Ornaments and Wreaths

The boxes have been pulled out, and the dust is getting stirred up as we begin to deck the halls for Christmas. As we read yesterday's Proverb of the day, I asked the kids to listen for any verses that might have an application for Christmas. I didn't expect to find one, but right there, in verses 8 and 9, it was unmistakable:

Hear, my son, your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching; Indeed, they are a graceful wreath to your head and ornaments about your neck. (Proverbs 1:8-9)

Certainly, these verses were not written with Christmas in mind! But we had Christmas decorations on our minds, and the thought of draping ornaments and such on ourselves did seem a bit silly. One of my kids made the connection of the wreath that an Olympic athlete would wear after winning an event. And that is a good connection.

Ornaments worn on the head or around the neck were worn as a reward for winning a contest of some significance. Their actual value, as in the case of a wreath, had nothing to do with their material worth, but in the "bragging rights" associated with winning the prize, and the honor that was bestowed upon the winner.

In the case of the above proverb, they (the wreath and ornaments) refer back to the instruction and teaching of a child's parents. And a child whose parents have instructed him in the word of God is indeed blessed, especially if he hears and does not forsake what he has been taught.

There may be times when such a child might feel as though the wreath and ornaments are cumbersome and weighty and make living life a little awkward. But if he hears and does not forsake, he will one day realize the great blessing and prize that such instruction has given him, and be thankful to God for such a heritage.

There is no obvious Christmas connection. But as you pass on your traditions and teach and instruct your children about Christmas, my hope is that it would be the kind of teaching and instruction that will one day grace their lives with truth and the beauty of a life set apart for the glory of God.