I pulled out the Christmas decorations last week. Home decor in general is not my forte. My idea of a well decorated house is a large bookcase full of books, lots of windows for natural light, and a few pillows and blankets for comfortable reading. While I appreciate those who can make a home look aesthetically pleasing, that is not a talent I possess.

So when it comes to Christmas, my home is pretty modest by most standards. We just have a tree, a wreath, and a few other knick-knacks. It may be minimal, but it is full of meaning and memories.

The Memories

As I open the containers of ornaments that have been packed away in the closet for a year, I reminisce about each one.

There are the ones from places I have worked or volunteered. A set of straw ornaments remind me of a lovely German couple I worked with. A glass ornament from a moms’ group brings to mind treasured friendships. A miniature mug evokes memories of late nights and early mornings as a cabin mom at a Christian camp. I also recall warm fellowship with like-minded believers from around the world.

Then there are the little brass ornaments that used to hang on my grandparents’ tree. They bring memories of paper wad fights in the living room, racing my cousin to get the last helping of Gourmet Carrots or BBQ meatballs, and riding bicycles down a long, sandy driveway. Some of these memories I am unable to fully grasp let alone express. Instead, they are glimpses of feelings, whispers of childhood wonderment caught in the reflections of the multicolored lights on a shiny, brass trinket.

My family gave me a new ornament each year from the time I was two years old. Many were handmade by my mom or grandma. On most of them, my mom wrote the year and often my name. When I got married, I took them with me so that our first tree was not bare. I recall hanging those ornaments as a child and reflect on what happened in each of those years.

Ornament Clusters

Even the placement of ornaments brings back fond memories. I hang the fragile ones near the top where they should be safer. Meanwhile the bells are still placed near the bottom even though we no longer have a cat and our dogs do not mess with the tree.

As I place the rest of the ornaments and strive for even spacing, I remember the days when they were all clustered at about 3 feet high and at the front of the tree. At the time, I deliberately chose not to redistribute those clusters. I knew that there would come a time when little hands would no longer be helping with the decorations. That day came faster than I could have imagined. Now I treasure those memories.

The Meaning

The purpose of Christmas decorations and traditions is (or at least should be) to point us to the Christ. When our children were young we reviewed the reason for each tradition, each symbol. Even now, I take a moment to ponder these things.

The evergreens speak of God’s faithfulness. They remind us of life in the midst of death – like Jesus’ resurrection and the coming resurrection when He returns. The scent of freshly cut pine whispers that, in the meantime, having put to death our old selves through the waters of baptism, we are to walk in newness of life.

The lights may be candles on a table, tiny lights on a tree, or bright strings covering a house. They remind us that Jesus is the light of the world and that we should also let our lights shine so that people will glorify the Father in heaven.

The angels bring to mind the one who visited Zacharias and Mary and Joseph. And who could forget the multitude who announced His birth to shepherds?

The gatherings and festivities are reminiscent of the shepherds. After visiting the newborn King, they went away glorifying and praising God and excitedly sharing the news with everyone. Feasting and dancing are appropriate responses to the fulfillment of prophecy and the overwhelming joy that we have found in Him.

And, of course, the giving of gifts echoes the greatest gift of all – the gift of God’s Son who died for our sins.

The Caution

While the sights, sounds, scents, and celebrations of the Christmas season are beautiful and fun, it is all too easy to substitute those symbols and reminders for the Truth. We get so busy, so enthralled with the things of Christmas that we completely lose its purpose. We must be careful to treasure Christ, not the traditions which point toward Him.

Consider those who are persecuted for faith. Even in poverty and prison, without the symbols or reminders, they find a joy in the Lord which far surpasses our own. That is Christmas: Emmanuel – God with Us.

My prayer for each of my family and friends this Christmas season is that you will know Christ and draw closer to Him. May we remember that the decorations and traditions exist to serve us, not the other way around. May we commit to obeying Him in all things. And may the joy of Emmanuel overflow in our hearts in such a way that we cannot help but share the good news with everyone we meet.