Christmas Decorations

Christmas Decorations

Submitted by Thomas Stidl

         By now almost every street has houses with many Christmas decorations dotting the landscape.  You see lights and all kinds of Santa’s, snowmen, reindeers, and the like.  Human beings spend way too much money on these decorations.  I realize that much of what we see is done for the children or to make adults feel like children again.

         During my early childhood we always had a live Christmas trees indoors.  My family did not put any Christmas lights outside or any other decorations.  Yes, we did have a wreath on the door and a Santa in the window.  In my teenage years we bought a candle set of three lights.  You guessed it.  We were known as Scrooge.  After that we increased the number of candles in the window to eleven.  After my mom and dad entered into eternal life,

I added two more candles.

         About seven years ago, I began using those two candles to surround the Christmas stable scene.  I added a small artificial tree where I placed the angel that was on the top of the trees of my youth on that artificial tree.  Keep in mind that these are all indoor decorations.

         Finally, at age 70, I said enough with Christmas decorations.  The only decorations, that I am using this year, are the stable and the angel that was atop of the Christmas trees of my youth.  Did I grow tired of decorating the house?  No!!  The decorations that are on display this year in my home reflect the true meaning of Christmas.  The scene includes statues of Joseph and Mary with the baby Jesus lying in a manger.  There are also the three wise men presenting their gifts to baby Jesus along with a young lamb lying in front of the manger.  The angel above this scene proclaims, “Gloria In Exceles Deo”.  I also mentioned the angel on the trees of my youth.  It is a reminder of my youth and my guardian angel who rules and still guides me today.

         I added two stand alone crucifixes to this scene.  This is the essence of Christmas.  Jesus, who existed with the Father and Holy Spirit from all eternity, was born into time as a helpless little child to mature as a Man in all things except sin.  He died for us and opened the Gates of Heaven that were shut when Adam and Eve had sinned.

         Merry True Meaning of Christmas to all.

        Until next time, Laus Tibi, Christe.  Deo Gratias.  Praise be to God.  See you in Paradise.