Decoration Day

“They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.” Psalm 145:7

It’s Decoration Day! Time to venture into my attic, retrieve the piled-up boxes, and transform the house into a bastion of holiday cheer! The coffee table will host the holy nativity. The piano top will sprout candles, bells, and garland. And, of course, stockings will be hung on the back of the cabinets with care. (Gotta love Florida!) As we deck the halls, our senses will be heightened by the sound of Christmas carols, the scent of fresh fir (ok, fresh pine), the sparkling of the bright lights, and, if I’m really good, the aroma of fresh-baked snicker doodles.

Why the fuss? Why all the effort to unpack and adorn when in only a few weeks all must be dismantled and put away? Because it’s Christmas!! The celebration of the birthday of our King! This very special party started one evening in Bethlehem when an infant Jesus took His first breath and with His newborn cry announced, “It’s begun!” And the celebration continues today because one afternoon on Calvary, He drew His last breath and cried, “It’s done!” In come-back-to-life glory, He invites us today to share in the amazement of the shepherds and the awe of the magi as we celebrate the great truth that God came to be with us and make a way for us.

Ring the bells! Trim the tree! And pile up the presents! You can’t rejoice too much! Let your decorations be a declaration that Christmas is all about Jesus and that you are excited about the “good news of great joy”(Lk 2:10). May the twinkling lights remind you that Jesus is the Light of the World who has brightened the darkness in your heart. Let the beauty of the hanging ornaments cause you to consider the Beautiful One who hung on a tree for you. May the warmth, love, and closeness of friends and family prompt you to pause and reflect on the perfection and intimacy Jesus left in heaven when He journeyed to earth for those “nine months in a mother’s womb, three days in a borrowed tomb, and the time in between that brings us to our knees”(Francesca Battistelli). And as you cover your presents with lovely paper and festive bows, remember that the Father wrapped the best gift ever in baby-soft skin.

As God’s children, we should seize this opportunity to celebrate and to share. The holidays are holy-days because of what God has done. It truly ‘tis the season to be jolly and joyful, so make the most of Jesus and you’ll have a Merry Christmas--and a delightful Decoration Day!