What Comes To Mind When You Think of Christmas? A Wreath, of Course…
Hello Friends,
Are you counting down the days until Christmas? December is here….People are putting up colorful lights, inflatable Santas and Olafs are taking over yards, Rudolph is getting his nose charged, Christmas Trees are illuminating windows, and Christmas lists are growing by the minute! I can’t believe Christmas is just a few weeks away!? I haven’t even started shopping yet and my Christmas decorations are still in the garage. I guess it’s time to start getting ready for Christmas!
Last week, I asked you a simple question: “What comes to mind when you think of Christmas?” Do you think of presents wrapped in red-and-green paper sitting under the Christmas tree with a “number seven green bow” (The Polar Express)? Do you think of the twinkling and blinking Christmas lights that set your home aglow with Christmas cheer? Do you think of the manger scene–Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, the Wise Men, the Shepherds, and the Little Drummer Boy sitting in a stable–sitting on your mantle? Do you think of the lights, ornaments, and tinsel that brings your Christmas tree to life? What do you think about when Christmas comes to town?
For me, the first thing that comes to mind, are Christmas trees? We talked about this last week, but here is brief refresher. Did you know that Christmas trees are more than decoration? As a matter of fact, every Christmas tree–whether tall or small, round or skinny, full or empty–teaches us about the true meaning of Christmas, Jesus Christ. God made every kind of tree (Genesis 2:9); each tree points upward toward heaven; the trunk represents Jesus who provides us with nutrients and living water; we are the branches that are attached to Jesus; on each branch hangs an ornament–a story frozen in time that helps us remember that God created us to be unique, special, goofy, and serious; the lights remind us that Jesus is the light in our life that conquers the dark; and the green color represents life. You see, a Christmas tree is more than a simple decoration (that smells really good and looks really good): it is a Christmas message that reminds us that Jesus is in our life, helping us become the branch that he needs us to be as we shine brightly and look up towards heaven.
Another thing that comes to mind is…a wreath! Usually we see wreaths hanging on doors, in windows, or even on walls. But did you know that a wreath is more than something that just hangs around? Legend has it that the circular shape of the Christmas wreath symbolizes eternal life and the ever ending love of God, who sent his only Son to save us. The prickly holly on the wreath reminds us of Christ’s crown of thorns that he was forced to wear during his crucifixion. The red berries remind us of his sacrifice for our salvation. And the white blossoms bring to mind Jesus’ innocence, perfection, and pure love. You see, like the Christmas tree, the Christmas wreath teaches us about the love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and brings to mind that what he is doing for us today has no end–similar to how a circle has no end.
So the next time you see a Christmas tree or even a Christmas wreath, think about Jesus and what Jesus has done for and continues to do for you: he continues to save you and love you each and every day! I wonder what else comes to mind when we think of Christmas?
Your Friend, Holy Spirit!
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