Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Deck The Halls

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Do you Deck The Halls for Christmas at your house? Do you decorate cookies? Trim a Christmas tree?

Have you ever considered the purpose of decorating? (And not just for Christmas, but decorating in general?)

Allow me to offer that the purpose of decorating is to enhance what's already there. A tree with ornaments and lights, a cookie with frosting and sprinkles, a door with a wreath.

And even more at other times of the year and in other situations: A cake for a birthday, new paint and curtains in a room, makeup and clothing for people.

No matter how much decoration we provide, it's still what's 'underneath' that's important. A dead tree will eventually dry up, no matter how beautifully it's adorned. A poorly constructed house will quickly deteriorate, even with layers of fresh paint. Clothing and makeup? You can't cover bad character.

And then there's this incredible story about decoration:

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." (Luke 2:11-12)

A baby, wrapped in cloths, lying in a manger.

Hmmm... It appears that here the one being decorated far outshines the decoration. In fact, no matter what He would have been "wrapped" in, it could never enhance who He is. It could never improve Him. It could never create a more attractive Savior.

Question: Why do you Deck The Halls? Share your thoughts below in 'comments'.

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4 comments:

Philip A. Guzman, Esq. said...

My kind of tree. . my kind of Savior!

Brad Lewis said...

Simple but profound words... Thank you Phil!

Amos and Winsome said...

For me, decking the halls creates beauty. Then I think that beauty exudes joy and give reason for celebration. This Christmas however, because of our ill-health, we had boxes with the tree and decor. strewn across our living room floor. Our halls were not decked. Then suddenly our attention was drawn to other things beautiful. The reason for Christmas, the blessing of Chicken soup, the Christ child who lives in us and the beauty of the Love and laughter we share in our blessed marriage. And when we think of the kind FB well-wishes and caring phone calls from other loved ones, we appreciated the real beauty that's decked our lives, in the absence of decked halls. Thanks for being a blessing to us over the years we've known you and Elaine.

Brad Lewis said...

Sorry to hear Amos and Winsome. It sounds like in your adversity you found fresh insight and meaning. Thanks for sharing. Thank you for your constant encouragement!

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