Every year, come December, and in some countries even earlier, out come the tinsel, the baubles and the cribs. Off we go trying to find the best decorations for our tree, our living rooms, our front yards and even for our pets. But why does everyone feel the need to decorate with Christmas cheer? Even the humbugs, who decorate their trees while moaning and groaning about the fuss, get down to it, eventually.
The tradition of decorating our surroundings during the Christmas season hails from an ancient tradition when man believed that if they decorated the bushes and trees during the winter, they would make them more attractive to the spirits.
Later, this tradition evolved into taking branches from trees into homes, as this was believed to give warmth and shelter to the spirits of nature. Traditionally the branches were then released in early spring when the first buds began to appear.
Most people are aware of the story of Angel Gabriel – the special angel that God sent to Nazareth to tell Mary that she had been chosen to carry his son, Jesus. However, not many might be aware of the story of how angels became the most popular Christmas ornaments of all time.
The story is in the Gospel of Luke, which explains how shepherds were tending their flocks near Bethlehem, when suddenly an angel appeared to them and after scaring the daylights out of them, explained that he had a message of good news for everyone. He said: “Today in the town of David, a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Soon after, many more angels appeared to more people, praising God, and chanting “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests”. Upon hearing this many people from all over Bethlehem and the vicinity decided to try to find Mary and Joseph and their newborn infant.
Purchasing these angels will help Inspire make a real difference in someone’s life
By inviting all to witness the birth of Jesus, this story is really and truly a story of inclusion. Its main message is that no one should be left out, and that everybody should be accepted, involved, and loved.
Since The Inspire Foundation is Malta’s advocate for the inclusion of people with disabilities, this year the foundation adopted four special Christmas angels as its mascots.
Purchasing these angels will make a real difference in someone’s life, helping Inspire keep up its work with people with a disability and its efforts to help Malta become a fully inclusive society.
Inspire’s set of Christmas angels are made with love, and will surely bring warmth, joy and happiness into homes throughout the holiday season.
With four different angels to collect, Christmas trees will look extra special this year and your contribution will go a long way towards helping Inspire.
Inspire’s Christmas angels can be purchased online by visiting www.inspire.org.mt. The angels cost €12 for a set of four and the donation includes postage to Malta or Gozo addresses.