Take Down, Put Away

The process of cleaning up after Christmas never seems to hold as much joy as when we pulled out boxes of Christmas decorations a few short weeks ago.    The awe I felt at the beginning of the season is overtaken with dreaded task at hand. Removing the ornaments from the tree, boxing them up, putting them away, and then getting rid of the tree itself is not a pleasurable experience. For awhile it seems like an endless task- gathering items from every room and replacing them back into the "Christmas closet" for another year.

I paused when passing the nativity scene, wondering why should I box up a reminder of a most holy birth. Caught up in the cleaning frenzy, however, I packed it away with the other items. 

When all work was completed, I felt a sense of accomplishment, but had a nagging thought in my mind. Why did I place the nativity scene in a closet not to be removed for another year? By the prompting of my heart, I got up in the middle of the night, found the special box holding all the figurines I knew so well, carefully unpacking and placing them on a kitchen shelf. A feeling of satisfaction engulfed me, knowing I would see this visible reminder of Jesus’ birth every day of the year.So when you pack your holiday decorations, take time to ask God what He would have you show in your home all year. I am sure there will be one special item which is meant to be displayed year round in your home, too.

If you're interested, there is more information about:
The most important event of all time and
The most important Book of all time.

email this message to a friend   |   DW Home

Contributed by Marion Smith
Comments/Feedback are welcome