Genesis 2:9 "The LORD God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye....." NIV
This week sweetheart, youngest daughter and I went out to get our Christmas tree. As my family could tell you, I am a nut about Christmas. The songs, the decorations, the church service, and the tree. It has to be real. No fake trees allowed in our house! So off we went to a local tree farm. Unfortunately they don't grow fir or spruce tree's in Texas. Those make the most perfect Christmas tree's. I think this is some sort of pine tree but it is just right for our first Christmas in our new house. Youngest daughter got the honors of cutting down the tree while being watched over by sweetheart. This in case the falling tree squashed youngest daughter with it's immensity.
There are those who say that Christmas trees have their basis in pagan rituals. While that may have some basis in fact, I choose to use the Christmas tree as a different symbol. On our Christmas tree are ornaments from every facet of our lives. From my first ornament handed down from my mother to the latest ornaments we bought on our trip to Arizona, each one is a reminder of an event that brought our family a moment of happiness. There are ornaments our children made while in grade school, some we collected while on different family vacations, and newer ones made by our grandchildren. As we take each one out of the box, all those memories come flooding back and a burst of conversation takes place. At the top of the tree is a large angel. A constant reminder of the angel who watches over our memories and our family. Prominent on the tree are my nativity ornaments from all over the world. So we never are far from the reminder that the reason for the season is our elder brother Jesus Christ.
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| all of our children's name |
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| a gift to my parents when I was born |
The finished product is a beautiful daily reminder of our blessings as a family. Each year I can't wait to start the tradition all over again. It's not about the tree, it's about what it reminds me of. Home, peace, and a place of rest for my entire family. Let me always be reminded that God is in charge of our lives. He has blessed us with a home here on earth and a home in eternity. He created the trees to be pleasing to our eyes but I believe He also created them to be pleasing to our hearts. May this Christmas season bring you much joy, a happy heart and may you make many new and wonderful memories to hang on your tree next year.
Isaiah 32:18 "My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest." NIV
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