Silver and Gold

This is our Christmas tree this year. She is beautiful I think. I work on her everyday a bit more. Rearranging the garland, placing an ornament in a better place, adding some ribbon to the top, or wrapping home made gifts to give her a sense of bounty. Provision. What did my friend Jessica write today that I read? Oh yes, "We can wait, anticipate, and give generously, because we waited for our God and he gave generously." I like that.

Gold has been the theme on my tree the last few years. I like gold, always have. I really really want to like silver. I go out in public in silver. It's what goes on my dining table. It's flashy and daring and cool and sleek. There is some silver on my tree. But gold is the overwhelming sense. My wedding ring is gold. My finest jewelry (of which I have very little) is gold. My china that was passed down from my great grandmother is gold. Gold glows and feels warm. It also seems majestic and glorious and calls for respect and adoration. It proclaims something even in it's warmth.

And thus my tree that I touch and fiddle with each day of this season is ready. She is laden and full and ready to give all that she has away. She is proclaiming that which is to come. As Christmas Eve is upon me since I've stayed up too late, I wait. We are all waiting. Waiting for the snow to lift (we are mostly snowed in here in Portland for the first time in what they are saying is 90 years). Waiting for all our traditions to unfold. Waiting to see family and friends we haven't seen in awhile. Waiting for something new to happen. And waiting for that magical moment of Christmas morning when...

I think my son says it best so far. Each day he wants to open his presents right now or put all the advent calendar pieces on at once, and I say, "Not till Christmas day." He says "Why mom?" and I say "Because that is when Jesus comes." He says, "But he's already here."

Well that being true, I smile again as I gaze at my tree beauty. She indeed is proclaiming something. Him who has already came and gave everything up for us. Sorta takes the pressure off of Christmas morning. I often feel like there is more I'm supposed to understand, to receive, or celebrate better that Jesus is here. But this year I'm thinking that I already know Him and experience all the time that He is here. Let the party begin, the festivities roll, and all the work I've done on gifts be given away. There may not be a way for me to go back in time to the stable where He was born. But I can remember how I've experienced him and celebrate that which was given and revel in the fact that he is already here and how that's changed everything.

I love this season.