Every Christmas, we unpack our decorations and begin the joyful task of decorating our family Christmas tree. I am always drawn to my favorite ornament – a simple, wooden nativity ornament from my childhood. It was my cherished favorite as a child, and when I moved out, my mom gifted it to me. Since then, it has been on my tree every year since. In its simplicity, this ornament captures what Christmas is about more profoundly than any other.
What I love most about it is that it’s a humble reminder of the birth of Jesus and the loving truths rooted in His story. This little ornament, with its plain craftsmanship, says much about the true meaning of Christmas. It reminds me of the humble beginnings of Jesus and that the most incredible gifts often lie in the simplest of forms. As we gather this season to celebrate, I invite you to reflect on the ornaments that decorate your tree. Whether simple or ornate, each one tells a story of faith, love, and ‘the spirit of Christmas.’
This Christmas, our church continues a meaningful tradition. We invite each family to contribute an ornament to our church Christmas tree, uniting our trust in God the Father. In a similar spirit to my cherished ornament, in my family room sits my childhood kitchen window, now a decoration; it has been repainted with the words of Joshua 24:15 painted on those old glass windows, “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” This window, like the ornaments, symbolizes our commitment to faith. Many of the ornaments on our church Christmas tree represent our assurance in Jesus, binding us together as a community and as families committed to serving God.
Discover the Stories of Faith Behind Each Ornament
Ornaments aren’t just decorations; they’re storytellers. In my living room, I see stories of our past as I look at each ornament on our personal tree. Such as our first Christmas with Mason, my lamp leg from the ‘Christmas Story’ that my daughter just ‘accidentally’ broke and that I glued back together, along with so many others that tell our stories. These ornaments are biblical narratives and our family’s visual history of our growth in Christ.
Similarly, each piece on our church Christmas tree adds a chapter to our story as a household that will serve the Lord. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 reminds us, “Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” These moments are chances to share and reinforce our understanding of God’s role in our lives.
Reflect Christ’s Love and Salvation in Every Ornament
Each ornament on your tree can directly reflect Christian values rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the love of God the Father. As you decorate, each symbol of love, hope, peace, and joy directly expresses our Christian beliefs.
Encourage your children to create their own ornaments. This cherished tradition in our home allows them to express their understanding of Christmas and faith through creativity. It’s a fun, hands-on way to engage them in our family’s spiritual journey.
Embrace the Power of Tradition in Celebrating Our Faith
Traditions hold our families and communities together. Decorating our tree with these special ornaments serves as a testament to our spiritual beliefs and creates enduring reminders for generations to come. Much like my childhood ornament, these traditions serve as a tangible connection to our belief and history.
Your Christmas tree can represent your family’s unique journey. Each family member’s choice of ornament can directly reflect significant life moments and how our faith has influenced them. Watch as your tree becomes a living history of your family.
Learn more about the spiritual significance of this season at ‘What is Advent?‘.”
Pass Down a Legacy of Faith
As I hang each ornament, I am reminded of Deuteronomy 4:9’s call to pass on our Christian teachings, “Teach them to your children and to their children after them.” These ornaments become more than decorations; they are tangible symbols of our trust in God, showing His constant presence in our lives. They are not just decorations but a legacy of trust, love, and family.
As we gather to celebrate this Christmas, let’s remember what each ornament signifies. It directly represents our shared belief in God’s love and guidance. Bring an ornament that reflects your family’s confidence and add to our church family tree. Together, we’ll display our shared beliefs and heritage in God’s family. Let’s celebrate this season in unity, bound by our faith and love for God.
For more inspiration on creating meaningful Christmas ornament traditions, take a look at this article from Southern Living.
