It’s the first day of Advent, and I decorated my live Christmas tree as a memory and honor tree. 2020 has been an incredibly hard year for everyone with a pandemic, a politically hostile environment, a struggling economy, the growth of racism, and a multitude of environmental issues. Add to these things social isolation like none of us has ever felt and you have a world depression of epic proportions. Every decorated tree limb stands for the people who have died, for those who are struggling to put food on their tables and to keep a roof over their heads, for those who have selflessly born the burden of our health care, for all who keep us safe in the military, in the police, and in the firemen, and for every American who has remained true to the American pledge of allegiance. An angel adorns the top of the tree as a beacon of light for all who believe in the power of our Almighty God and as a thank you for the blessings He has bestowed on us.
There are four candles in the windows of each of the two stories of my home. One candle watches for the Messiah whose light banishes the dark. He fulfills God’s promise for our salvation by dying on a cross. Two candles watch for the Messiah as He feeds our souls like a shepherd gently leading us home. Three candles watch for the Messiah as we lift our heads high, anxiously awaiting the King of glory. Four candles watch for the Messiah who brings us glad tidings of hope, peace, light, and love.
Rejoice! Rejoice! In the One called Emmanuel, God is with us today and forever. Through all our days, and yes, through 2020, He has walked by our side, and He will guide us onto 2021. May the tree lights and the candles in my windows shine forth into the world as gratitude for all who have given so much this year. May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be the grace needed by all to calm our loneliness and strengthen our actions for the betterment of each other. May the peace of the Lord be with us as we welcome the Christ Child into our hearts once again this year.
Anna Hartt
