Growing up as a youngster in Southern Indiana, waiting for Christmas was a multiple-month experience. In that part of the country, things can turn wintry in late October, with November snowstorms not all that rare. When December rolled around, it brought out all the wide-eyed waiting that all my friends and I could imagine.

One of the happiest memories during those years was when my parents decorated our small living room, giving the entire corner close to the big picture window to our beloved Christmas tree. Once that tree was added, we knew that our long wait was just about over, and our most blessed event was imminent. 

Funny…as I reflect on it, I realize that Mom and Dad’s choice for our tree changed over the years. It started off being a freshly cut fir tree. Our decorations changed too, some years including strung popcorn, but almost always with those silver strands of tinsel that we called “ice cycles.” Some years, my Mom would self-flock the tree with an aerosol can of “snow,” giving the tips of our tree that snow-capped look. 

As different as our family trees were, the choices made by my uncle and aunt were at another level. Some years they would have a completely white tree, which struck my young mind as being a bit confusing. 

Then one year, they chose a completely silver aluminum tree that sported its own color wheel on the floor – changing its color every few moments. I remember thinking, “That ain’t right.” After all, “Christmas trees are supposed to be green, right?”

These funny and sometimes fond memories of our Christmas trees past are mere mementos of the season. Whether one chose a live tree freshly cut—or even that metallic thingamajig with the color wheel—the true meaning of Christmas remained true and untouched. 

The birth of Christ was a world-changing event, and it remains that today. In spite of all the efforts of governments both foreign and domestic, the impact and promise that the birth of Jesus brought to the world is as strong and meaningful as it ever was. Even though it sounds like a cliché, He is the true “reason for the season.”

His birth caught the attention of shepherds in the field and wise men from afar. And even more importantly, it captured the wonder of all heaven, for it was an angelic choir that first sang the blessed words “Joy to the World,” for the Lord has come. 

This year, as you gaze at your Christmas tree, remember that regardless of its kind, size, color, or decorations, its highest purpose is to remind us as to the real reason for the season. 

“The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.” ~ 1 Timothy 1:15

From our family to yours, have a Merry Christmas!