On Purpose

Remember that book, A Purpose Driven Life? Well, lately I've been thinking about Christmas and all the traditions that go along with it. Jim Gaffigan has a hilarious bit on the subject. So in an effort to be very "purposeful", I'm rethinking all of the traditions and asking myself, "Why?" Why do we put up lights. Why do I buy presents? Why do we chop down a tree? Just to name a few.

In preparing for the day when I explain to our children, "Why?", we do all of this, I've had a few revelations that have spoken to my questions. The lights. There are so many verses in the Bible about light(s) that you could completely omit the star guiding the wise men to Jesus and still feel contented with stringing bulbs around your bushes. My favorite verse that talks about light is in Matthew. You are the light of the world...let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. My heart leaps when I see houses decorated with lights now, at the reminder that we are to shine in the world, just like these lights in the dark.

The presents. When I asked 2 of my students what their favorite holiday was, 1 of them said Christmas. After asking why, I may have dazed off expecting to hear an answer about the presents and gifts. But that's now what I heard. My student told me about baby Jesus being born and the excitement of his birth to the world. Whoa! Her mother could not be more proud. My hope is that some day if my children are asked about the holidays, they glean the true meanings deep in their hearts. So, all of this to say, we've decided to give our children and each other three gifts. A symbol of the wise men's gifts to Jesus. Precious gifts that were actually symbols of the days to come. I can only hope that our gifts will be as thoughtful.

The tree. After looking at a few websites, I realized that the Christmas tree is actually a controversial topic about different religions. Who wants to get mad over a silly tree?! I've decided to take a note from the Romans. In ancient times, the Evergreen Tree, was a symbol of life in the midst of winter. This year, when Brandon cuts down our tree, BAM!!! I hope it hits me like a ton of bricks. We are bringing a symbol of LIFE into our house, a new birth.

As my mind wonders and rests on the days ahead, I am filled with anticipation. Advent started today and learned that advent means, Coming. He is coming and He is here. Let earth receive her King!