Its almost Christmas and there are signs of it all around. One of the most notable is the Christmas tree. It seems they are literally everyone. If you live in South Dakota, we are especially blessed to have our state capitol filled with beautifully decorated trees. It is really something that is hard to explain unless you have been there.

Christmas trees have so many different meanings for people and there are a variety of traditions surrounding them in society today. Some only put up real trees; others wouldn’t think of it and will only put up an artificial one. Some of us put them up before Thanksgiving, others are die-hard “not until after Thanksgiving” purists, and some wait until just before Christmas if they put one up at all.

There was a time when I could not fathom not putting up a tree during the holidays, but the other day I had a lovely conversation with a widow who talked about how she felt she was finally ready to put a Christmas tree up again. You see, several years ago she lost her husband, and she hasn’t put one up since because it has been too difficult. Any other year I may not have settled on that thought, but this year I have been to three funerals in less than a month for people in my life who were much too young to die and it really left an impression on me of how fragile life is. Especially when we lose someone dear to us during this season when everyone else is so happy and seemingly carefree.

If I’ve learned nothing else this year, I’ve learned that there are very few of us who truly are carefree. We all carry burdens. Some more visible than others, but all weigh us down and often hold us back from fully experiencing the life we were designed to live. So as we go into this week of celebration for the birth of our Lord and Savior, remember to be kind, to be forgiving, and to take a few minutes and really listen to the people in your life. I encourage you to share a little of your joy with them. It may be the only light they see this Christmas.

And when you see a tree, think beyond the pretty baubles, the colorfully wrapped gifts, and the sparkling lights and ponder what the evergreen represents. Eternal life; the wonderful gift we received in Jesus’ birth and, indeed, the reason we exchange gifts at Christmas. I am grateful for many people and things in my life, but none more so that the greatest gift of all, the Christ Child.

Have a blessed Christmas! If you are traveling, be safe.

XOXO

Vona

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