My husband pulls out the tree and boxes of decorations. I hang a beautifully decorated, illuminated wreath on my door. I carefully adorn the tree with bright, pretty lights, arranging the strands to ensure I don't see any dark holes. I unwrap each ornament and give it a special spot on the tree. The kids help and inevitably the branches in their reach are more heavily decorated. Of course, this arrangement means they have the most beautiful view of the tree. I lovingly unpack my Nativity and put it on display, cherishing every piece and the memories of each one. With tender care, I hang each family member's stocking, in preparation to receive gifts.
I spend time with my children in turn, talking to them about their interests and favorite things. Armed with this information, I carefully select presents suited to his or her tastes and talents. The same care and attention goes into choosing stocking stuffers; books, games, and fun, little trinkets. Christmas Eve is a time of reflective worship. Christmas morning is a time of joyful celebration. Daily hours of preparation, introspection, and envisioning, culminates in a brief few minutes of gift giving and receiving. After the gifts are received we commence with untying, unpackaging, cleaning up and hours of playtime.
How can I apply this same annual ritual to daily life?
- Although, I've already opened the door to Christ, the light of my life needs to show others how to let Him in; just like my wreath illuminates the door of our home.
- Like the lights on my tree, I want to allow the light of Christ to shine in all my dark spots. If I step back and look at my life, I know I arrange Christ in the areas I'm comfortable bringing into the light. I want His light to penetrate all the deep holes. I want to shine brightly and beautifully.
- I want to unwrap the gifts God has given me, like each ornament, and give them the special spot God has planned.
- My children deserve to see God and His gifts on full display. I want to ensure that, like the heavily decorated branches of our tree, these gifts are what they see every day; the sunrise, the sunset, the kisses and hugs, the joyful thanks for everything, not just meals.
- As I allow God to work in me and through me, I want to care for my kids in such a way that their hearts are prepared to receive God's gifts; especially the gift of Christ. Their hearts will overflow with God's abundance; so much more so than their stockings.
- I want to spend time understanding and nurturing my children's tastes and talents. I want to give extra special care to my husband and edify him as head of our household. The gifts they will receive from us need to be gifts of eternal value; not just this year's whim.
- I want to worship and celebrate every day. I want every day to begin and end with preparation, introspection, and envisioning God's plan for us through prayer and meditation on His Word. Christmas is a forever gift, not just a season.
- And, as my children trust Christ and receive that most important gift, I want to help them untie the bondage of sin, unpackage the gifts and plans God has for them, and nurture pure hearts. As Christ leads us, I hope I can help my husband lead them.
- This year, I think I might leave my Nativity on display.
"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." Revelation 3:20
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