Ornaments for My Spiritual Christmas Tree

As I was putting up my Christmas tree, I thought about the ornaments and what each one meant to me. Each one has a special meaning to me and my family and brings back great memories. Then I started thinking "What if I had a spiritual Chritmas tree? What ornaments would I hang?"

As a Catholic, my tree would have many symbols of my faith. I would most definitely have ornaments for each Sacrament I have recieved thus far: Baptism, Reconciliation, Holy Eucharist, Confirmation, Matrimony and the Annointing of the Sick. I would have an ornament for the time that my husband and I had our marriage convalidated. I was originally married by a Methodist minister because my husband is Methodist. We had our marriage convalidated - or recognized - in the Catholic Church so I could receive the Sacraments.

My spiritual tree would have an ornament for each of the 8 religious education classes I have taught because each one made my faith grow and at times helped me through periods of spiritual dryness. Speaking of spiritual dryness, I would have an ornament for that too. It is in those periods of doubt that my faith has been shaken only to come out on the other side appreciating God so much more. Those times when God seems so far away are when He is closest to me.

I would have ornaments for the blogs that I have written for and for this current experience on Catholic365.com. God has given me a gift which I am compelled to share with others hoping that I do justice to His inspiration. My tree would have ornaments for the 3 retreats that I have attended. These times of spiritual reflection, fellowship and prayer have rejuvenated my faith and helped me to take a step back and realize what being Catholic is all about.

Of course, my spiritual tree would have special ornaments as well. I would have one for Saint John Paul II who was the driving force in my return to the faith after 20 years away. I would have one for St. Clare, my namesake and for her friend, St. Francis of Assisi. I would have one for Thomas Merton who has inspired me through his writings. And on my current tree, I already have one for our Holy Father Pope Francis who continues to be a great example of humility, peace, mercy and holiness.

Another special ornament I would hang woud be for my parish of Our Lady of Peace. This community of faith has enriched my life more than I could have imagined. I have met so many great people that have helped me in my walk of faith. All the priests, deacons, religious education staff members and friends that God has put in my path are the rock in which my Catholic faith is based.

But the most important ornament that would be front and center on my spiritual tree is the manger scene with the Holy Family and my tree topper would be of the Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Without them, no other ornament is even possible.

So, as you are setting up your Christmas tree and hanging your ornaments, cherish what each one means to you and thank God for the true meaning of the season of Christmas. To each of you, have a blessed Christmas season!