How long does it take to decorate a Christmas tree? Half an hour, I guess, if you pop it out of a box. Longer if you bring it into the living room and secure it in a tree stand. Much, much longer when you linger over the ornaments.
There’s a sapphire sequined bird I love to place on our tree: it was a gift from my best friend, and though it’s missing an eye, it is still beautiful. In my mind that eye is replaced with all the places we’ve been together, long walks taken, cups of tea consumed, stories and truths spoken. That eye is a lifetime of vision.
What do you see on the Christmas tree near you?
What the shepherds saw astounded them and everyone they told:
They went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed.
The Light in our darkness shines into the future. God gives us a vision and the eyes of faith to see it.
‘Do not be afraid; for see - I am bringing you good news of great joy for all people: to you is born this day in the city of David
Blessings on you, as you see that which is familiar through eyes of love. Blessings on you, as you peer at that which is new, and trust the Light to shimmer on it. Blessings on you, as you gaze at our beautiful and troubled world and bring your love to it.
The Rev. Dr. Catherine Faith MacLean
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