Liam and I plan to shop for a Christmas tree tomorrow. My husband is not an enthusiast for holiday decorating and Angus just takes it all in stride. So for over twenty years, the tree has been for Liam and myself.

Christmas trees are records of family history. Every year we hang certain ornaments made by loved ones (Liam’s RE crafts, the kit my dad put together, my brother’s preschool projects). We set out ornaments representing family members (Aunt Virginia’s gargoyle, my sister’s angel) and those acquired on adventures (the Bermuda honeymoon, the Honduras mission trip).

Our’s is never a glamorous tree. Somehow we always get one that lists a bit, that has a big hole in the branches. Nothing really matches and the cat always claims his share of the ornaments – we find them all over the house during the season, and after!

The Christmas tree demonstrates that things continually change and that history can be recaptured just a bit. A poignant reminder of what has been lost and gained over the years, it is a prop in the dramedy of our lives.

I hope your props and historical artifacts of the season bring you joy and meaning!

In wisdom, grace & hope!

Rev. Ruth