A grandmother was being helped by her young granddaughter in decorating her Christmas trees. Traditions established by the grandmother had a “Jesus” tree and a second tree, which was an “all other” ornament tree. The “Jesus” tree would be adorned with all ornaments that referred to the Lord, to the Nativity, and anything to do with The Father, The Son, and the Holy Spirit. This included anything that referred to the Christmas story of Christ’s birth, The Bible, angels, stables, etc. There were church ornaments, names of Christ ornaments, and characters from the Bible.
The second tree would be for all the ornaments that had been given or purchased that were generic or cultural in their meaning and purpose. These ornaments were not offensive; they just did not point others to the Christmas story of Christ’s birth, our Heavenly Father, The Bible, etc. As the grandmother explained to the young child, which was which, the young granddaughter immediately responded by referring to the second tree as “the nonsense tree.”
Nonsense refers to “spoken or written words that have no meaning or make no sense.” We have all heard the old saying “out of the mouth of babes.” It is used in the context of the words of wisdom and/or truth that sometimes comes out of the mouth of a child that causes adults to take notice. The saying actually comes for the Bible. It refers to the declaration that children are ordained by God to give Him praise.
Psalm 8:2 (NLT): You have taught children and infants to tell of your strength, silencing your enemies and all who oppose you. Matthew 21:16 (NLT): They asked Jesus, “Do you hear what these children are saying?” “Yes,” Jesus replied. “Haven’t you ever read the Scriptures? For they say, ‘You have taught children and infants to give you praise.’”
Other ornaments may have sentimental meaning and value, but in thinking about life and eternity, Christ “is” Christmas. The faith and innocence of a child is often astounding because of their simple acknowledgement of God and Jesus. It is not a far stretch for children to embrace Christmas as a celebration of the birth of Christ. When we have that attitude about Christmas, then “everything” about Christmas takes on new meaning.
The granddaughter is correct. When we make Christmas about everything but the birth of Jesus, it robs all of us of a meaningful celebration. Children know in their hearts there is more to Christmas than what appears at the surface of busyness and getting gifts. When we look anywhere but the manger to find the meaning of Christmas, it is nonsense, just as this young girl said.
I encourage you to engage your children and make Christmas about Jesus’ birthday; then Christmas will have meaning and purpose. The gifts that are exchanged will be even more special. Matthew 19:14: “But Jesus said, ‘Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.‘”
