{"id":812,"date":"2018-12-11T22:57:21","date_gmt":"2018-12-12T03:57:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.christiancompositions.com\/blog\/?p=812"},"modified":"2018-12-11T22:57:21","modified_gmt":"2018-12-12T03:57:21","slug":"the-lesson-of-the-ornament-a-christmas-story","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.christiancompositions.com\/blog\/the-lesson-of-the-ornament-a-christmas-story\/","title":{"rendered":"The Lesson of the Ornament – A Christmas Story"},"content":{"rendered":"

I wrote this story several years ago while studying for a ladies’ Christmas devotion.\u00a0The lesson it seeks to convey comes from this passage of Scripture:<\/p>\n

“Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;\u00a0But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” (I Pet. 3:3-4)<\/p>\n

Someday, I would love to have it illustrated and published as a booklet; but until then, I would like to share it here with the hope that it will inspire and encourage someone to see what true beauty is about.<\/p>\n

If this story is a blessing to you, and you think it could be a help to someone else, please share it! I only ask that you share without editing it or removing the copyright information.<\/p>\n

\n\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

When just a girl of four and ten,<\/strong><\/em>
\nI changed from what I might have been.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

So clearly still it seems I see<\/strong><\/em>
\nThe day that brought this change in me.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Be patient with me as I share<\/strong><\/em>
\nThe memories of what happened there.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

I was a child of humble means,<\/strong><\/em>
\nA princess only in my dreams.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

We lived upon a grand estate<\/strong><\/em>
\nAs servants of a master great.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

A good man in both word and deed,<\/strong><\/em>
\nHe met my family’s every need.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

But in the winter of that year,<\/strong><\/em>
\nMy heart was also cold and drear.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

For as the house guests came and went,<\/strong><\/em>
\nMy days were in self-pity spent.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

I watched one with a fancy dress,<\/strong><\/em>
\nAnother’s jewelry did impress.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

I felt that I was less than fair<\/strong><\/em>
\nWhen with these guests I did compare.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

So on that cold, December morn<\/strong><\/em>
\nI was not festive, but forlorn.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

And yet the task that fell to me<\/strong><\/em>
\nWas helping with the Christmas tree.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Each year, the tree stood in the hall<\/strong><\/em>
\nIn splendor, it inspired awe.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The garland gold, the twinkling lights,<\/strong><\/em>
\nThe ornaments, the star so bright,<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Adorned the tall and stately pine,<\/strong><\/em>
\nI’d seen no other tree so fine.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

No doubt this year would be the same ~<\/strong><\/em>
\nThe Christmas tree of local fame.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

And so, with my rebellious heart,<\/strong><\/em>
\nThe decorating I did start.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

But then I heard a step behind…<\/strong><\/em>
\nI turned and was amazed to find<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

My master, gazing first at me,<\/strong><\/em>
\nAnd then up at the Christmas tree.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

He spoke to me, his voice was kind.<\/strong><\/em>
\n“I wonder, child, if you would mind<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

If I gave you a helping hand.”<\/strong><\/em>
\nI nodded, and the work began.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The decorations had been kept<\/strong><\/em>
\nIn boxes ‘neath the basement steps.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

As we unpacked, he shared with me<\/strong><\/em>
\nSome favorite Christmas memories.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

And then he asked if I could guess<\/strong><\/em>
\nWhich ornament he loved the best.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

He said he could not estimate<\/strong><\/em>
\nIts value, for it was so great.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

My interest then was highly piqued,<\/strong><\/em>
\nAnd for it I began to seek.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

I saw a shining silver star,<\/strong><\/em>
\nIts origin was from afar.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

My master’s eyes said this was not<\/strong><\/em>
\nThe precious ornament I sought.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

I found a jewel-encrusted ball,<\/strong><\/em>
\nIts sparkle could be seen by all.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Expectantly, I looked at him,<\/strong><\/em>
\nBut soon began my search again.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

An angel then, with flowing gown,<\/strong><\/em>
\nNo doubt an heirloom handed down.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

But this one too he did reject.<\/strong><\/em>
\nI was beginning to suspect<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

That I would never figure out<\/strong><\/em>
\nWhich ornament he spoke about.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

But when all hope I’d almost lost,<\/strong><\/em>
\nI saw a simple, wooden box.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

It wasn’t bright, with jewels crowned,<\/strong><\/em>
\nAnd so I slowly put it down.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

But when I saw my master’s eyes,<\/strong><\/em>
\nMy mind was filled with great surprise.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The tender look upon his face<\/strong><\/em>
\nAssured me there was no mistake.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

I turned and picked it up once more,<\/strong><\/em>
\nBewildered by a choice so poor.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

And as it came into my grasp,<\/strong><\/em>
\nMy fingers touched a hidden clasp,<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

It slowly opened and revealed<\/strong><\/em>
\nWhat formerly had been concealed.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

This ornament, this precious one,<\/strong><\/em>
\nContained the image of his son.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

And what I’d thought was somewhat plain,<\/strong><\/em>
\nWas now a lovely, picture frame.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The simple lines and modest hue<\/strong><\/em>
\nAllowed an unobstructed view.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

No sparkling sequins to distract,<\/strong><\/em>
\nNo golden glitter to detract<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

From strength, and love, and manly grace,<\/strong><\/em>
\nAs seen in that beloved face.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

I’d seen my master’s son before,<\/strong><\/em>
\nBut then he’d gone to fight the war.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

And there himself he’d sacrificed<\/strong><\/em>
\nTo save another soldier’s life.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

“My daughter, can you comprehend<\/strong><\/em>
\nWhy all the money I could spend<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Could never purchase or replace<\/strong><\/em>
\nThis portrait of my dear son’s face?”<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

I nodded yes, and through my tears,<\/strong><\/em>
\nI saw my master’s smile appear.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

“Just one more lesson I would share,”<\/strong><\/em>
\nHe said, as we were seated there.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Our heavenly Master also holds<\/strong><\/em>
\nAn ornament worth more than gold.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

He sees it in a girl like you.”<\/strong><\/em>
\nI wondered if this could be true.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

“He does not look at form or face,<\/strong><\/em>
\nOr pride of station, or of place.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The beauty that we do possess<\/strong><\/em>
\nHe did not give us to impress<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Those who can only see a part,<\/strong><\/em>
\nBut cannot see our hidden heart.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The jewels, the hair, the costly clothes,<\/strong><\/em>
\nAre seen as beauty, I suppose.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

But fancy gowns and diamond rings<\/strong><\/em>
\nAre only superficial things<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

That in an instant can be lost,<\/strong><\/em>
\nOr can be purchased at great cost.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The beauty that our Master seeks,<\/strong><\/em>
\nIs of a spirit calm and meek.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The baubles that this world attracts,<\/strong><\/em>
\nFrom this true beauty just distract.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Our Master longs to see a heart<\/strong><\/em>
\nThat’s lovely in the hidden part.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

For when He looks at such a one,<\/strong><\/em>
\nHe sees the image of His Son.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

This priceless beauty can’t be bought,<\/strong><\/em>
\nThough for it many long have sought.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

It does not tarnish, tear, or fade,<\/strong><\/em>
\nBut grows in value with each day.”<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

I wondered how my master knew<\/strong><\/em>
\nThe struggle I’d been going through.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

But in his wisdom he had seen,<\/strong><\/em>
\nAnd helped a young girl, just fourteen,<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

To see that beauty was far more<\/strong><\/em>
\nThan all the things the world lives for.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

I sought to heed his wise advice,<\/strong><\/em>
\nTo seek the beauty of great price.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

To have a heart serene and still,<\/strong><\/em>
\nSubmitted to my Master’s will.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

And every year at Christmastime,<\/strong><\/em>
\nThis memory comes back to my mind.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Forever grateful that God sent<\/strong><\/em>
\nThe lesson of the ornament.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

~Niki Lott<\/em>
\n\u00a9 Copyright 2008<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

I wrote this story several years ago while studying for a ladies’ Christmas devotion.\u00a0The lesson it seeks to convey comes from this passage of Scripture: “Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":814,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[46,42],"tags":[249,94,251,250,193],"class_list":["post-812","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-devotional-thoughts","category-inspiration","tag-beauty","tag-christmas","tag-lesson","tag-ornament","tag-story"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.christiancompositions.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/thelessonoftheornamentblogcover.png","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p4L3GS-d6","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.christiancompositions.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/812","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.christiancompositions.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.christiancompositions.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.christiancompositions.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.christiancompositions.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=812"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.christiancompositions.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/812\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":819,"href":"https:\/\/www.christiancompositions.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/812\/revisions\/819"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.christiancompositions.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/814"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.christiancompositions.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=812"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.christiancompositions.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=812"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.christiancompositions.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=812"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}