By Personal Growth Counseling| December 23rd, 2015
Every year there is a lot of criticism among Christians by the attempts of the world to make Christmas a worldly and commercial event rather than looking at the true significance of the Holy Day of Christmas. One morning I was up early, and I turned on the Christmas tree to meditate on what Christmas really means to me. The thoughts began to flood my mind as I pondered on what this day means to me personally.
As I looked into the beautifully decorated Christmas tree, the Living Tree my mind went back to that Other Tree where two thousand years ago, the Savior of the World, God’s Only Son, and Jesus Christ shed his blood to cover the sins of the entire world. As looked out the window, it was so appropriate to see the blanket of snow. The snow covered our deck completely, and I am reminded of the robe of His righteousness that is one of the best gifts and is given to all of us who believe. I looked further into the yard and am sadly reminded that it was sent for a covering for all, but not all are covered, some choose to reject the robe.
My mind turns back to the tree. It is always so important to fill the tree with lights. These lights remind me that on That Night of all nights, the heavens were filled with the brightest stars and it was a clear night. The stars were to guide the way to the Savior. Jesus is the Light of the World and where there is Light, no darkness can abide. We are to be salt and light, to make the Gospel clear to others who hunger and thirst, and we are to guide the Way to the Savior through our lives and our witness.
One year I tried to decorate the tree without red. I wanted to blend in with the décor of the room. I was soon convicted that we are not to blend in with the world at Christmas or any other time. Not only that, but I made a special trip to only buy red and sprinkled it throughout the tree and the entire house. The red signifies the blood that was shed for you and for me to cover all of our sins, past, present, and future. It is a gift to us that God knew we could not be perfect. He designed us that war so that we would always return to Him in our failures and our weaknesses so that He can be our strength.
The other color of Christmas is green, signifying everlasting and eternal life. The tree is evergreen, and I understand the gift of Joy that is within me. I have the gift of everlasting life in Christ. I know the Peace that God offers to me when I think about the Shepherd, David, contemplating the Shepherd “leading us to lie down in green pastures so that He can restore our souls.”
When I think of the Gold ornaments on the Tree, I remember first that on that night one of the first gifts offered by the Wise Men was the gift of Gold. I am overwhelmed when I think about the provisions of our Savior. We cannot out give Him. He meets all of our needs now, and One Day we will walk on streets that are paved with Gold.
The Purple on the tree reminds me that Jesus is King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and there must always be purple when I think of Him. The very garments He wore on earth were so precious, that even the Roman Soldiers dared not rip the garment, but cast lots for it.
The other colors on the Tree are varied and remind me of the many Nationalities in the world and that Jesus loves the entire world and there is a place for all of us.
I see the Santa tucked into the Tree and I remember how much Jesus loved children. His birthday is a special celebration and one to be enjoyed with those we love. When we see our children, we know that they are the hope of the future and are charged with continuing the traditions.
I look at the gifts and I think of you. All of you are special gifts to me and to each other. My wish for you this season is a Joyous and Holy Celebration of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
The angel sits at the top of the tree proclaiming “for to you is born this day in the City of David, is a Savior, Christ the Lord…. Glory to god in the highest, and on earth, Peace, good will to men.”
I wrote this for my family a few years ago. This will be my first Christmas without my beloved husband and soul mate, Jesse. I sure miss him, but I am blessed with three wonderful children and four sweet grandchildren.
Merry Christmas to all of you who visit our website. I hope yours is the best Christmas ever.
Carole Lovell