Observation
So today my roommate made a semi-joke about the BEAUTIFUL corn husk nativity set that is sitting on our kitchen table. She bet that it would still be sitting out there when we move in June. I doubt it - mainly because our other roommate has joint custody of it with her sister (they switch off every Christmas) and I'm sure the sister will be wanting it back before too long. That said, her prediction is not too unlikely considering our Christmas tree from last year is still sitting in the backyard. Whoops.
Anyways, her comment got me thinking: why is it that we never think twice about the cross being left out past Easter but we are so quick to put away our Christmas decorations? I recognize the cross symbolizes redemption, but I believe one could argue the nativity and birth of Christ symbolize hope - the thrill of hope, even (had to throw it in there, Kendra, I loved your blog) - of the redemption and a more tangible relationship with our Savior.
I want to word this better but my brain is fried, so I'll leave it up to your thoughts.
Oh and also, my Mexican nativity set has been sitting on my printer since last December. Mary and Joseph are wearing ponchos. It's great.
Anyways, her comment got me thinking: why is it that we never think twice about the cross being left out past Easter but we are so quick to put away our Christmas decorations? I recognize the cross symbolizes redemption, but I believe one could argue the nativity and birth of Christ symbolize hope - the thrill of hope, even (had to throw it in there, Kendra, I loved your blog) - of the redemption and a more tangible relationship with our Savior.
I want to word this better but my brain is fried, so I'll leave it up to your thoughts.
Oh and also, my Mexican nativity set has been sitting on my printer since last December. Mary and Joseph are wearing ponchos. It's great.
Comments
"Oh, would that Christmas lasted the whole year through, as it ought," Charles Dickens lamented. "Would that the spirit of Christmas could live within our hearts every day of the year."
But, what is the Christmas spirit? Perhaps the Christmas spirit, like the nature of the Beloved, is meant to be a Holy Mystery. Perhaps the Christmas spirit is our souls' knowledge that things, no matter how beautiful, are only things; that we were created, not always to do, but sometimes simply to be. Perhaps the Christmas spirit is a loving reminder that we must MAKE time for the long, slow journey across the desert; we must TAKE time to discover our star; we must HONOR THE TIME NECESSARY to brood over the coming of the authentic (person) we were created by Spirit to become. It has been said many times that our lives are gifts from God -- that what we do with them is our gift in return. Today (Chrismas time) is the perfect day to remember this.
Sarah Ban Breathnach, Simple Abundance, Dec 25th
LOVE, DAD
But you bring up a really good point.
Oh, and thanks for the shoutout!!!!