“The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him;
it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.” — Lamentations 3:25-26
I love Christmas: Beautiful music, Christmas lights twinkling through the darkness, smells of cinnamon and pine, snow falling gently, and gorgeously wrapped gifts being given with love and laughter. I feel the excitement of the holidays building and I find myself caught up in the fun but often stressful Christmas season. There is one evening in December that has become my favorite – the night I put up my Christmas tree. After the decorations have been unwrapped and carefully hung on the branches, I turn the lights off and gaze at the tree swathed in the beauty of light. Quietly I ponder the meaning of Christmas.
Do you know that trees are pretty significant in the Bible? Let’s highlight a few.
- Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil: This tree was in the middle of the Garden of Eden. God placed Adam and Eve in the garden and told them not to eat of the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil. Most of us know the story very well. Adam and Eve took the fruit, ate it, and with this act of disobedience sin entered the world. (Genesis 3)
- Tree of Life: God begins and ends His Word with the mention of this remarkable tree. In Genesis, the Tree of Life was placed in the center of the Garden of Eden. Sadly, Adam and Eve were banished from the Garden and lost the chance to eat of this Tree of Life. (Genesis 3:22-24) In the book of Revelation, this tree stands on either side of the River of Life which flows down the street in the new Jerusalem. Its leaves will be for the healing of the nations. (Revelation 22:1-5)
- The Sycamore Tree: This tree symbolizes Zacchaeus’ act of watching and waiting for Christ. Imagine Zacchaeus perched high in the tree, holding tight to the limbs, eyes squinting, straining to see the Promised One who would change his life forever. In the hustle and bustle, does your heart climb high above it all so you can catch a glimpse of the Messiah? (Luke 19:1-10)
- The Root of Jesse: A stump of a tree that has roots stretching deeply into the past but also a new branch growing, promising life and hope for the future. In the Old Testament God promised King David that his family would reign forever. (2 Samuel 7:16) But there was a time when this promise from God seemed forgotten. Generations passed, hope was wavering, and it seemed that the family tree was nothing more than a dead stump. But God is faithful and keeps His promises and the Old Testament prophecy of a Branch growing up from the Roots of Jesse was coming true! This Root of Jesse encompasses Christ’s story. From the Israelites yearning for a Messiah, to the cry of a tiny babe in the manger, to the agony of Jesus hanging on the cross triumphantly crying, “It is finished!” God reveals His redemptive plan and brings us new life through Christ! (Isaiah 11:1-10)
- The Fruitful Tree: Hear the gentle Savior’s words, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit.” (John 15:5,8)
This year, I will once again sit by my tree. Will you join me in the waiting and watching for Jesus? As you hang ornaments on your tree, remember the stories of God’s Word. Understand again the consequences of sin and rejoice in the knowledge that God gives eternal life through faith in His Son. Determine to climb above the stress and watch for Jesus in the everyday moments of life. He is Emmanuel. He is with us! Discover new life and joy as you turn your heart towards the Messiah and hope in His promises. And finally, purpose to bear fruit that will glorify the Lord this Christmas and in the coming year.
Activity:
Grab your Bible and see if you can find any more mention of trees throughout Scripture. What lessons can you learn from them? Invite some people who need to hear the true message of Christmas to come with your family to The Living Christmas Tree.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your amazing plan of redemption that stretches through the years to all people. Thank you that we can hope in your promises because you are faithful.
Merry Christmas!
Jennifer Gwin
