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I think the invention of the pre-lit Christmas tree is one of the marvels of this century.

Three parts inserted together, three plugs plugged into each other and then into the wall and ‘voila’- an instant, gorgeous, perfectly balanced display! Can’t you just hear the angels singing?

Except of course, when it doesn’t light up.

The day after Thanksgiving we started getting all the Christmas stuff down from the attic in the garage. Dragged it all into the house. Christmas carols played on the stereo, two girls and their mom were excited to get our house all ‘Christmassy’. We decided the tree should be first. Bottom section, check. Middle section, check. Tiny pointed top section – all in place. Plug A into B into C and…tada!!! Well almost.

It was a ‘tada!’ moment, except for three pesky lower branches in the center that remained dark. We plugged and re-plugged. Still dark. We jiggled branches and tested bulbs. Still dark. For this type A perfectionist – it was a frustrating moment. Then from the mouths of my fifteen-year-old – the same darling girl who can make me swell with motherly pride and moments later sigh w/ motherly frustration – came these words. She squinted at the tree, tilted her head and said, “Momma, I know, don’t look at those branches that are dark. Just look at the branches that are lit.” So I did.

Wow. When I concentrated on the lights, the areas of darkness seemed to disappear. The lights were so bright, that the parts that weren’t, just didn’t really matter that much.

Great Christmas tree advice, but also great advice for life.

This Christmas, maybe you can purpose to look at the ‘lights’ in your life instead of screaming in frustration at the darkness. We all have ugly stuff, and things that we wish were different. Everyone reading this is missing someone…desperately missing someone around their Christmas table. Maybe instead of bemoaning your family’s lack of Hallmark-card-perfection, you can look at the lit branches that are there; love, kids, friends, family… Jesus. Instead of putting more and more on your to-do list, trying to achieve an illusive Christmas ideal, take a step back and count your blessings.

My dark branches are widowhood, family health struggles, and financial challenges. But lighting my way this holiday are branches full to overflowing with love– first the love of God to send Jesus, then the love of family and friends.

A house to live in.

Two precious girls to kiss goodnight.

Flavored coffee.

Fluffy pillows.

Hope of heaven.

The list goes on.

And if I squint my eyes just right and tilt my head, my Christmas tree looks pretty bright after all. Have you looked at your lit branches today?

Reflections

Make a list, right now, of ten things in your life you are thankful for.

Are there dark areas do you need to surrender to the Lord, once and for all?

Make a plan to sit in the dark in front of your lit Christmas tree this season and really see the beauty of the lights- even if there are dark spaces.

Mary treasured all of these things and pondered them in her heart…
Luke 2:19

Whatever is true, whatever is lovely, whatever is right…think on these things…
Philippians 4:8

Father God, allow us to see ourselves as the partially lit tree. Guide us to see the beauty in our lives, amidst the darkness. As Mary, help us ponder all the things of this difficult year, finding truth and goodness wherever we can. Your love is the brightest part of our lives. Help us shine Your love to all those around us. Amen