I don’t have much to tell you this evening.
It’s cold here; wet to boot—weather not fit for a night’s excursion to the mall or otherwise. No matter; the cash is about spent and the “to do” list almost finished. Cards are in the mail, and the buckeyes have been made. The house? Well, it could use a clean, but it will have to wait until another day when my “want to” catches up with my “need to.”
No, tonight is a night for much of nothing. For flannel jammies and a good movie or a good book. The jury’s still out as to which one will garner my attention.
There’s been a lot of that lately—attention grabbing moments vying for my notice, my time, my energies, my heart. Some of them I willingly engage; some I run from in swift retreat. They’re ample, abundant, and available enough for my continual involvement. But tonight, none of them matter much to me. None of them are strong enough to hold my interest or to sway my willingness.
Nope, tonight I just want to live with my life in solitude, away from the world and from the pressures encroaching upon my sanity. Tonight, I want to sit before my Christmas tree and drink in the peace of the season. It is, perhaps, the one thing that has kept my attention in these last few weeks.
The tree.
The tree keeps my attention.
When everything else “Christmas” dulls me, worries me, forces me to tears and to wanting to pack it all in for another year, the tree keeps me grounded and at peace with the day’s “hustle and bustle.” I only have to sit with it for a few minutes to find some beauty in the madness, to feel the warmth of its seasonal embrace.
The tree forces my notice and holds it therein. I cannot live Christmas without it. I can live without the outside decorations, the knickity-knack nightmare I claim as holiday décor, and even the Christmas pottery I’ve collected over the years. But the tree? Well, it’s a keeper. Not because it is stunningly decorated, but rather because it is stunningly peaceful.
The tree is where my heart anchors after a long day’s flight of fancy.
The tree keeps my attention.
And I suppose, there is a sermon somewhere in all of that. I’ll let you write it, friends. Something about a tree and its light, its peace and its capacity to keep ones’ attention. We could live without the rest of it, but the tree?
Well, it’s the lynchpin of our faith.
The tree keeps my attention. I pray it keeps yours as well. May its witness burn brightly in your heart this night and as you walk ever closer to Bethlehem’s beholding.
Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree, how lovely are your branches.
Lovely, indeed. As always…
peace for the journey,
PS: Did you know that husband and me made the Endean Family Christmas letter this year? First time in history I’ve been included in anyone else’s Christmas letter other than my own. I’m pretty sure we’ve “arrived”–well, at least in their hearts. Stay warm, friends!
Beautiful. Enjoy your evening of peace and solitude.
I love this! Aside from some Christmas craft my daughter completed at school, all we have up here is the tree. And those words ARE a sermon in itself. The live tree (or in many cases, the boxed pretend live tree) we put up to celebrate His birth gets stripped and becomes bare to be used to support Him at His death. I could go on and on with this, and may very well do in my own post now! Thank you.
I know what you mean about the tree. One of the things I've always treasured about Christmas is sitting with all the lights turned out and only the Christmas tree lights on…twinkling…twinkling. Memories gather there and wrap their arms around me. Memories of little blonde-haired girls circling the tree anxious to open the gifts beneath the tree. The Grinch on in the background and Karri breaking into song with the movie. Watching the shadows around the room cast by the tree lights. Reflections in nearby mirrors and windows. Quiet. Peace. Yes, I understand.
Oh – the TREE – YES!!!
I cut my own tree down in my woods here at Shepherd's Walk just yesterday with the help of one of my grandsons. I have been staring at it and it does keep my attention and settles me – and brings me PEACE because of what you said, "Bethlehem's Beholding"!
Love that, friend!
I have been hunkered down here with many inches of snow still falling outside my windows where the lights of my tree reflect. So I ponder and reflect with it!
Your tree is beautiful. And each tree is meant to bring our focus back to Christ and all that His life, death and resurrection promises!
I love your 'simple thought' posts like this one – so on target!
Peace to you in this last and final Sunday of Advent = PEACE!
Choosing GREAT JOY, Stephanie
Taking time this evening to spend in front of my tree, too. It has been a night for which I definitely need some peace.
Regarding your P.S. – you are too funny about our newsletter.
Hugs,
Beth
Love those quiet jammie moments when all is peaceful and silent.
Sweet post.
Enjoyed this post dear.
I like filling my tree branches with ornaments of memories. Each one makes me thankful for someone or some experience God has given me.
You've put into words beautifully what my heart echoes. I trust you enjoyed your evening of quiet solitude.
Have a blessed week. Donna
Blessings for a glorious season celebrating the birth of our King-Joy to the World. The Lord has come! jean
Well… Elaine… You're writing is lovely. However, there's just one thing. I fail to see how the Christmas tree is "the lynchpin" of our faith. I fact, I don't decorate for Christmas at all. I fail to see what is has to do with the true meaning of Christmas.
I'm not lambasting you about any of this. I'm simply expressing my opinion. And as well know opinions are a dime a dozen. And everyone has one.
I wish you and your family… a wonderful & merry Christmas Elaine.
I know exactly what you mean, Elaine! For me, this year, it has been the same. My heart and my mind long each day for the time in the evening when I can sit in quiet and peace with the lights glowing on the tree and a warm fire in the fireplace. A time to be quiet, drink in the meaning of this Christmas season, and a time to quietly listen.
Merry, Merry Christmas to you all!
Perhaps I should have written the sermon I was getting at… I thought it was evident…
The "Christmas tree" is the Calvary tree. The gift of Christmas hanging on the tree is, in fact, the lynchpin of our faith.
For what it's worth…
peace~elaine
"On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, the emblem of suff’ring and shame; and I love that old cross where the dearest and best for a world of lost sinners was slain.
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross, till my trophies at last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged cross, and exchange it some day for a crown."
Resting and reflecting with you, dear one. It's all the sermon I need. Thank you!
Kathleen
I love our tree, too, Elaine. May we both have several more peaceful moments this season with our Christmas trees — and with the One who went to THE tree for us.
Merry Christmas, friend!
I hope you enjoyed your evening. I am having one this evening, and chose blogging, since I've been busy, and not on the computer much the last few days.
I enjoyed reading your feelings about your tree.
Elaine, have you ever read Calvin Miller's, "Once Upon A Tree"? The story of the tree, is the story of the cross. Calvin Miller's book is a worthwhile read, as is your post…always.
Blessings,
Joy
Ahh. Flannel pjs sounds good.
School is canceled tomorrow. it was the last day before break–my last chance to get all those "to-dos" done. But…I have a feeling we'll be snuggling together under warm blankets with Lucy Mae and that other furry houseguest. Your words encourage me to hold my dear ones and look at the lights on the tree long.
You have been one of my favorite gifts this year, Faith Elaine. I'm sending buckets of love.
laura
Any other Christmas decor is fluff.
But not the tree.
I gravitate to the tree. Turn the lights on first thing each morning.
Leave them on until bedtime.
Love to sit in front of it, reading my Bible.
Reflecting on the long-ago, holy night.
Anticipating His soon return.
Sweet dreams.
Thanks Elaine for sharing your peace. We all need it…especially during this time of so much that needs to be done. We put up our Christmas tree yesterday…and with it…I feel the spirit of Christmas now around our home. GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU!
Your tree is awesome, I could sit and look at it all day, too. Mine I'm not too thrilled about, but it looks nice when the sun sets, and the candles on the mantle are flickering.
Have a blessed Christmas!
Elaine, perhaps I'm just dense. I never saw the christmas tree that way before. Looking at it that way does bring it into a different light! Thank you for enlightening me.
Elaine, thank you for sharing. Blessings.