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o, tannenbaum


as is our tradition, we found a terrific tannenbaum, took that thing home, hung all kinds of memories and lights on it, and made it a central part of our home while we prepare the way for our savior this year.  like the tree, christ's love - and the love he has given to us to share with others - is evergreen.  unlike the tree, there is no death that can stop his love.  ever. 


 
the whole family loves the process of decorating the tree.  i had written a poem about the process some time ago,  and posted it here on the blog, but i thought it might be worth reposting, since it's been 6 years.  here it is. 
 
hung
 
i've hung it on some tree or other twenty-something times. i remember.
its rite and ritual.
that's right, its more than glass
or brass or hallmark sentimentality.
its more than the sum of its weight,
more than the way it hangs on the tree.
its more than it appears to be, this
ornament.
"each year at this time we come close to Christmas," the preacher said
every december.
and each december, as Christmas looms, hangs
on the horizon,
i open up that blood red box, excitedly,
like santa left it for me. and i pull out
all those memories marked with years like
time capsules, encapsulating Christmases past.
and i hang them like hopes, on that stark tree.
i feel like a child, again, and birth (life) suddenly feels
a whole lot closer,
a whole lot more possible.

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