December 6

Recently Joel and I have had a number of conversations with friends who have young children. The topic has mostly been about "What to do about Santa Claus". A couple of conversations have even turned to the origins of other traditions, including the Christmas Tree. Although many of the traditions may (or may not) be rooted in pagan traditions, I personally think, some of them may still lead us to the real meaning of Christmas.

I don't need a Christmas tree or snow on the ground or wreaths on the door or stockings hanging over the fire to make it Christmas, but it sure seems to help put me in the mood. I certainly don't worship these items, like many do in our commercialism-driven America. Although, I do have to admit that I was a bit irritated with myself the other day for my inability to produce a red bow while decorating for the holidays. How hard can that be?

These decorations and traditions, when done with the right motivation and intent, can help lead us to the real meaning of Christmas. Maybe it is what you make it. Two "traditions" that seem to point me to Jesus this year are red ribbon and the Christmas tree. Yes, red ribbon and the Christmas tree. Stick with me.

As I was trying to make a bow to hang on the wall the other day (out of the velvet type ribbon that is so hard to work with!), I was struck by how deep the color was. Like blood. We like to think about the beautiful, miraculous, albeit non-glamorous way Jesus was brought into the word. But even from day one, his entire purpose for being on the earth was the cross. For his blood to be shed for our sin.

"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding." Ephesians 1:7-8

As I look to celebrate Jesus' first coming, I can already begin to celebrate his second. And I can only celebrate his second coming because of his blood and his forgiveness of my sins. Amazing.

The second decoration or tradition that has caught my mind this year is the tree. It might have caught my mind even more if we had actually purchased a real tree this year. But, I must admit, I do like my fake one. As a kid, both Joel and I frequently had a real one. I can remember the smell and feel of the tree and watering it to keep it alive long enough to enjoy it. That's what's amazing to me--it's alive even in the dead of winter. Not much is living outside right now. Including our yard. Everything has whithered up and fallen over. But here are these beautiful evergreen trees that live all through winter when all other trees have lost their leaves and beauty.

We serve a God that is alive. Even after his work was done on the cross, death could not contain him.

"For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit..." 1 Peter 3:18

I know this blog may seem more appropriate for Easter time. But I think as we look towards Christmas--the arrival of Jesus--we have to know the whole story. Without knowing the whole story--of Christ's death and resurrection and the powerful work he did for us on the cross--the birth of a baby boy in Bethlehem 2,000 years ago means nothing. The birth is only a part of the story!

All of the decorations and glitz and glamor and festivities of Christmas can get in the way of our minds focusing on Jesus during this time of year. But if we pray and ask God to help us to focus our minds on him and his glory, we can see past, or even through, all of the mess. We can focus on Him and the work he has done for us--and that's why and what we can celebrate on December 25. Changed lives.

Has your life been changed by the power of God? Will you let him change you today?

Have you experienced the saving power of Jesus' blood? Will you let him save you today? What in your life is worth holding on to when you can be saved for all of eternity by letting it go?

What symbols or decorations or traditions help lead you to celebrating Jesus this Christmas? What will distract you from celebrating him? How will you rid yourself of these distractions?

How will you worship our risen Savior today?