Ahh, Christmas is here . . .

Now that there's just me, I think twice about whether to get a tree or not. I think about again asking some stranger to hold the tree up so I can see if it's straight, then hauling it home, and dragging it into the house. And wrestling it into the stand and trying to get it to stop leaning.

But for me, Christmas doesn't begin until the tree goes up. It's not for the kids, it's for me. I don't listen to insipid carols (sorry, Rick) in November, I don't buy gifts if I go shopping on Black Friday (only things for me), I might pull out the box of decorations, but nothing comes out of it until I get the tree. Must be some nature thing, huh?

So I bought my tree today, got it up and partially decorated. I'm listening to Christmas carols, and thinking again, Wow, Lord, look what you did this year. As I put up the star and the lights, and pull out the memory-laden ornaments, I am moved to remember and filled with gratitude at how God has blessed me . . .

Look, Lord, look how you challenged me to grow and enabled me to do the impossible, look at the people you brought into my life and how you blessed me through their friendship, look at how you provided above all that I could think or imagine. Look at my house and my garden, my office and my books, my church and my ministry, my kids and their spouses and careers and ministries and growth, and my friends and their milestones and answers to prayer . . . Thank you, Lord. I am so grateful.

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All that from a Christmas tree. I hope you have something that draws you away from the shopping and stress of Christmas. Something that makes Christmas magical and blessed and hopeful. Something that fills you with the wonder of God's presence and provision and the joy of the glory of Jesus' coming.

The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." (Lk 2:10)