When I was a kid, we always had a live Christmas tree. I loved it. The house had that great piney smell, and it was my job to climb under the bottom limbs to replenish the sugar water that kept the tree from drying out. Shortly after the holiday, that magical tree was hauled to the curb and picked up by the garbage service. You see, the tree my dad bought and carried home, tied to the top of our station wagon, was dead the moment it was chopped down. It was destined for the compost pile. That dead tree has come to symbolize the true meaning of Christmas with all its joy, and hope, and wonder.
Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” The moment we all rebelled against a loving God, we sinned and cut off our relationship with our Father in heaven. Like that tree, our spirit died, and there was nothing we could do about it. No amount of good deeds could restore us. We were destined to die and go to hell. We were without hope.
But God had a plan. John 3:16 says “For God so loved the world, that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever beleiveth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” This verse embodies the good news of Christmas: God sent His Son as a baby to be the perfect sacrifice, so we could once again have a relationship with Him. Those Christmas trees never had a chance, but God has made a way back for us. We can be restored. Psalm 68:6 says, “God setteth the solitary in families: He bringeth out those which are bound with chains: But the rebellious dwell in a dry land.” We are terribly alone without God, but we are invited to be a part of His family if we choose.
How can we respond to the greatest act of love that ever was or ever will be?
- If you have never prayed to receive Christ, to ask forgiveness for your sins, to dedicate your life to God, now is the time. Romans 10:9-10 says, “That if thou shall confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” If you don’t want to pray alone, call us at Sanctuary Family Farms. It would be an honor to pray with you.
- If you used to walk with God, but have fallen away, it’s time to come back home. The father rejoiced when he saw the prodigal son return. Luke 15:24 says, “For my son was dead and is alive again, he was lost and is found.” God is ready to welcome you back.
- If you have a prayer request that seems impossible, you are right. It is too much for you. God is your only hope. Hand the situation over to Him. The first chapter of Luke tells us the whole Christmas story, the story of God giving hope to the hopeless. Luke1:37 says, “For with God, nothing shall be impossible.”
I still enjoy the lights and decorations of Christmas, and no one loves the smell of a pine tree more than me. Every time I see a beautiful, fresh-cut tree, I am reminded, that was me. I was dead and cut off. Maybe I was dressed up trying to make myself look good, but I was destined for the compost heap of hell. I was separated from my true family without any hope of being restored, till that one peaceful and magnificent night when God sent His only Son to be the light of the world. Thank you, Jesus. And Merry Christmas to you and your family.
– Written by Jill
Meet the authors.
Listen to us discuss our blogs on our YouTube channel.
