Day 5: FAIL-La-La-La-La
While the Smith family Christmas tree is waiting to be purchased,
Cereal left a shiney little evergreen atop Owinn's dresser this morning. Owinn
seemed a little bit more interested in Cereal’s whereabouts this morning. I
think because Cereal went to sleep with her but had relocated.
Before I proceed, you must know that I have compiled a spreadsheet
of all of Cereal’s antics and their meanings from the day after Thanksgiving
through Christmas Day. Today, I was supposed to help Owinn make the connection
between Christ and the Christmas tree.
MOM. FAIL.
EPIC mom fail.
Once upon a time, I was a
fourth-grade teacher. Teaching analogies to fourth graders is a challenge. Teaching
analogies to a two-year-old … maybe I didn’t think this one through. Even as I
searched far and wide to find a solid connection, this tree has become a thorn
in my side. My Poppy preached once about “sacred cows”. Maybe not to you, but
to me, the Christmas tree has become a sacred cow- I put it up and decorate it
because, well, because they’re beautiful! But the truth is, I don’t even know
the connection.
After stumbling to tell Owinn, “Cereal left this beautiful tree
because … because … because … well, because Jesus’ birthday is coming!” Um no!
If I go to be with the Lord soon, please rally around my daughter and make sure
she learns to question statements like that. In fact, pray she questions
everything anyway. … but only after my first cup of coffee. Thanks.
As day 5 retired, I spent some more time digging.
Fantastic, the tree began as a pagan symbol. Mom of the year right
here!
Dig a little deeper. Dig a little deeper.
Dig out Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance. The Greek word Xulon essentially refers to anything
made of wood. While it was most often used to refer the cross of crucifixion, we
also find the word used to name trees. Christ is often compared to a tree. For
example, Hosea 14:8 reads “ … I am like a green fir tree. From me is thy fruit
found.” I’ll take it! It’s a stretch for putting up an elaborate tree, but I’ll
take it!
Moving forward, I intend to reteach the meaning of the Christmas
tree … or, at least the meaning we have created. I still think the message is a
little complex for a two-year-old, but I’ll reteach it nonetheless. I’ll also
consider removing the “tree day” should Cereal visit us again next year or at
least until my pupil is a bit older.
What exactly is the purpose of YOUR tree? I’m eager to learn more
about the symbolism of these beautiful trees. Are they, in fact, sacred cows?
So many questions.
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