CHRISTMAS TREE THOUGHTS by Jo Ann Kelly

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CHRISTMAS TREE THOUGHTS

At this time of the year, many of us put up a Christmas tree or
purchase a live
evergreen tree. We decorate it with decorations of angels, stars,
lights, and
other ornaments which have been carefully stored each year. Many only
see a tree as a pagan custom, or tradition, but Christians do not
worship
a tree, nor let it replace the true meaning of Christmas.

We remember the greatest gift of all given us, God's only begotten
Son;
and know Jesus is the real reason for the season. He gave his "all"
that we might
have eternal life. We can go tell others of Jesus and the good news of
salvation
for all men freely given by God. Celebrating Jesus is celebrating the
gift of eternal life.

When we decorate the Christmas tree, we should always remember the
real reason for
the season. Jesus grew the tree which He knew would be, the old rugged
cross
on which He would be lifted up, at Calvary. Although it was a dark day
in history when
he hung his head and said "It is finished," and then died; light broke
forth on the third
day when he arose in resurrection power. By his sacrificial death and
resurrection,
we have been given the free gift of salvation, love, light, and
eternal life. There is
no gift which can be bought or sold on this earth to ever compare with
God's greatest gift.

The lights that shine brightly and encircle our trees remind us that
Jesus Christ is
the light of the world who encircles us with his great love. We see a
star on the top of
many Christmas trees and think of Jesus, as He is the bright and
morning star.

The angels placed on our holiday trees as decorations are not
worshipped,
but remind us that a host of heavenly angels rejoiced at the birth of
our Lord.
Angels are also with us as we have ministering angels to watch over us
each day.

The ornaments of a golden color remind us of our Lord's words which
are
as pure gold. His Word is more valuable than anything on this earth.
The evergreen
tree reminds us that Jesus is ever faithful, and never changes from
season to season.
He is always the same and all His promises will be fulfilled. As each
branch is decorated,
remember, we are referred to as branches of the True Vine, Christ
Jesus, and he gives us
His fruit of His Spirit to decorate our lives.

Several years ago I found an ornament which I think is the best one of
all.
Each year I hang it on our tree as it represents the real meaning of
this Season.
It is called, "the Christmas nail." It is not like the nails we see
today; but is a
large metal spike similar to those which were said to be used in the
hands and
feet of our Lord. It is hung on the tree by a red ribbon which reminds
us that
the blood of Jesus streamed from his hands and feet down Calvary's
tree as
He hung there for us on that day. Our Granddaughter likes to find the
Christmas nail hanging on the tree, as it represents the reason Jesus
came to earth
and was born to die for our sins. There is no other ornament which
held her attention when she was small like this one.

We know it was not the nails that held our Savior to the tree, it was
love.
The preaching of the cross is the power of God unto salvation. Jesus
decorated our lives by shedding his precious blood on Calvary's rugged
tree.

May we always remember the real meaning of Christmas. We see people
seem to be
happier during this Season than any other. Christmas is Christ in the
heart all during the
year. There is a song which says, "why can't every day be like
Christmas?" We know with
Christ in our lives and the joy he gives, we can have peace on earth
and good will every
day of our lives.

Thanks to our Lord for coming to earth as a babe in a manger and for
being
willing to die on Calvary's rugged tree for us. The tomb is empty now
and Jesus lives
forever. As we look upon the bright lights and decorations, we do not
worship them,
as we have the Lord; the light of the world to worship. There is no
beauty like
the beauty of our Lord and Savior. Only He can decorate lives and
changes hearts
into something beautiful for His glory. He is worthy of all praise and
honor.
May we always remember the real reason for the season as we celebrate
Jesus.


Blessings In Christ,
Jo Ann Kelly © 2010, 2004
J. P.'s Inspirations
This writing may be used in its entirety, with credits intact,
for non-profit ministering purposes.