Joy to the World!
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
~ Psalm 100:4-5
Ever since the kids moved away, we’ve been slowly scaling back on some of our Christmas traditions. It’s not that we’re down on the season, it’s just that sometimes things can feel more like work than celebration. And since I am the one usually responsible for decorating the Christmas tree, I have focused recently on which ornaments we really need and which could maybe find a better home.
There are four ornaments, however, that will always remain (see photo below). Two were given to us by Joe’s grandmother after we were married and two were given to me by my mother before she passed away.
The ornaments from Joe’s grandmother are from the 1950’s, colorful and quirky. They remind me of her. Madeline was a lively, exuberant woman who spoke 7 languages, emigrated to NYC in 1929, and told us stories of making gin in her bathtub for the firemen next door. She lived a long life and performed gymnastics well into her 80s.
The ornaments from my mother are from the 1970s, simple, handmade, and remind me of her – sweet, loving, and beautiful. Miriam was a small-town girl from Port Allen, Louisiana, a devout Catholic, and a beloved friend to many. She died much too soon at the age of 58.
Both these women were strong influences in our lives growing up and it is important to me that we keep their memory alive. For this reason, I love taking these ornaments out of their boxes each year and putting them on our tree. I feel like these mothers are still somehow with us. I keep two each of these ornaments in hopes my two children will carry on this tradition someday. I love the idea of being a connection between them and the ones that came before. We hold in our hands a tangible symbol not only of Christmas but of a mother’s cherished and precious love handed down, year after year.
As I reflect in writing this, it reminds me of the genealogy of Matthew where he lists the generations of men and women God used to bring us Jesus. It reminds me too of the warmth and connection between kinswoman Mary and Elizabeth expressed in the gospel of Luke. These stories echo the greater story of God’s enduring love passed on from generation to generation, year after year.
Reflect on God's Word:
Take a Moment to Pray:
Dear Lord, thank you for the tender care of parents and grandparents that has brought me here today in a loving relationship with you. Thank you for the gift of my own children and the chance I have, every day, to pass on this connection of love and relationship and commitment. May they know that the Lord is good and give him thanks and praise. Amen
Listen to the Carol
Here, Phil Wickman performs the beloved carol, Joy to the World. This is a family favorite of ours growing up. Let every heart prepare Him room!