The anticipation has reached its conclusion! Christmas is finally here! The signs and symbols of Advent blend into the significance of the Christmas Day. Trees have been decorated, lights have been hung and lit, and ornaments that have deep significance in our memory all come together to announce the arrival of this very special day.
What kind of ornaments are on your tree? I would imagine that we all have ornaments that have significance to us as they remind us of people, places, and events in our lives through the years. As we take each ornament out of its wrapping, where it has been stored this past year, we feel a sense of warmth because of the memories it invokes. I think this is perhaps why the decorating takes so long to do! But oh, those precious memories! Each ornament is lovingly hung on the tree in a special place that is just right. Other decorations are also lovingly put in various places around our homes that remind us of the wonderful symbols of the season.
We ‘only’ put up three trees this year. (I have quite a few more but decided to go minimalist). The ornaments that are on my main tree are significant to me because they remind me of each of the themes of Advent – HOPE, PEACE, JOY, and LOVE. The theme of Hanukkah is LIGHT. The menorah is a symbol of light. It represents the Presence. Remember in the tabernacle and then later in the temple the menorah was always lit. It represented the Presence of God in the midst of his people Israel. When the temple was destroyed, and the people were scattered, a menorah in the home became a source of strength as a reminder of who they belonged to and that God was still with them.
Isaiah 60:3 says, “Nations north and south, peoples east and west, will be drawn to your light, will find purpose and direction by your light. In the radiance of your rising, you will enlighten the leaders of nations.”
A rabbi explained that there is a menorah inside each person and that its light should shine out to others. Doesn’t that also remind you of something that Jesus said? “You are like that illuminating light. Let your light shine everywhere you go, that you may illumine creation, so men and women everywhere may see your good actions, may see creation at its fullest, may see your devotion to Me, and may turn and praise your Father in heaven because of it” (Matthew 5:16).
With all of the beautiful lights that shine from homes and towns and businesses everywhere during this season may we all remember to let our lights shine to the glory of God!
I certainly love Christmas music and I’m sure you do too. And we all have our favorites, right? One of mine includes these lyrics:
…a candle in the window, a flame against the night
There’s a candle in the window, it’s like God’s perfect light
Now it don’t take lots of money, oh, to know what riches are
Just a candle in the window
And Christmas in your heart![1]
Jesus said, “I am the light that shines through the cosmos; if you walk with Me, you will thrive in the nourishing light that gives life and will not know darkness.”
May your celebrations this Christmas reflect that light and may you know the HOPE that we have in knowing Jesus will come again, the PEACE that only Christ can give, the JOY in the celebration of Christ coming into the world to save all who call on His name, and the LOVE that He so freely extends to all who call Him Savior and LORD!
Shalom!
[1] A Candle in the Window. Written by Gary Baker, Susan Longacre, James Walton Aldridge Jr. from the album: Alabama Christmas.
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