The Need To Keep The Ornaments
When I was growing up, there was a long box that kept the ornaments, tree skirt, and sometimes the lights too - all in the same container. Dad and I would check the lights, every bulb on every strand (UGH!!), but together with my mother and sisters, we would put up the tree. In the box was also a hand-painted wooden ornament that looked like three wrapped gift boxes stacked together. Since it didn’t really match with any other ornament color-wise, it was always a challenge of where to place it on the tree. One year, I asked my mother where exactly to place it, and she quickly said, “Anywhere you want, but don’t hide it on the back side where it won’t be seen.” My response was, “But why?” My mother then sat me down and explained her reasoning.
She told me it was important because it served as a decoration for our tree, an ornament. We didn’t need to know what those “presents” might be because the ornament was a reminder to recognize the gifts, or ornaments, God has given us. She added, "What God gives us is for each day, not just a one-time recognition. The gifts He offers us are decorations for our spirit, but we choose whether we show them in our lives."
I knew Mom had a lot on her plate - taking care of grandma, helping others, church, cakes, raising me, etc. - and her health wasn’t the greatest, so I asked her what God had given her that she could show others. She then gave me the list. Forgiveness, grace, mercy, patience, comfort, provision, love, ..........(it was a LONG list).
But I asked, “Isn’t God supposed to give us those things?” Her answer, though not in so many words, went something like this: “Yes, He is. But He will only make available to us what we are ready to receive and put to His use.” She then stated that she got that I didn’t understand why this painted wooden ornament belongs on the tree. She added that I didn’t see the beauty in the ornament because it was for the tree.
She asked me, "What did God give you last year?" Did I recognize His gifts, or did I just use them maybe once, then put them away?
This year, the job of putting away the physical decorations needs to be done with each piece treated with the care and attention to detail it deserves. But before we move away from the celebration of His birth and all it means, will we look back and see all He truly gave us this year? Will we see and use the ornaments He designed just for us? Or will all His ornaments be put away until the next time we choose to get them out?
Posted 12/6/2025
