It is decorated with gold and yellow lights along with gold, silver and a smattering of ruby colored ornaments.
Every time I walk in the room - no exception - and see it sparkling ...I think of the gifts that were given to Jesus in celebration of His birth. Yes, I know some of you want to "explain" to me that Jesus didn't actually "get" those gifts when we think He did.
For me, the beauty of the tree, once covered, is simply a representation of what I love in Christ. I think of what Christ did for us and continues to do. Even the aroma of the room is wonderful. I look around at everything I see. God provided all of it. The couches, the desk, the coffee table, the kitchen table and chairs...were all given to us from unexpected sources, none of whom knew the other.
We have never had much, materially, but God knows our hearts and needs. He knew that in my heart I loved beauty, but could not afford to "decorate". That was okay. It really was... but God stepped in and said "Let me help you out". And now...everything goes together amazingly! The only thing that our family actually "purchased" is a rug. Even that holds a fond memory for me when I remember the love that went into choosing it from among our whole family. We have never had much, materially, but at this time we were able to pool our resources and actually buy something, something we are rarely able to do!
When Christmas comes and I get to add that sparkling tree that reflects Christ's birth...it really completes a beautiful picture of what Christ has done. But He isn't finished. As wise believers and followers of Christ have said...He is with us equally throughout the year. He is with me, as well. He fills me with His love - but I am aware that His love is not limited to the compassionate, merciful love that everyone likes to talk about.
Yes, the compassion and mercy are there...but so is His wrath and righteous indignation. As beautiful as the Christmas season can be, it is also very true that He will judge this nation, starting with the House of God. That's a season that may not be so pleasant. It's a season that, actually, has been ongoing for some time all over the world - I just personally think it is going to get much worse.
In the meantime, I am so grateful for how you have chosen to spend your Christmas this year. Everybody is so different and God works in all of our lives in such unique ways that are so very important to each individual. Some things are "across the board"... a given. His birth, death and resurrection. The need for Christ as our Savior. But the details in each persons life may require, do require, different perspectives.
For example, I explained above, my love of Christmas time...and why. But people have different needs and/or are in different places. Those places are more likely than not, right where God wants them. I genuinely am not concerned about the "pagan" aspects of Christmas as they simply haven't taken root in my mind. But they may be very distressing to you as you think about all the horrible pagan practices that have taken place over history. If celebrating that aspect of Christmas, takes your minds to places you don't want to go ... God Bless You for abstaining from a holiday that accentuates those mind games Satan is trying to use to steer you off course. Stay your ground!
For me, at this time in life, the celebration in my home of the birth of Christ is a beautiful representation of Him and what He has done...as well as what He will do in my heart in the future if I let Him.
Happy Birthday, Jesus...and
Merry Christmas!
