Several times a week, I drive through a neighborhood that contains a peculiar site. Among the many homes that all look fairly similar, one home tends to stand out among the rest. This home looks like every other one on the block except for one thing. Its front yard is filled with trees. I know that doesn’t sound that peculiar, right? But these are not just any trees. They are being grown to be Christmas trees! Row after row of tightly spaced Christmas trees in various stages of growth.
Occasionally, I see an older gentlemen working out in the yard watering and tending to the trees. I can see that he takes great care in handling and preparing these trees for their later intended use. For you and me, we generally only think about Christmas trees one month out of the year, but this guy is devoted to the care of these trees all year long. One of these days, I hope to stop and ask him about the trees. In the meantime, I will just assume that he has quite the Christmas spirit.
I love Christmas trees – the twinkling lights, the garland, the sentimental ornaments, and even the bright shining star at the top. If I were planning a great December evening, it would include taking a break, curling up on the sofa, turning the lights out, and just looking at the Christmas tree lights (unfortunately, I haven’t yet found this quiet December night, but I’m working on it!). And as much as I love a good Christmas tree, it is just a symbol of this blessed Season. The real reason behind our celebration is Jesus. And Christmas should be a celebration because of the amazing love of our Savior!
Christmas always makes me think of a verse familiar to all of us: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” ~John 3:16
I have read where trees symbolize nature’s triumph over winter’s darkness and deathly cold. And the tradition of putting up a Christmas tree was to be a reminder of the everlasting life that God gives us through his son, Jesus Christ. I must admit that I am guilty of overlooking the symbolism that surrounds us at Christmas. It is so easy to look at our trees and decorations and only see a beautiful object or a memory of Christmas’ past, but the true beauty is the reminder of our Savior’s love. How much are we loved? We are loved so much, that God sent his only son to come to this earth so that He could pay the price for our sins. And when we believe this deep yet simple fact, we can experience everlasting life. This is certainly worthy of a Christmas celebration!
Source: Pinterest
And as much as I appreciate that this month in particular is set aside for us to remember the story of Jesus’ birth, to acknowledge the love he shared by dying on a cross for our sins, and to recognize his passion to use our lives for his glory, we should want more! We should desire the celebration of Jesus to be in our hearts and evident in our lives every single day. Just like the man who cares for those trees in his front yard every single day, we must daily, keep our focus on Christ, not just at Christmas. Through the ups and downs, the valleys and the mountain tops, He so desires a deep relationship with us.
My prayer is that we look at Christmas trees in a whole new way. Much more than just a pretty tree covered in lights but a real reminder of the deep love Christ has for each of us. That we will allow Him to draw us close, to work in our lives, and be able to celebrate Christmas well past the month of December.
We might even have an excuse to leave our decorations up just a little longer this year. Just to bask in His all encompassing love!
Merry Christmas!
