| Christmas 2010 in Morganton, NC. Nikon D3, 14-24mm, ISO 200, f/2.8, 1/2500 |
Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who I have born from your birth, carried from the womb; even to your old age, I am he, even when you turn gray, I will take you. I have made and will bear; I will carry and save. Isaiah 46:3-4
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| Chelle helped decorate a gingerbread house at our friend Jackie Reedy’s “Cookie Day” in 2010. Lumix DMC-TZ5. ISO 100, f/3.3, 1/4 |
“Chelle can you help me put up the Christmas tree?” was my question a few years ago. Our family uses a fake tree due to our allergies; it takes time to unpack and put it together each year. My daughter had finally gotten big enough to help hand me the branches. So together, we assembled the tree, and then Dorie, my wife, helped with the ornaments and other decorations around the house. The following year Chelle asked me, “Daddy, when are we putting up the tree?” Dorie reminded me we now had a tradition. So it continues to this day.
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| Our Christmas tree in 2011. Nikon Coolpix P7000, ISO 1600, f/2.8, 1/30 |
While I could tell you about all the symbolism of the Christmas tree, it boils down to what Christmas is about—the tradition of rekindling a relationship through the simple practice of putting up a Christmas tree. It is like the official start of the season for our family. It is a time my daughter enjoys with her father as a particular time together. Likewise, as a father, it is my time to spend time with my daughter.
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| Tacky Christmas Sweater Party for Kelly Stancil, graduating from Georgia Tech in December 2010. Lumix, DMC-TZ5. ISO 250, f/3.3, 1/30 |
Maybe this is what the season is about—rekindling our relationship with the father through his son, Jesus Christ. As long as all these traditions help and remind us to spend time with God, we are genuinely living the season.
Dear Lord, may these traditions remind me of spending time with you. Please help us to grow closer not only to you but to those around us this season. Please help us to celebrate the traditions in a way that draws us closer to you. Amen.