This is it, the tree, the leaning tower of limbs. We got a little carried away with putting all the ornaments on one side. We had to reorganized several times. I think it is good enough as long as the dogs do not get to happy and wag their tail.

This tree sets the stage for my children, young and old, they all react the same way, excited. They get so excited to decorate the tree. It doesn't matter their age to see the pure joy they have in their hearts when that tree comes out of the box.

I sometimes wish we were able to have a real evergreen tree versus an artificial, however I think I will take the fake over reaction to allergies anytime. The scent of the fragrant piney needles brings spirited memories, one of which I miss.

My children will not have the memory of a real tree, but they will have the memory of receiving a package each year around the third week of December from their grandfather.

This endearing man, my father, makes each grandchild a stain glass ornament. He designs each ornament based on the personality of the child, draws the design, cuts the glass, and assemblies the ornament into a magnificent sight. Once the child turns 18 they receive their final ornament. If I count correctly, he has to date made 114 ornaments of love.

The excitement and joy of beginning Advent starts with fond memories of their grandmother and grandfather. We share stories until we are laughing silly. My children talk about each ornament as decorate the tree, remembering when they got it and what was happening at that time in their life.

They reflect..........I reflect..........we begin Advent.

The season changes, our dispositions change, we restore what we know which is forgiveness, compassion, courtesy, happiness and a longing of a vision of what God wants for each of us. We begin the transformation of ourselves into the messenger of hope and love for the world. We don't dwell on the "can't but on the "can's" because we allow God to be ever present by the constant reminder of that tree and the love that decorates it.

So the tree is the sign for my children wrapped in ornaments of love. The shepherds were told by an angel that "this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger." Luke 2:12 They searched and did not give up hope until they found the Messiah.

We search, we wait, until our savior is born.