There’s a sense of intimacy with The Lord when I light up our living room Christmas tree in the early morning hours. It’s probably the simple invasion of so many lights in a dark room - the exact metaphor one needs when thinking back to that first invasion.
Holiday symbolisms can either pierce a heart or be lost in the malaise of competing sensations throughout December.
The closer you are to The Child of Bethlehem, the more real the metaphors.
There was sincere reasoning for the development of the celebrations and symbols that have gained traction over the past twenty centuries. Followers wanted to feel intimacy with The Babe and these representations helped them in their path to the manger.
However, if a heart won’t let Jesus into the manger of its soul, no amount of trees, wreathes, lights and nativities will bring it into “the Christmas spirit.”
PORTAL TO HEAVEN: Softening one’s soul is what allows symbolisms, metaphors and portals to have their full effect. “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called[a] the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.” “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Luke 1:34-38