Well, things are winding down for the year of 2014. I so enjoy the holiday season ~ I actually begin in October! I just love decorating for Autumn ~ all the rich, earthy colors of crimson, gold, pumpkin & brown. I enjoy the sunflower florals, berries & leaves, mixed in with twinkling golden lights. I love the cooler weather that brings out the sweaters, and a warm, toasty fire with velvety soft blankets to drape over one's lap. My family begins to crave soups and stews ~ comfort food. I particularly relish in preparing for Thanksgiving ~ the time to celebrate the Lord's provision with those I hold dear to my heart.
Next comes Christmas, which, for our household, begins on the last Sunday of November as we begin Advent. (My post on Advent here) and (here). The hubs & I want our family's focus to be on Christ, so we do our best to put our CHRISTmas Tree on December 1st.
What is the CHRSTmas Tree? My family has renamed our Christmas tree the CHRISTmas Tree because we want Christ to be the center of the season. As we put up the tree, we discuss that the wood of a tree made the manger for Baby Jesus to lie in, but also the cross that He was crucified on. The lights go on next, and we talk about Jesus coming to be the Light of the world to draw men to the Father. The glass ball ornaments are gold, (which represents Jesus) light blue and iridescent, (leaving His Heavenly throne) green, (to come to the Earth) half gold/half copper brown, (as both God and man) white, (living a perfect, sinless life) red, (to shed his blood on the cross for our sins) and royal purple (and that He arose triumphant as King of Kings).
I've been fortunate to add other ornaments that tell a little more about Jesus. One of my favorites is a lion & lamb ornament that represents Jesus as both the Lion of the tribe of Judah and also the Lamb of God. I found glittery gold keys to represent Jesus as the Holder of the Keys, a really cool ornament that has the cross on one side with holly as the crown of thorns ~ on the other side it has the purple drape on the cross with the words "He is risen!". Other ornaments are simple golden words that say "peace", (Prince of Peace) "hope", (Jesus is our Blessed Hope) and "joy" (the joy of our salvation).
Under our Jesus Tree is a figurine of Baby Jesus in the manger ~ representing the humility of our Savior coming to this world ~ totally helpless and dependent on His mother ~ willing to become flesh and dwell among us, living with temptations just as we do, but not sinning. Crowning the top of our Tree is a glittery, golden crown that represents Jesus as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
But then, the anticipation that has been building for over a month dissipates. Presents are unwrapped and enjoyed, the tree is suddenly devoid of the festively wrapped boxes and ribbons for another year. The traditional Christmas ham (By the way, how did it become tradition to celebrate a Jew with a ham? Can you say ironic?) gets eaten, all the special treats get devoured. Christmas day is over. Sometimes I feel a bit let down.
However ~ God, with His tender mercies that are new every morning, gives us a brand new year, afresh with possibilities ~ a second (or millionth) chance.
I'm so thankful that God gives us second chances. He gives us every opportunity to draw close to Him, time after time. Even though I may start out with good intentions that dwindle down to nothing ~ even if I fail Him over and over, He remains faithful, loving and kind. That's the kind of God I serve ~ and I praise Him for it.
I'll close by saying anticipate and enjoy the year to come!
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