Why do we decorate at Christmas time? Jesus was born in a manger, and yet many of us to celebrate his birth deck out our whole houses. It takes years to accumulate complete sets of decorations –from expensive pieces to enough simple lights to cover the trees, banisters, and yard. For some, it takes almost as long just to put the decorations up.
Despite the irony, it seems we do have a good reason for the adorning of our homes during this season: we’re symbolically welcoming the adorner.
“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the one who brings news of peace, who announces good things, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!’”
–Isaiah 52:7
By decorating, we announce that the Lord is come. We announce that salvation is available to all, and that eternal life with Him is something to celebrate.
And doesn’t it seem like the Lord joins us in the effort? December is beautiful. The December sky is striking. Up north, here, we have this chilled air that wakes you up, opening your eyes. Driving around, we see lights and bright colors everywhere. We must not forget that the Lord made those, too.
Along with the beautiful we see, there is also the beauty He adorns the world with internally. Beauty like hope and love. The “the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight” (1 Peter 3:4.)
Scripture tells us that Christ was there in the beginning. The same Lord who became that little baby, born to save us from this ugly thing called sin, created us in the first place.
And now, He creates us anew. Rejoice in that beauty. Rejoice in the “new clothes” He adorns us with. Rejoice in the Word and Spirit, written on our hearts to turn us from cold stone to living testimonies of His –yes His, glory.
“Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.”
–Psalm 29:2
Behold, the beauty of the good news.
Behold, the adornment of the world in light, living color, hope, and transformation.
Behold, the adorner who makes it so.
This post is being shared on: #DanceWithJesus and #LifeGivingLinkup.
This is adorable Bethany! I don’t believe I have missed your series…I am so sorry about that.
I would have to do a quick scan through your most recent posts in this series.
Many Blessings my dear friend.
No problem Ifeoma! So glad you’ve enjoyed what you’ve had a chance to read. It’s a busy time of year!! Thanks for your encouragement : ) Blessings and Merry Christmas to you, sweet lady.
Such a beautiful way to think about God – the Adorner. I love that thought! No wonder December is such a lovely month:) Thank you for sharing this. It blessed me this morning! Happy to be your neighbor at Dance With Jesus, too:)
Thank you, Kristine! He is beautiful and makes things so gorgeous for us. December is lovely!! So glad you were blessed by the words here and even happier you are blessed to know Him and to soak in His beauty too!
Your thoughts are so unique — I’ve never put that particular name with Jesus, but what a blessing to give this concept some attention during this time of year when we spend so much time decking the halls that we lose sight of the reason for it all. Thank you!
Uh-oh! Unique in a God-given way I hope : P Thank you Michele! I so appreciate your style of writing and thoughts, too. This idea makes me think of enjoying decorations a little differently too -a welcome change : ) Thank you!