You know this time of year, you notice a lot of pine trees which turn into Christmas trees. Take the beautiful one that made its way from the Monongahela National Forest to the White House. An amazing journey and a fitting tribute to the season once it was erected in Washington, D.C. I think a lot about our Christmas tree. We have it adorned with ornaments that my mother and dad collected over all the years. They had the foresight to collect two each year from the Danbury Mint and Lennox China. One each for me and my sister Molly. We have them still today and the gold and the china ornaments look absolutely radiant on our tree each year- again, thanks to the thoughtful actions of my parents over all the years. 

I think a lot about those gold and china ornaments and how they shine when we turn on the lights for the tree. I think about how we are like those trees that we erect in our homes. The ornaments that signify memories from the past, the good years, the not so good years, the tough years, the absolutely joyful years, and times that have molded our personalities and character. We are building a display of that each year we get older. Life as a kid, school, sports, marriage, family, all contribute to the fabric of our lives and in many ways- those experiences are like the ornaments on our tree. 

But what highlights those ornaments? Light!! When we turn on the lights to the trees, the gold ornaments shine and reflect the light from all of the little white bulbs. Kind of like the Christmas story and how it lights up our lives. Imagine the darkness of the night in Bethlehem for the shepherds and all of a sudden- brilliant light when the angel Gabriel brought the good news. The bible refers to the heavenly light as Shekinah glory. A light that we cannot imagine here on earth. Part of that light was shown that night in Bethlehem and we are called to shine a light of our own when we interact with friends, strangers, and family this Christmas season. Jesus came to show us all how to shine our light and be the best version of ourselves – not only at Christmas but at all times of the year. We stop and pause to think about the significance of the Christmas story. The love and light that was shown to us so that we in kind might show that love and light to others. When we turn on our light, we illuminate our lives, experiences, and our hopes, dreams and faith for others to enjoy.

So this Christmas season, when we remember the birth of Christ and the significance of his life, death and resurrection for us ,we can be grateful. We can think about how we can make a difference for others throughout the New Year coming our way. Whatever you celebrate this season, the message is still the same. Be the light for others. Thanks for reading. 

” Therefore the Lord Himself will show you a sign. Behold a virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and he shall be called Emmanuel- God with us.”  Isaiah 7-14.