Noel Piper's book, Treasuring God in our Traditions, was helpful in giving purpose to my decorating endeavors at Christmas. Despite the increasing fascination in things "christmas", I have noted the display of things "Christ-ly" waning more and more.
Therefore, as "keepers of our homes", we need to actively pursue Christ in our holiday preparations. Let us decorate with a focus on God's redemptive plan. That may mean including the cross, God's word, symbols of our future hope,... all things that are meaningful when our minds are "set on heavenly things, not on earthly things" (Col.3).
Let us fill our halls with music that inspires us to worship God, as the angels do. Let us prepare food that tastes for the body... but much more for the soul. Let us offer hospitality to the needy. Let us pursue love towards our brothers and sisters in Christ. Let us give gifts with a heart of gratitude and thankfulness for the person God has made that will be receiving the gift.
Oh how quickly we are distracted from our first love. Let's resolve to enjoy these moments at Christmas. Moments of quiet, in which we can revel in our beloved's Incarnation to accomplish our salvation. Moments of mirth, in which we can gather, and, as a group, praise our Father. Moments of worship, in which we can contemplate God's word and the beauty of His redemptive plan. Moments of giving, in which we give to others from the grace given to us.
I'm excited about these next days... and I pray the Holy Spirit will help keep my eyes "fixed" on the Christ of Christmas.
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