THE CHRISTMAS TREE WITH HEART!

 

THE CHRISTMAS TREE WITH HEART

Our family Christmas tree shares special meaning. The small, narrow Christmas tree, adorned with our family ornaments, tugs at my heartstrings as each ornament is carefully placed on it. These ornaments in varying shapes, sizes, and colors carry many years of memories for us.

The Glittering Gold Tree

The family Christmas tree is not as large, elaborate, or decorative as our designer tree. Our designer tree sits in the living room near the large front window. At night, the lights twinkle through the front window as the stylish Christmas tree sits proudly on display for neighbors and passersby to enjoy.

The primary color of this particular tree is a glittering gold – gold crosses, glittering gold churches, gold poinsettias, gold glass spheres, and a gold and burlap ribbon gracefully adorn the tree. Pops of color from large glass ornaments in creamy beige, burnt orange, and turquoise pose graciously on the branches while a sparkling tree skirt encircles the lowermost portion of the tree.

At the top of the tree sits a gold cross, reminding us of the season’s significance. It’s not the Christmas tree or presents surrounding the base of the tree; it is the birth of Christ, and our glittering gold tree glorifies this magnificent time of year – ringing in the season and new year in all its glory!

The Small Narrow Tree

In the adjacent family room, a second Christmas tree stands not quite as tall but ever so remarkable. This tree is positioned in the family room or gathering room, as you might say. It is situated in the corner because it is a simpler Christmas tree.

The designer Christmas tree stands in a beautiful handmade basket with a luxurious tree skirt gathered around the basket, a very stylish tree. The small, narrow tree is placed in a simple urn. There is nothing grand about the tree stand.

I love both trees, and each year I take great care trimming them. However, regardless of the beauty and ornateness of the designer tree, my heart fills with love for our small, humble family Christmas tree, fondly referred to as the Christmas tree with heart!

The Story Behind the Tree

Every ornament on this tree has a story, a memory from our years of celebrating as a family. From our custom family ornament, created in 2000, listing each family member, to the handmade ornaments from our sons’ youth. These special ornaments are made from clay and represent our sons’ interests when they were young boys. A computer for Robert, a bear swinging a baseball bat for Spencer, and a Boy Scout for Barrett. Our first Christmas ornament from 1987 is faded and shows wear, along with a dozen or so handmade ornaments from friends and family.

On our family tree, one will find four or five small antique ornaments purchased from a local antique shop that have survived years of packing and unpacking. These ornaments show the wear just like us. The small red ducks on the glass ornaments show signs of chipping and dullness, with each chip representing another year of celebration and togetherness.

The ornaments on this humble tree are priceless; the memories are priceless.

Beauty in the Chipped and Faded

When I take a look at this tree, I see beauty in the faded, worn ornaments. I see beauty in this small, slender tree. This tree tells a story. It holds over three decades of Christmas celebrations and joy. And while our family admires the beautiful nine-foot tree with its designer touches, their attention and love are focused on the small, narrow tree.

The placement of this special tree may not sound like much, but I assure you it is positioned purposefully in our family room. A space that is filled with comfort and love. A place where we gather together, surrounded by everyone and everything we hold dear.

Generations of Love

Although there are various stories of how this Christmas tree came about, there is only one story of the creation of our family tree. This family Christmas tree was fashioned by a family of five, built on generations of love, traditions, challenges, and most of all faith. It’s not the largest tree or the most luxurious tree, but it is the most treasured Christmas tree, and it is our tree.

We, too, are Chosen and Treasured

I am so thankful God does not choose who He loves based on appearances. Much like our special family Christmas tree, God chooses us because He loves us. God does not choose us because we are the biggest, the brightest, or the most splendid. God chose us because of His love for us.

“God wasn’t attracted to you and didn’t choose you because you were big and important—the fact is, there was almost nothing to you. He did it out of sheer love, keeping the promise he made to your ancestors.” Deuteronomy 7:7 (The Message)

May your Christmas be filled with faith, family, friends, and, most of all, the love of Christ!

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

Image Credit ReyniRzIllustrations