Deck the Hall!

I know the real title of the song is “Deck The Halls” but our house is basically one big hallway. Still, it was really fun to decorate my own home for Christmas. It’s a good thing that I like a more natural, rustic look because that’s what I was able to scrounge around for free this year: tree trimmings, pinecones, birch logs. I’m so glad to have a Willow Tree Nativity (wedding gift from Waibel siblings!) because my Mom has had one for several years now and it’s fun to carry on the tradition and have something familiar. Although the decor has been tweaked and rearranged since these pictures, the hall is decked for Christmas around here!

We’ve had one extended family Christmas, attended a Madrigal dinner, and will continue the festivities this weekend with a dinner for the business on Saturday and the Champaign Christmas program and caroling on Sunday. This season has held many charms in it’s own but it has been an adjustment to go through Christmastime in a new place with new activities. Although I can hardly relate to Mary, it has caused me to stop and think about how she must’ve felt being miles from home, in a strange town, having a baby in a stable. And her simple desire was for God’s will to be done. Not only is that convicting, it’s such a good reminder that Christmas isn’t about us. It’s about God fulfilling another step of the salvation plan through Jesus.

I really am glad that Christmas is more than decking the halls and getting just the right gift. I’m so glad that it’s more than a time when strangers smile more often too each other. For those who know Jesus personally it’s a time to refocus on God, the giver of all good gifts. It’s a time to join the angel chorus in glorifying the miraculous birth that is the birth of Jesus.