfillment of all the prophecies. Isaiah 9:2 (ESV) states, “The people who have walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.” A cave like clay molded manger scene made in Spain hangs on our tree to reflect the importance of the arrival of our Savior, Christ the Lord. These wonderful and deep reflections from the past can encourage our souls during the Christmas season.
There is time in the holiday busy for gladness, grief or anything in-between while still choosing to maintain a heartfelt sense of thankfulness. Today is an opportunity. Are moments around the table talking with friends and family reflecting a personal relationship with Jesus? Do responses to situations reflect a desire to please THE ONE who sent the ultimate gift of Jesus? Each year our family will add a new ornament to celebrate the present year. To commemorate 2024, we chose our daughter and son-in-law's wedding picture, a set of keys for the new driver in the house and soccer symbol from a tournament. Looking at each one reminds us to be glad that now is the time “to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8 ESV)
Tomorrow’s hopeful plans and dreamy goals are good to have, but they need to live in harmony with truth found in the Bible. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8&9 ESV). To continue on in education, to attend to broken situations or to reach for a goal too-long ignored can bring a new perspective. Here God will mold an obedient heart.
Replace what once was with the hope of what might be while firmly anchored in God and His Word.
A friend purchased a Latvian handmade ornament as a gift for me. It is a delicate circle made of wood, where snowflakes grace the edge and my name is written across the center. Her thoughtful choice proves how well she knows me. My maternal grandparents came from Latvia, I continue to prepare a few Latvian dishes for all to enjoy and hope for a future trip to visit this country. So, this decoration adds a lovely touch of past, present and future to my holiday decorations.
Whatever is carefully gracing the boughs of your tree, may it cause you to genuinely reflect on your past, embrace the present and trust in God for His hand to guide you in the future.
Lean in…but don’t knock over the tree.
Merry Christmas from our tree to yours.
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