Decorations on the Tree

 

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

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. There needs to be a natural mention of how the items and colors remind you of Jesus and His love for us. 

Watch as children enjoy the tree. Are they gently touching the decorations? Are they asking questions about where the ornament came from? Are they asking all those "why" questions that you may not even know the answer to? Perhaps this list will be of some help.   

• Red is the color of blood. The blood Jesus shed on Calvary.
• Gold balls. The Wisemen brought Jesus gold and frankincense and myrrh. 
• Blue balls are the color of royalty. Jesus is King of Kings. 
• White balls are 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. Jesus is our High Priest.
• Bells were sown around the hem of the high priest's robe so all could hear him as he performed his priestly duties. Jesus never wore the robe of the high priest but He placed His blood on the altar of heaven for our sins. We hear Him as He gently calls us to repent and receive Him as our Lord and Savior. 
• 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 should Jesus be displayed in our lives so that all can see His beauty. 
• We want to come to the tree and receive the 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, good will toward men. 

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

Do you need to research why we use a particular item? 

Is there anything that surprises you? 

Please share your Christmas blessings with us.

Gail