Tree Angel

This little beauty adorns our tree every year, as well as a few others like her. What is not to like, but is it not interesting how we look upon her differently from one day to the next? In the days leading up to Christmas Eve, and then Christmas Day, she represents the messenger of things to come, instilling in us a sense of anticipation. She reminds us of the angels who heralded the coming of the baby Jesus. Christmas is so much about anticipation because the Saviour was greatly anticipated by the Nation of Israel. Finally the day comes. All is so wonderful. Then the day fades, as does the wonderment and the waiting. And on Boxing Day and the days that follow, the little angel, as well as the other ornaments and adornments of Christmas, just becomes another thing to clean up so we can 'get on with it'.

So, was the whole thing pointless? No! There are many things in our lives that happen on a regular basis that we anticipate, either with joy or with dread, and when the event passes, we carry on, knowing that it will happen again. These events are reminders, and we need them to keep our lives in perspective. We know we cannot celebrate birthdays or anniversaries every day of the year, and yet they come and go, reminding us of the passage of time and give us opportunity to assess our lives and what we are doing with the passage of time. Christmas is a reminder that our Saviour has come, Easter a reminder that he is alive, and time in between is for living out this reality, not just looking forward to the next reminder.