Christmas Trees

Christmas trees are a fun tradition and a neat symbol of Christ.  This week I was thinking about why we decorate trees as a part of our Christmas celebrations.  I had fun with my niece and nephews decorating my tiny tree in about five minutes a couple of weeks ago and then I got to help a neighbor with a few friends decorate her tree this week.  As we worked together going through her ornaments and spreading them out over the tree I thought about the memories that come back as we open up a box of Christmas ornaments - reminding us of special places, people and events.  I saw how important it was for this sweet lady to put up her Christmas tree and thought about the importance of traditions and family and memories and honoring Christmas and the life of Christ.

Christmas trees are typically evergreens - green all year - symbolizing everlasting life.  Everlasting life is a gift to all of us because of Jesus Christ.  These trees, like other plants, point to the light - to heaven, to Christ.  What a beautiful symbol and reminder!  I love that my grandma keeps her Christmas tree up all year!  :) ...becoming an Easter tree and a birthday tree....and a celebration of other holidays and occasions, but always pointing to heaven and Christ and everlasting life.  :)

Another beautiful Christmas plant is the poinsettia that turns red to celebrate the season.  I was reminded this week (when some in my office nearly died) that they need a lot of water, which made me think of Christ as the living water that gives life.  I'm grateful for the life He gives and the reminders of these blessings.