Angi Aymond

I asked a simple question.

When do you put up your Christmas tree?

1) before Thanksgiving 

2) after Thanksgiving

Though my poll wasn’t rocket science, I learned one hard fact: people are NOT neutral on this topic!

There’s a divide in opinions and it’s a chasm!

The purists don’t budge until the day after Thanksgiving.

Others decorate for Christmas before the turkey and sweet potato pie are served. (As a side note, some folks throw up those trees once the Halloween candy has been distributed!)

So what’s up with the earlier than usual crowd?

I’m sitting here, coffee in hand, just my tree loaning me its light. And I think – that’s it. The light.

We, like moths to a flame, are drawn to light. And perhaps in these current days, we want a bit more of it. So we give ourselves permission to put up our trees and don our homes with lots of lights.

Bright. Twinkling. Multi-colored.

Because it’s dark.

Yes. It’s dark earlier this time of year, but our world’s heart is dark, as well. And I believe we are drawn to the beauty of the lights of Christmas. Crave them. And this year, maybe a bit more than usual.

But there’s another light we long for.

The Light.

The Light of the World who came to shine His love into the darkness; to overcome the darkness.

God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all.

1 John 1:5

GE and the other light manufacturers can’t hold a candle to the light of Christ.

And while many celebrate Christmas without knowing Christ Himself, He is the light they are really longing for. A Light who never goes dim, burns out, or times out.

“I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.”

JOHN 8:12 (CSB)

So, I say let the lights shine bright. As early as you like. As many as you like.

Bright and colorful.

Simple warm white.

Twinkling. Or not.

And to the purists in the crowd, I understand your position. Stand firm in your principles if you must. But you know you love the lights, too!

“Oh, great light of the world
Fill up my soul
I’m half a man here
So come make me whole
Oh, great light of the world
Come to impart
The light of Your grace
To fill up my heart.”

– Bebo Norman