Christmas time is running out. In just a few days of “ten lords-a-leaping, eleven pipers piping, and twelve drummers drumming,” the boxes will be a-bouncing into our living room. We will again tuck away all the trimmings, each with their stories beneath gleaming gold, red and green. The Nativity ensemble, with baby Jesus close to Mary’s breast, Joseph and donkeys, shepherds and kings will disappear into our closet. A bit of melancholy hangs on my shoulders like the ugly sweater I never wore this winter in our 80 - degree Florida weather. Yes, I should be cheered by the house returning to more spacious living. But I want to be sure I don’t carelessly pitch the spirit of Christmas into the attic for the next eleven months!
Something revolutionary is brewing in our household.
I’m tempted to leave my little kitchen tree right where it is. Every morning, when I turn on the under-counter lights and glance over my steaming cup of black breakfast tea, it makes me smile. Warm white lights remind me that the spirit of Christ burns steady in me, whether I am stumbling or soaring in my faith. The branches embrace my heart with memories of special friends, beloved family, and how a little three-foot artificial tree became a part of celebrating Jesus’s birthday in our home.
Almost a decade ago, a dear couple invited us to share an October trip to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, to a hotel where Christmas is celebrated 365 days a year. True confession: I can be a bit of a skeptic. “The Inn at Christmas Place” sounded like a tourist-trap to me. . . Would there be a cheesy Santa impersonator and too much tinsel? Visions of plastic sugar plums thumped in my head. No doubt there would be annoying colored lights flashing in time to “Jingle Bells.” But I loved our friends, leaned on their judgment, and off we went.
Well, shame on my lack of faith! The Inn was beautifully festive, warm, and welcoming. Above the guest reception desk, a banner proclaimed, Joy to the World, the Lord is Come. I’m sure I exhaled in relief. At a time when commercial businesses were trending toward generic holiday greetings, instead of acknowledging Jesus as “the Reason for the Season,” here was an unashamed reference to Him. When every member of the hotel staff radiated kinship and sincere hospitality, I admitted to myself I should have squashed the Grinch in me as soon as he had reared his raggedy head.
We delighted in touring the five floors of the Inn. On every level, usually within a few feet of the elevator, was a distinctive tabletop Christmas tree. Each had its own particular theme: “Candy and Treats,” “Toys,” “Gifts and Ribbons,” and more. I was captivated by the “Kitchen” tree. Tiny rolling pins, cookie cutters, whisks, spoons and spatulas looked like the perfect addition to our own household décor, consisting of one large living room tree, laden with years of eclectic ornaments, from children’s dough art handprints to travel keepsakes.
Our stay at the Inn with our friends was one of the year’s sweetest treats, and we began a new tradition in our home that December. Though I will never qualify to compete in Baking Wars, my friends and family inspired me with miniature culinary ornaments for the new tree in our kitchen. Every meal prepared near that tree is a reminder of the feasts we prepare to celebrate Christ’s birth, and the banquet that awaits one day in Heaven.
I once met a stranger who said, “I celebrate Christmas every day in my heart!” I have often pondered his words.
Is the glory of the Gospel seasonal ? What limits must we place on sharing and celebrating Emmanuel who came to save the world?!
For to us a child is born,
Unto us a son is given;
And the government shall be upon his shoulders,
And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 (ESV)
In a few days I will have to make a decision. Will this itty-bitty tree in the corner of my kitchen keep a permanent home outside the dark confines of a dusty cardboard box? Or will I pack it up, treasuring an ounce of memories and a heaping measure of the joy of the Lord each day? Food for thought, from my kitchen to yours. What bit of Christmas will you keep in sight in 2020? Praying the peace, joy and hope of the Savior continue to grow in your heart throughout this New Year!