December 24, 2015
Things that don’t really belong in the house sometimes end up in our house. If you have kids, specifically boys, or a husband, specifically a handy/crafty one, you know what I mean. I’m talking about sticks and rocks and other things that are intended to maintain their existence outside. Or items that belong in the barn or the outbuilding. I don’t really need sandpaper on the kitchen table or a cordless drill where I fold laundry. Let’s compartmentalize here people. Keep the dirt and bugs out.
And yet, once a year, I delve in. I typically initiate the process.
We even pay to bring a tall, living, outside thing, inside. It drips with sap and smells like the mountains. It belongs in the woods. We put it on display smack dab in the middle of the living room floor.
The Christmas Tree.
And while I know there are all kinds of reasons why the Christmas tree has made its way into seasonal décor, when you think about it, it’s just odd.
It’s a tree. In your house.
For the first week or so after we decorated our tree, I experienced a tiny gasp anytime I walked into the living room and saw it. All decorated, lights shining. This year, we have the tallest, fattest tree we’ve ever chosen. My darling husband bought new lights this year. I confessed to him that I settled last year with his rendition of “putting lights on the tree” in an effort to avoid marital confrontation.
So there it stands. Not long ago, the tree grew, possibly on a mountainside, among other trees with its roots delving into the earth below. Now it stands between the couches and end table, lights twinkling in front of the window.
Sometimes Christmas invites in what seemingly doesn’t fit. It offers unexpected beauty in our ordinary places. That is the origin of Christmas after all. The King coming down to a stable. Majesty in a manger. The Heavenly Host visiting the ones in the field.
From the outside, it all seems so out of place. So odd. But take a step closer. You’ll see the perfection of the scene. The baby, the God-man, born to a world in need of a Savior. The invitation of Christmas.
What do you need to invite into your Christmas this year? Possibly something that seems to not fit. Forgiveness for bitterness? Love for the unlovely? Joy among sorrow? Quiet in the chaos?
Or perhaps, it’s Christ Himself. Invite Him into your Christmas. Unwrap the gift of His love, forgiveness, and completion. He truly belongs in our hearts.
“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:10-12