its pretty when its glowing

Over the weekend, we put up the tree. I quickly learned what my husband and his father knew all along, decorating with Mom is not a simple family affair. .The tree decorating process must be done with care and completed in a 'just so' mentality. The tree itself is actually gorgeous. It is like one of those trees you would find on display with a price tag at a Macy's or Target. However, I have grown up on flashing, blinking lights of many color. Ornaments that do not match whatsoever but rather hold meaning and fun memories. My parents every year would have us pick out our own ornament to put on the tree. So years later, I have a gazillion ornaments that hold many memories in all it's plasticness. Its all about the nostalgia. Good tradition Mom and Dad, thank you. Whether you have a cookie-cutter Martha Stewart tree or somewhat of a family smorgashboard, it all comes down to one thing. A tree is a tree. Its a mere symbol of the holiday. Where did this symbol come from I wonder? Well I did a little research on the good ole Internet and came up with a few theories. One theory is that evergreens had seemingly been an ancient symbol of rebirth. By bringing greenery into a home during the winter season, symbolized life in the midst of death. Romans, Germans and the feast of Yule, even Christians have all been linked to starting the tradition.

"The Christmas tree appears to be a descendant of the Paradise tree and the Christmas light of the late Middle Ages.17 From the eleventh century, religious plays called
"mystery plays" became quite popular throughout Europe. These plays were
performed outdoors and in churches. One of the most prevalent of these plays
was the "Paradise play." The play depicted the story of the creation of Adam
and Eve, their sin, and their banishment from Paradise. The play would end
with the promise of the coming Savior and His Incarnation (cf. Gen. 3:15).
The Paradise play was simple by today's standards. The only prop on stage
was the "Paradise tree," a fir tree adorned with apples. From this tree, at
the appropriate time in the play, Eve would take the fruit, eat it, and give
it to Adam. http://www.orlutheran.com/html/chrtree.html

Embrace what you may yet allow me to squeeze in my modern symbolic meaning of the dear ole' Christmas tree. A simple tree is planted - grown over years - chopped down - decorated - and lit up. May we strive to be like the Christmas tree. Offering joy, family fun and most of all a faith so bright as the tree. Plant yourself in the Word. Grow! Allow yourself to be broken down. Decorate yourself with the armor of Christ Jesus. And by all means, SHINE. Blink, attract, draw in a crowd as they gather for observance...all by living for the Lord. It may be a silly analogy, but I challenge you. Be the Christmas tree this season. Give reason to those who
lack such during this special, amazing time. May the Lord bless you for your faithfulness. May you embrace the grace that is given freely. It wouldn't be grace otherwise. From our family to yours, light it up and put on the tinsel for our Heavenly Father.




The Dougherty's