I have a confession to make – – it is December 7 and we still don’t have our Christmas tree up at our house. I realize this would be a travesty in some homes and I am feeling the guilt even as I write this. Tomorrow night will be the first time we have been home as a family in the evening since Thanksgiving so I hope to at least begin the process then.
As I think about the whole “putting up the tree” event, I have to admit, the part I dislike the most is putting the lights on the tree – wrapping each branch individually – it gives me a stomach ache just thinking about it.
But I can say with all honesty, the best part of decorating the tree is getting the ornaments out and hanging them. Why? Because just about each and every one has a story or special meaning. Most are tied to each of our kids. So as we go through the ornaments, we see each child’s first Christmas. We see ornaments that each of the boys has made either in school or at church. It makes the tree special!
Last night, I had a very moving and unique opportunity to be part of a wonderful Christmas tradition that one of the funeral homes does each year here in Littlefield. They call it the Service of Remembrance. It is a time for families who have lost loved ones over the past year to come and remember. A part of that service is a reading of the names of all who have passed this past year. And each name has an ornament which is then hung on the tree in remembrance of the person.
It was truly a moving experience. So often, holidays are difficult for those who have lost loved ones recently.
If that is you today, don’t fight the feelings but don’t focus on the loss. Today, focus on the gain. Focus on what an impact your loved one has made on your life. You are a better person because of them and, as believers, we will see them again some day.
Be blessed today.
Clay in the Hands 
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