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"Prepare the way for the Lord; make straight paths for him." Mark 1:3
Part of Advent is preparing for the arrival of Jesus. In our home, the season of Advent begins when we bring out our boxes of ornaments. There are ornaments for every person, each with its own story and meaning. There’s the angel made from milkweed pods and little wood figures that my wife Kerrie’s mother crafted decades ago, a few “Baby’s First Christmas” -type ornaments, an ornament from our Christmas trip to the Arctic Circle where Santa lives, a surprising number of bears, and an entire fleet of Star Trek starships. Some are humble and homemade, others blinking with tiny batteries — but all precious. Over the years, we’ve gathered so many that it’s hard to find space for them all, yet somehow each one finds its place.
Each ornament is like a little time capsule, releasing a feeling or a moment in time when unboxed. As we hang each ornament, the memories unfold like chapters of a family story. When this happens, the tree becomes more than decoration. It becomes a sacred meeting place that takes us through space and time – connecting to family and friends we miss and propelling us from childhood to the present. It’s a place where the past and present gently intertwine, unfolding our hearts with a feeling of joy that peacefully grounds us and connects us to God. It culminates with the setting of the angel on the top bringing together our prayers, love, and joy celebrating God's promises through Jesus.
For a long time, I wanted to rush the process — to decorate fast and efficiently and move quickly to the next task. But when our daughter who lives out of town said, “don’t decorate the tree until I get home,” I began to understand. Preparing the tree isn’t about efficiency; it’s about experiencing the patient reflection and joy that comes with this simple task. Each ornament, hung with intention, becomes a small act of worship — a way of making room in our hearts for His presence and to prepare for Jesus’ arrival.
Lord, in this season of busy and hectic preparation, help us slow down long enough to see Your presence in every task. And as we prepare our house and church, help us to also prepare our hearts. Teach us to find peace in the still moments, to cherish the memories that connect us, and make room in our hearts to prepare for Your presence. Amen.
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