Treasures & Trees

Most years Christmas disappears bright and early on December 26th. The tree packed, stocking folded, and mantle cleared before I take my first sip of morning coffee. But like so many things, this year is different. I am treasuring the joy filled view without rushing its’ end. Weeks after Christmas, the tree is still decorated, stocking still hangs, lights still illuminate my doorway, and the mantle still packed with nativity scenes and yulbok goats. There is no timeline for taking Christmas down. Christmas may be bundled up tomorrow…or Christmas may be out all year!

My tree is made of wooden spindles that cascade down from the ceiling to hover just above the ground. Ornaments hang on the spindles in full display. Pine needles, garland, and lights do not cover their elegance. With every look at the wooden tree floating from my ceiling down to the ground, I am reminded of the gift of Jesus, who came down from heaven to linger on earth. Whose foundation always rested above the ground on which He stood. I treasure celebrating the birth of The King who would one day hang in a very different way on very different wooden spindles to give me the gift of eternal life.

I treasure the freedom to leave a tree up and enjoy of the gift of Christmas long after the birthday cake moment is over. I treasure the joy of Christmas restored in the midst of this hard winter season. I treasure the time spent with the people who sent me out and the people who took me in. I treasure this Christmas life: mundane and unexpected. 

On the first Christmas, there was a lady who treasured this mundane and unexpected life too. Mary chose to treasure in her heart God’s kindness in gifting her the joy of being the mother of Jesus. The mother of the One who would save the world.  Much like my extended decoration season, she treasured the days after His birth as the wise men came to the manger.  A cherished celebration marked more by intimate and mellow melodies than a full fledged soiree full of dancing in decibel deafening music. A glorious gift marked by starlight drawing eyes upward within the ordinary life of a sleeping and hungry baby. 

And all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

- Luke 2:18-19

This Christmas, my celebration feels similar. In the mundane, I don’t want the joy to end. In the unexpected, I smile. So my tree hangs on.