Every ornament tells a story. That’s the basic philosophy of my Christmas
tree. During this Christmas season, I am
introducing you to some of my favorites and sharing the story behind them. So far, I have shared ornaments from my
parents and grandparents.
Today’s ornament is from my uncle and aunt, who also gave a
Christmas ornament every year. It’s
really no wonder I love my ornaments--they were a huge part of extended family
Christmas traditions. My uncle was a
pastor at a local church for over 30 years.
Every year, their family would host an open house in their home for
anyone in the church the first weekend in December. For several hours Saturday afternoon and
Sunday afternoon, their house was filled with a steady stream of people from
their congregation, celebrating Christmas together. And every year, my aunt and uncle gave a
Christmas ornament to each family who came to the open house. Sometimes, especially in the early years,
they were handmade. I remember many a
Thanksgiving where the after dinner entertainment was helping to finish up the
ornaments for the open house. Sometimes
they bought small items they made into ornaments at some significant place for
the year. This is one of my favorites
because it smells like cinnamon.
The open house and ornaments are just one way that my aunt
and uncle showed hospitality. Family
holidays at their house often included more than just biological family, but others
who needed a place to celebrate too. Throughout the year, they often had people knock at the door, whether church members dropping
something off or friends of their kids.
They graciously welcomed them in and offered something to eat and
drink. My sister, brother-in-law, and at
least one of my cousins lived in their basement for a while when they needed a
place to live. And they welcomed children with Downs Syndrome to their family through adoption. They, probably more than anyone else I know,
have lived out scripture’s command to “show hospitality to strangers” (Hebrews 13:2).
