An Old Christmas Inspired Table

An Old Christmas Inspired Table. December 18, 2024. This morning, I was listening to a video clip by a Christian influencer I follow. She was talking about the focus on the pomp of Christmas but not the message. More specifically she was talking about Christmas trees, decor, etc. One of the commenters mentioned how Jesus was a “side dish” at Christmas for many Christians. Listening to all this, the tiniest bit of defensiveness start to bubble up inside. Then the Holy Spirit checked that thought and said, “She’s right”. And yes, she was right. It is moments like this that show exactly why we need the Holy Spirit to avoid the pitfalls of our own emotions.

My initial reaction stemmed from the fact that I am a decor artist who loves to decorate at Christmas. Of all the holidays Christmas is the best and most fun for decor. Of course, defensiveness is on autopilot in our culture these days. When people begin to hear something that is different from their own narrative they jump into defense mode. But more than one thing can be true at once. And once the Holy Spirit spoke, I then asked, “so what do I do with my gifts?” And before I could wander into self-defeat mode, He right away reminded me of the men in the Old Testament whom God gifted with artistic ability to help create the ornate detail of the first temple:

 Then the Lord said to Moses, ² “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, ³ and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills— ⁴ to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, ⁵ to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts.⁶ Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given ability to all the skilled workers to make everything I have commanded you 

Exodus 31: 1-6

These men used their gifts for God’s glory. They created beautiful things for His first temple on earth. And while Christians do not need a temple any longer after the veil was torn at Christ’s crucifixion, we do have a church that those gifts can be used for. The church is the body of Christ, so use of those gifts can look different. My husband and I have always been passionate about hospitality in our marriage. And our home is a reflection of that and where my gifts are used. We host events and offer lodging for people who need it. This morning’s lesson was a reminder to use the gifts God has given for His glory and not to lose sight of it. But it also was to remember that those gifts aren’t useless because they don’t seem “spiritual enough”.

A Christmas Table

It was after this that a table scape began coming together in my mind. Table decor had been on my mind recently for the holidays. Reading Old Christmas by Washington Irving this week was inspiring me to bring out the ivy and fruit. It felt more “old English” and traditional.

So, I ran a couple of ivy garlands down the table and adorned it with faux sugared apples adorn and pinecones.

Green toile napkins pair with the Lenox Christmas China. And of course, rich velvet ribbons seemed appropriate.

The tablecloth is a crocheted bedspread from many years ago. I can’t remember the history of it, but I like how it looked on the table.

It was a meaningful morning spent and the thoughts and lessons of it carried with me the rest of the day. To do our best in our given gifts for God’s glory is truly the most blessed way to be this Christmas and always.

Have a beautiful day!