Lessons from the Christmas Tree

 

By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text:  Isaiah 9:9-7

 

Isaiah 9:6-7

For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon^[a] his shoulder,
    and his name shall be called^[b]
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
⁷ Of the increase of his government and of peace
    there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
    to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
    from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this

(ESV)

 

Christmas 2020 is in the past and I pray everyone reading this had a joyful Christmas despite some restrictions and took some time to remember the Prince of Peace and God coming to be with us on the first Christmas (Isaiah 9:6; John 1:14).  I also want to offer prayers for the city of Nashville and pray the authorities can find those responsible for the bombing.  As 2021 approaches there is hope for a year better than 2020 but 2021 will also have its struggles.  However, after what we have endured in 2020, we should be better prepared to face the struggles of 2021. 

 

Even though Christmas 2020 is over, many of us still have our decorations and Christmas tree up and do not plan to take them down till after New Years Day.  As I look at the Christmas tree up on our house, I see some red, green, and even purple bulbs, some lights, and a star on the top.  While the Christmas tree is not part of the Christmas story in the Bible, the decorations on the tree are symbolic of the significance of the Christmas story and what it means for us as we face life.  Each of the decorations seen on the Christmas tree in my house means,

 

1)      The red bulbs (1 John 1:7) – The red bulbs symbolize the blood of Christ which was shed to provide forgiveness of sin.  The baby humbly born in a manger, a feeding trough, has a life purpose of dying for the sins of humanity through death by crucifixion.  Crucifixion is a bloody and brutal way to die and thankfully Jesus willingly allowed the shedding of his blood to forgive the sins of humanity.

2)      The green bulbs (Romans 6:4) – The green bulbs symbolize newness of life made possible through the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.  Jesus reminded his followers that he was the resurrection and the life (John 11:25), making it possible for anyone choosing to believe in Him to have eternal life and escape the condemnation of sin (John 3:16-17; Romans 6:23).  The Christmas tree is also an evergreen tree, staying green throughout every season.  This brings hope for we too can have newness of life despite the circumstances life throws at us. 

3)      The purple bulbs (Revelation 17:14) – While purple is not considered one of the colors of Christmas, Jesus is the King of Kings (Revelation 17:14) and the one of the lineage of David remaining on the throne of Israel because he did not remain dead but arose from the dead (Luke 1:31-33).  He is also going to return to establish a kingdom of righteousness, absent the evil, sickness, and corruption present in our world today (Revelation 20:5). 

4)      The lights (John 8:12) – The struggles of 2020 have reminded each of us of the darkness present in the world today.  While Jesus reminds each of us to expect trouble in the world, he also reminds us he has overcome the world (John 16:33).  The lights on the Christmas tree take a dull tree with decorations and turns it into a vibrant tree as it reveals the beauty of the decorations hanging on the tree.  Jesus, the light of the world brings vibrancy to the life of a believer, even in the struggles of life, like those present in the year 2020.

5)      The star (Matthew 2:1-2) – It was the star that directed the Magi to Bethlehem to see Jesus (Matthew 2:1-2).  The star on the Christmas tree reminds each of us to seek guidance and direction through study and meditation on the Word of God (Psalm 119:105).  While we have hope for a better year in 2021, we also know it will come with struggle.  Through study and meditation on the Word of God, we prepare to find guidance through any struggle we may face in 2021. 

 

In this world, we will experience trouble, but Jesus overcame the world and is the Lamb of God whose death once and for all provides salvation from sin and newness of life.  Jesus is the King of Kings and the light of the world illuminating God’s Word to those believing in Him, providing guidance through life in an evil corrupt world full of trouble.  The year 2020 was rough and while there is hope 2021 will be better, it will also have troubles.  As we face 2021, we must do so by having a close relationship with God through Christ.  If you have not prayed to accept Jesus as your Savior, I invite you to do so now by praying with me,

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

May God bless everyone reading this post and may God provide guidance through the struggles and challenges of 2021.