The Perfect Tree

Well I suppose by now we're all starting to think about getting our Christmas trees up and decorated. Finding the perfect tree can be a daunting task--it's finding the right size, color, shape and type.

Growing up, we had Douglas Firs and then one Christmas we broke with tradition and got a Scotch Pine in a box from Sears. But back in the 60's, nothing said Christmas better than my grandmother's tree. It was an aluminum tree with blue ornaments!

The Christmas tree is a wonderful symbol of the perfect tree of life: green and full of life year- round. The purpose and reason for Christmas takes us back in time to a garden. In that garden there was a tree. It was from the fruit of a tree in the Garden of Eden that sin and death entered into our world. It was a tree that was to be avoided. God's love and abundance had said, everything is here for your use and enjoyment, just don't eat from that one tree. That's usually how it works. We want what we are told we can't have, even though there's so much to choose from.

We chose to eat that "forbidden fruit." In God's plan to restore the relationship that had become broken, another tree would be needed. It would be cut down and made into a cross. That tree would make possible a solution to the problem and curse of sin and death.

On a Christmas tree, the ornaments tell a story. In addition to the selected store bought ornaments we also have the best ornaments--the one's that our boys have made over the years, and one's that have special meaning. It was on a tree that God hung His greatest gift to humankind.

God's looking for "real" trees to decorate. At certain Christmas tree farms you can actually search out the tree you want, tag it, make a claim on it, purchase it, and call it yours. It would then be cut and given to you for your purpose and use. In the show The Charlie Brown Christmas, Charlie goes our with his friend Linus to find a tree for their Christmas pageant. They get to the lot and find many shiny and full trees. Then Charlie spots one that is "real." The tree looks lonely, and Charlie says, "I think this one needs a home." "I don't know Charlie Brown," says Linus. Charlie buys it anyway.

Charlie Brown takes the tree back and when the other kids see it he becomes the laughing stock. Deep down he knew in his heart he picked the right tree. We're like that "Charlie Brown" Tree--God sees potential through what he can do, even though the world laughs. He tags us and he places his name on us. Though sin and guilt may press down on us and make us look like it killed us, God brings new life. Because Jesus was willing to accept the curse of hanging on the tree of the cross, we have the joy of being acceptable to God. And now we can sing.

If we feel like that "Charlie Brown" tree, God wants to decorate us. He wants to hang his grace, love, hope, and peace from our branches. God can give us a whole new look. The tree that brought sin and death, has been conquered by the tree that brought life.

Hark the herald angel sing, glory to the newborn King. May we know His great Peace.