Sunday, December 16, 2012

Oh Christmas Tree

So we didn't get a real tree this year. We invested in an artificial one - you know the one that is overly advertised to look the most realistic with just the perfect amount of needles and lights? It is the first year I have had one in 10 years. This is because my husband (whom I love for this) who has always been so adamant about our getting a real tree. I thought it was cute and always went along with it thinking it didn't make that big of a difference outside of the fun family outing. Yes, I knew would miss that - going to the same place each year, picking one out but didn't think anything else would be missed. Until now.
 
Oh sure to bring up the fact that there would be no mess and no going out in the cold and making sure it is secured on the SUV or having to feel bad for having killed it or taking it to the street when the new year comes I thought it was a great idea. Actually we all agreed it was easier to just get one we could put out each year at our convenience and not fiddle with lights and all that other stuff I mentioned. So we did it. However when we got it all decorated and up it didn't have any charm or character. No smell. No life. We love it and appreciate it, but it is just not the same.
 
It then occurred to me that this is odd in that I had real trees growing up as a kid and even later in life. I have even experienced going into the woods and cutting a tree down. So what is different inside of me now? It is different to me now because I have a relationship with Christ where in times past I hadn't. God's word written in the Bible is true that we are born again and made new. I have no doubt about this and will testify to it. But back to the tree...

I thought about what I missed with a real tree and pondered a moment or two. I began to feel a warmth and love come over me knowing how God has created so many things for us to enjoy. Thinking about the evergreen Christmas trees, I then thought about all the kinds of trees that grow around us - even the evergreens have so many variations. I moved on to the birds, the animals, the fruit, the vegetables. So much variety.
 
Also while thinking about this I thought how different we are as people, our characters, our charm, and our life. Not so much our smells, though - funny however. But thinking like this I know even more that God loves us and he formed each one of us with His own hands and heart. Every single person is so special. He admires us just as we do that Christmas tree. Just the way we are.
 
We are so blessed by a God that loves us so much and has given us so much and this Christmas season I do not take that for granted. I am so thankful for my Heavenly Father who sent His son to save us all. I am so thankful that He loves us.
 
Merry Christmas! I hope you all have wonderful season filled with love and fellowship with your relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

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