The Trappings of Christmas

And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: Isaiah 11:1

This weekend is the kick-off of the Christmas season here in the States. There's a frenzy of shopping and decorating. 

Putting up the tree is often a family time filled with traditions - Baby's First Ornament, hand-made ornaments, and great grandma's Victorian ornaments. 

Nostalgia fills the air as we settle down in front of the fire with a cup of hot chocolate and gaze at the sparkling tree. But WAIT! Did we miss the point? What have we instilled in our traditions that show our families the true meaning of Christmas? 

Instilling the true meaning shouldn't sound like some sort of lesson. It needs to be a natural mention of how the items and colors remind you of Jesus and His love for us. 

  There are various meanings associated with Christmas. What meanings?
The Decorations

•  Red - The color of blood. 
• Gold - The Wisemen brought Jesus gold and frankincense and myrrh. 
• Blue - The color of royalty. Jesus is King of Kings. 
• White - The color of purity. Jesus was without sin. 
• Wisemen followed a star. 
• Angels announced His birth. 
• Ribbons held the breastplate to the ephod on the robe of the high priest. 
• Bells were sown around the hem of the priest's robe so all could hear him as he performed his priestly duties. Jesus is our High Priest.

The Tree

• The tree is made of wood. Christ shed His blood on a cross made of wood. 
• The evergreen needles tell us that Jesus gives us eternal life. 
• The trunk and the branches lead us back to our scripture: And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: 
• We display our Christmas trees where all can see their beauty. So shouldn't Jesus be displayed in our lives that all can see His beauty? 
• We want to receive gifts. May all the world come to Jesus this Christmas and receive His gift of salvation. 

May there be Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill toward men. 

 What else?

What intentional things are you doing to put Christ in your Christmas? 

You don't have to do anything more, only think about the reason you are 

• making cookies
• the places you are decorating
• the reasons for the decorations you are using

Is there anything that surprises you? 

Please share your Christmas blessings with us.

Blessings,

Gail