When it Hurts to Put Up the Christmas Tree

For the last few years, I’ve dreaded putting up the Christmas tree and my Christmas decorations. In fact, I’ve made it as short and simple of a process as possible. Three part Christmas tree, pre-lit, limited ornaments, a nativity, and just a few decorations for the living room.

You could say my Christmas spirit is lacking. 

I was in the middle of putting up my Christmas tree and its ornaments and found myself sorrowful. The song in the background echoed my sentiments of loneliness, telling me I wasn’t alone. 

I always imagined by now I’d have a home full of love and Christmas nostalgia. Kiddos to make cookies with; Homemade Christmas crafts with the family; Playing Santa; Enjoying family life. But that’s not the life that God had in mind for me at this moment in my life. 

And as my eyes were filling with tears putting up these ornaments and wishing that was a reality, I unwrapped an ornament that my parents gave me last year with a glistening cross and the words, Thank you for touching the lives of others with the love of the Lord.

In that moment, God reminded me of the goodness of the state of life in which He’s put me where I am more free to use my time and gifts to touch the lives of others -- the wider family of God. He often does that.

In this way, I feel Christmas love all year round -- that is witnessing Christ's love being born and coming alive in people. That's a blessing. Not everyone has that gift.