I thought about that. I didn't want to discourage him and said, "well, if I had to have a reason to have a Christmas tree for Christmas, I would start with the tree itself.
It's leaves so green, never changing throughout the year. Year after year never changing. Like my God, His word never changes. Oh, a few churches changes what fits them, but no, no, my God's word never changes. It's always the same, always pointing toward the Cross that leads us back to Him. From the beginning to the end of time, always the same.
As I was making a new find about this Christmas tree, I looked a little deeper. I noticed the star on top of the tree...this is the same star that shined above a Savior lying in the manger. A love sacrifice from God that would one day be my redemption from all of my sins.
Then I looked again and saw the lights surrounding the tree. That same light came into the world and became man. A man who humbled Himself to a wooden Cross so that I could be called His child. I can hear His cries of prayer to His Father. ("Father, not one Father, I pray that none should perish."). What a King. What a mighty King indeed!
I saw all the different types of ornaments, all the different shapes, sizes and colors. I thought about my sins. All that I have done bad, Jesus was willingly nailed to the Cross for it. All the pain He bared for me, so that I could be set free.
I looked at the pretty tinself that was all over the tree. I thought of the whipping He took. His Word says, "By His stripes we are healed." He must have thought I was very sick because He took many stripes, in fact, it took His life for me to live.
Then I gazed down toward the floor and saw all the gifts under the tree. I remember what He said about going to prepare a feast for me. Not only that, but when He comes for me, I will dine with a King that would serve! I will be with him, I will call Him my God and my Lord, and there will be no more tears, no more sadness. He will live with me forever in paradise. What better gift is there? What a King we have in Jesus!
I turn quickly to my friends, and said you know this Christmas tree is all about why I celebrate Christmas. It's that very tree to which God sent His Son to be the first ornament. That if all who would believe on Him will be saved and share in His glory forever and ever."
My friend then turned to me and said I know about the Christmas tree. I just wanted to make sure you did and that you hadn't forgotten. Thank You Lord for that Christmas tree!
I hope and pray that this little story brought you to think about Christmas. I know the hustle and bustle in all of us. But just think about that first Christmas and the gift God has given to all of us. You say you haven't heard? You say you've never gotten on your knees and invited a wonderful King into your heart?
I tell you friends, all it takes is for you to cry out loud to the Lord, and He will put you on that tree too. He will forgive you and call you His own. As I've said, What a King in Jesus we have.
Merry Christmas to all!!
Written and submitted by Jeff Fasig
