And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Colossians 3:15 (KJV)
This has been a most unnerving year. Going back to college has opened my eyes to a side of life I was completely unaware of. I had to fight to maintain my faithful fruits and pray continuously to be able to explain why my faith is correct and true.
At the same time we were preparing our home for sale; packing those things that made our home personally ours, those little treasures and comforts that mean so much. All of this culminated at its highest peak in December, a week before the celebration of the Birth of my Lord.
With packing for a move and sorting out what to take and what to leave, we gave away our Christmas tree; we figured we’d already be moved by Christmas.
Shopping was all last minute with a minimal budget. I was overwhelmed and frazzled with each stop; people pushing, crowding, blocking the aisles, children crying and screaming, adults screaming and threatening; I just wanted to hide and let Christmas go by without me. Depression stepped in.
Sunday before Christmas came and the children were doing their program that morning. The adult worship team was going to sing a few songs and as we practiced the children were being transformed into angels. It all seemed so mechanical, lacking Jesus.
I had to get something out of the prayer room. When I opened the door I walked into a tiny forest of Christmas trees, simply decorated and set there to make room for the Children’s set. I stopped. I couldn’t take my eyes off of the trees. The depression and tension lifted. Jesus! Jesus! Over and over I heard his name. He had come as a baby, announced by a star.
Memories of past Christmas trees flooded my mind. Nativity, ornaments, angels, a star on the top, Christmas carols honoring my Lord. I hadn’t realized how much a tree meant to me. I hadn’t realized how much the tree spoke to me of Jesus. I hadn’t realized the peace of sitting at the base of a lit Christmas tree brought, lights twinkling, glowing in wonderful colors in a darkened room. All the story of Christmas played in my mind.
We borrowed one of those little trees to put our presents around, just a simple tree. It was a small symbol reminding me to thank God for sending His son as a tiny vulnerable baby; a baby that would hunger, be cold, be hot, be confused and filled with awe, just like us. It was a tiny baby, humbled by a simple birth, honored with my Christmas tree. This baby would one day give His life for me. Thank you Abba Father.
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By Linda J. Humes
Written 12-27-09
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Linda J. Humes 