Last year around this time depression overshadowed and not much got done in preparing for Christmas.
The tree was decorated but nothing else. No garlands, lights, or stockings were hung.
No cards were sent by me. Come to think of it, it has been years since I actually mailed cards mainly due to ever-present depression.
Last year, my husband picked up the slack and sent them out, to family, friends, and church members, for our family in the guise of it being a ‘Pastor thing to do’. Thankfully, he did what he knew I couldn’t.
Last year, I wanted so much to do the Jesse Tree Advent Devotional as a family. I printed it all out, even printing the ornaments on photo paper so that I could mount them or do something crafty with them.
The ornaments were never cut out and after about a week of reading each night somehow we got side-tracked and stopped it altogether.
This year, I am fighting hard against that dark cloud and am carefully choosing what I take part in and do. (and Christmas cards… don’t make that short list this year either.)
This year, I was determined to at least, if nothing else, do the Jesse Tree with the family. I kept bringing it to the Lord and asking Him to help me accomplish this one thing. This preparing of hearts for the Christmas Gift coming.
On the day after Thanksgiving, I stopped by the grocery store (of all places) and outside the store was the perfect Jesse Tree. A small fir about three foot tall in its own little tree stand. I didn’t hesitate or allow myself to talk myself out of it. I bought it and took it home.
Having the tree helped me to carve out time to sit and make the ornaments. I dry-mounted them on mat board with rubber cement and punched holes for hooks.
We have been faithful this year in reading the devotional each night. The kids are excited about it, with the older ones taking turns reading and the youngest putting the ornament on each night.
I’m thankful that this preparing for Christmas is taking place this year. A goal set, finally accomplished, helping me to keep moving forward in my “fight for joy,” as Ann calls it.
I want to be joyful this Christmas.
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A few comments about this devotional.
I love the poetic writing of Ann Voskamp, the literary way this is written is beautiful all by itself. The colorful ornaments are stunning, adding quiet reminders of each story you read on your Jesse Tree Journey.
Want to do this with your family? just click one of the links above. The link will take you to Ann Voskamp’s website for more information regarding the Jesse Tree Advent Devotional.
