I've heard that Christmas has its roots in pagan rituals; that trees and gift giving were once a part of some ungodly celebration. I don't know and don't care, quite frankly. After all, God made the trees and He is the creator of giving gifts. In fact, the greatest Christmas tree ever is at the center of His plan.
The greatest Christmas tree had no branches and no lights yet it was adorned with the most beautiful and horrifying image the world has ever witnessed. This tree became the symbol of death and life. This tree is on your necklace and your neighbors bumper sticker. Of course, I am speaking of the cross. I know Christmas is about the birth of Jesus, but Jesus said that His purpose in coming to Earth was the work He would complete at the cross. His birth was the first step on His road to the cross. At the cross, Jesus would pay the penalty for our sins and redeemed us back to God. At the cross, death would face its conqueror. At the cross, I would be made whole.
Look at the cross. See the broken body of our Lord. See the blood soaked wood and the pools of red stained Earth at its base. What good could come from such a tree? What good, indeed. Like all Christmas trees, this one has presents under it. For at the foot of the cross I have found the gifts of salvation, deliverance, freedom, healing and purpose. At the foot of this tree I have found life.
I go back to the cross daily to look upon it in wonder and amazement, and after all these years I still find something special with my name on it; something God has wrapped up just for me. It may be peace for troubled times or hope in a difficult situation or courage to face the day. My Father always thinks of me and gets me exactly what I need.
So as the decorations and the trees come down for the year, remember that the greatest Christmas tree will remain - a beacon of hope. Go to it and dig around. There is something there with your name on it.
The greatest Christmas tree had no branches and no lights yet it was adorned with the most beautiful and horrifying image the world has ever witnessed. This tree became the symbol of death and life. This tree is on your necklace and your neighbors bumper sticker. Of course, I am speaking of the cross. I know Christmas is about the birth of Jesus, but Jesus said that His purpose in coming to Earth was the work He would complete at the cross. His birth was the first step on His road to the cross. At the cross, Jesus would pay the penalty for our sins and redeemed us back to God. At the cross, death would face its conqueror. At the cross, I would be made whole.
Look at the cross. See the broken body of our Lord. See the blood soaked wood and the pools of red stained Earth at its base. What good could come from such a tree? What good, indeed. Like all Christmas trees, this one has presents under it. For at the foot of the cross I have found the gifts of salvation, deliverance, freedom, healing and purpose. At the foot of this tree I have found life.
I go back to the cross daily to look upon it in wonder and amazement, and after all these years I still find something special with my name on it; something God has wrapped up just for me. It may be peace for troubled times or hope in a difficult situation or courage to face the day. My Father always thinks of me and gets me exactly what I need.
So as the decorations and the trees come down for the year, remember that the greatest Christmas tree will remain - a beacon of hope. Go to it and dig around. There is something there with your name on it.
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