We all have favorite Christmas decorations. The ones which hold dear memories and bring back cherished times. The mere sight of them can transport us back to the very first time we hung them on our tree.
So it is with my red beads. The photo Linda Stoll shared in one of her recent posts (HERE) reminded me of my own beads, not yet taken down from our attic. They are about forty years old and hold a sentimental value for which I was not fully certain of, just yet.
We went to get our tree at the same lot we had gone to for several years now. As promised, we facetimed our youngest granddaughter. We walked among the rows of trees, showing her various ones so she could help us make our selection.
Putting up our tree, I again remembered Linda’s post. I was discovering for myself that her words were ringing true – simple – truly was better this year.
Our first snow arrived soon after our tree went up. The snow wasn’t much to speak of, not even enough to shovel. But it was enough to blanket the yard and trees, bringing a beauty and a hush that began to minister to my soul.
The familiar words come drifting back to mind:
“Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” (Psalm 51:7, NASB)
The beauty of the snow lies in the fact that it reminds us of our great need to be cleansed. It assures us of the completed work of our Lord Jesus Christ who washes us and makes us whiter than snow.
Advent, is the time of waiting and remembering the life, and work, of our Savior.
Looking at our tree, seeing the red beads woven through the green branches, stirs my heart deeply. They now have deepened in their significance and sentiment.
The blood of Jesus has been woven through the Christmas story from the beginning. He came knowing what His purpose would be; knowing the Cross lie ahead.
The Christmas story
springs God’s greatest plan into action –
“Our sins they are many, His mercy is more.”
Prayer is one of the greatest gifts we can give to one another. Take time today to read Karen Friday’s post, Matters of the Heart: Pray for My Husband HERE and pray for Mike’s healing. Pray for the Lord to keep His hand upon both Mike and Karen and their family as they continue this long journey.
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
**Please note that this will be the last linkup of 2025. We will meet back here on Wednesday January 7, 2026. May your Christmas be filled with the joy of Christ and His everlasting love for each of you!
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
Dear Joanne, I love how our Christmas traditions have intertwined this year. May His love shine brightly and become more precious than ever as we celebrate His birth – and continue to wait for His coming.
It’s so important to remember that Christmas is more than coziness or a baby in a manger. There could be no peace on earth, or in individual hearts, without Jesus’ death and resurrection. What a wonder that He was willing to leave heaven, be born as a baby, live here on earth, suffer, and die—for us.
So lovely, Joanne. I was impacted by Linda’s post too. This year grief is heavy for me for many reasons; my husband’s cancer diagnosis was probably the thing that pushed me into my current weary state. That, along with recognizing many of our decorations held grief for me of other losses, I choose no decorations or tree this year, just a simple Advent wreath. I am amazed at how this stripping has allowed me to encounter Christ in a deeply personal way, in the simplicity of darkness and light. Thank you for your tender thoughts and may you be richly blessed this season!
I was impacted by Linda’s post, too, Joanne. Simplicity frees us to be still and know Him during this season of reflection.
Whenever we add anything extra to God‘s good plan, we risk exhaustion as we try to improve on his work. A simple Christmas seems like the best way to represent our intention to come back to the story that changed everything for us.
Amen! Simple is best. I’m glad God chose to make the gospel simple!
(By the way, Joanne, I have messaged you. You won The Advent Collection giveaway.)
Jerralea, I apologize as I did not get any message. If you would like you can email me at: jviola79@hotmail.com
I love having the pops of red during Christmas. And yes, let’s keep Karen and Mike in our prayers. I hope your family has a wonderful Christmas.
The peace and stillness in a snow covered world – it’s a holy stillness in so many ways – and so parallel to how Jesus washes away our sin and makes us white as so – they are echoes of each other in so many ways. What a beautiful visual you give us.
My grandmother made Christmas balls with beautiful beads, all kinds of gold ribbons, green and red, too–and a beautiful piece of jewelry worked in. I treasure those – they are over 60 years old:)
Merry Christmas, Joanne – I love your Christmas tree Face-timing outing with your grand! What a beautiful idea!
Such a beautiful post Joanne, very poignant indeed.
May you have a special Christmas this year with your parents.
And thank you for hosting throughout the year it’s been a joy to join up here each week.
Blessings, Jennifer 💕
Many of the ornaments on our Christmas tree each year are red and white – no purposefully on my part but rather it’s a compilation of all the beautiful ornaments we’ve received over the years. After reading your post, I think I’ll see these decorations in a new light – the purity and sacrifice that these two colors represent are at the core of what Christmas is! So beautiful!
I stopped back this morning (Friday) with one more post to share. Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed Christmas, Joanne! Thank you for hosting us all each week and for providing a respite in the midst of our week!
Hmmm….the red beads…the white snow…such symbolism here. Thank you for sharing! I love “His Mercy is More”!
Hi Joanne, I have started blogging again, to encourage and be encouraged. And coming over here and finding you again, has bee a great encouragement. May you and your family be very blessed this Christmas as we remember Christ and His sacrifice for us.
God bless
Tracy