By now, most of you have put up your Christmas tree and decorated it with lights, ornaments, garland, and tinsel. In our household, Sheri does almost all of the work in setting up our tree and decorating it. All I do is pull the tree out of the box and hand it to her. After that, I watch from the comfort of our couch, sometimes pausing to point out where a particular ornament should go, followed by dirty looks from my spouse.
However, once the tree is fully lit and decorated, I love to gaze at the lights and ornaments, and reflect on the memories of Christmases past. Every ornament tells a story of days gone by when we were a child or a young adult or a first-time parent. It also reminds us of those who helped to shape our faith journey, but are no longer with us.
Christmas can be both joyful and melancholic, but the promise of new life in Christ should bring us considerable happiness. Christmas is also a time to look around and check on others who may not be enjoying the spirit of the season in the same way we do. Perhaps you know someone who is struggling with health problems, or the loss of a loved one, or the prospect of loneliness during the holiday season.
This provides us with an opportunity to lift up the downcast and downtrodden, and bring them happiness by inviting them to dinner, or calling them on the phone, or stopping by for a visit. Such gestures will not only brighten their spirits, but they will also bring you unbridled satisfaction and enjoyment. May your Christmas be merry and bright!