When the tree is all finished, we often stand back and bask in the fragrance of the tree. Before we know it, our house is enveloped in the scent of pine. For the boys, this is the first real indication that Christmas is close. Soon presents will start to appear under the tree and the anticipation of Santa arriving on Christmas morning will build and build until they can hardly stand it. What a sight it will be as they rip into their presents, literally shouting with glee.
Traditions. They are so very important right now. While so much of our normal lives have been stripped from us, we need anchors, reminders of the past and what was so that we can endure what is. Four weeks from now, we will be celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord. This Christmas will be unlike any Christmas that has come before it. We will not be able to worship together on Christmas Eve. There will be no Christmas pageant or singing of Christmas hymns. Families will not be able to gather together to exchange presents. The joy of simply being with those whom we love will not be possible for many of us.
