HELLO!

Today a dedicated group of decorators were hard at work transforming our sanctuary into the season of Advent which begins this Sunday. As their work was coming to an end Bethe and I slipped in to give thanks for their offering. Of course, most attention will rest with the Christmas tree. Which raises the question, what kind of a tree sits in your living space and when do we decorate it? We put ours up the week before Christmas.

Bethe and I shared different kinds of trees we have experienced in the churches we served. Bethe mentioned the Jesse tree. The Biblical text that underlines the significance of this tree is Isaiah 11, which speaks of the shoot coming out of the branch of Jesse. Throughout this section of the Book of Isaiah, the Israelites are in the midst of struggle, on the brink of judgment and destruction. We, too, find ourselves in times of transition and uncertainty. The Jesse tree reminds us of God’s new thing in each of our lives, and help us to share Advent’s hope, anticipate and good news with others—through symbol, song, and sacred connection.

I shared a story about the Chrismon tree that appeared annually in the previous church I served. It’s an evergreen tree, designed with ornaments: symbols used by early Christians to identify themselves with Christ. These symbols include: a dove, fish, Celtic cross, Jerusalem cross, shepherd's crook, chalice, shell. The purpose of a Chrismon tree is to tell a story of Christ’s teachings, including his life, death, and resurrection.

Do you have an interesting story to share about your Christmas tree?

My Dad would take my brothers with him to get a tree at the Halifax Forum. I would remain behind and help my mother get the ornaments and lights out of the attic. Everyone knew I was not particular when it came to the tree, decorating. When Kim and I were married we inherited ornaments from both sides of our family. Neither of us are decorating people. However, there are many special Christmas gifts that remain part of our Christmas season. All of them fit comfortably in one large Rubbermaid container; an Australian nativity scene, a Homer Santa, ornaments for Lucian’s first Christmas, special Christmas cards from my brothers, Kim’s brother and his wife. And our 2X4 Christmas tree we bought (Kijiji) in 2015. My brother Scott made the gold star. Peace, Kevin

PS In 1998 I won a competition sponsored by the Halifax Daily News for “Halifax’s Cheapest Person”, the story involves a Christmas tree I “found” for our living room. I still have that story, it’s a pdf document, so I can only send it to you if you write me and request it. I won a sweatshirt!