Christmas was always an exciting time for our children. They would hound me about when it was going to happen, and they would commiserate with one another about how big it would be this year. We would load them into the car and go to the place we always went to pick out our family Christmas tree. Of course, everyone would have an opinion, but finally we would make a decision, tie the tree to the roof of our car and make our way home. That night we would decorate our tree together as a family and after the tree was finally adorned in splendor, we would turn off all the lights, amazed as our tree shone brightly in the darkness. I love these kinds of moments because I think as believers, we should be the most celebratory community on earth. We know all the good things that we enjoy and all the family love we experience are sweet and undeserved gifts from our Heavenly Father. But I am concerned that we remember—and that we help our children to remember – that while this wonderful holiday season is about a tree, it’s not about the beautiful tree in your living room that you’ve so carefully decorated. I am more concerned about the Christmas Tree gospel message.
RELATED: Survive tthe Holiday Season!
Make the Most of the Season With a Christmas Tree Gospel Message
A Different Type of Tree
From the moment of his first breath, the life of that baby in the manger was marching toward a tree. It would not be a tree of beauty or celebration, but of sacrifice and death. It would not stand in someone’s home as part of a seasonal tradition, but would be outside the city walls on a hill of execution. That baby wouldn’t some day stand before that tree and smile at its beauty, but would be nailed to it in tortuous pain, numbered with convicts. That tree on the hill was not a symbol of a season, but an instrument of judgment. On that seemingly hopeless hill, that tree of death gave life and hope to humanity.
The Advent season tells a story that will take your breath away. It’s a story about dire, inescapable need, a glorious incarnation, a substitutionary life, an atoning sacrifice and a victorious resurrection. Only God could write such a story and only God could complete the plot. It’s a story meant to amaze us, humble us, capture us, rescue us, transform us, and cause us to live in wonder and worship. This story provides the only way you can make sense out of your identity and your true needs. This story reveals where hope is to be found and points you to the meaning and purpose of your existence.
