Christmas Tree

We have a “perfect” Christmas tree. Not “the” perfect tree, just the one that best fits our living space and activities. It looks real, is well lit, and gets adorned by expert hands, young and old! Some years, it’s even had a train running around it! Add gifts and it all help us focus on God’s love for us in Christ and love for one another!

This year, however, our tree had a big problem actually shining light. I know, what’s the point without lights? After 12 years, cascading light failures all over, required rewiring. So, we got to it and replaced the factory-installed 500+ lights, which was no easy job. But we worked on it together and the tree is now brighter than ever!

It’s not just Christmas trees that may need a bit of rewiring to shine God’s love into our hearts, relationships, and responsibilities. No, I don’t mean brain surgery! Just adjusting some thinking to center on God’s love being “with us” in Jesus to help us.

Through relatable people in the Bible like- Zechariah, Elizabeth, Mary, Joseph, Stable-Born Jesus, Third-Shift Shepherds, Well-Healed Wise Guys, and a Ruthless, Power-Mad King- Christmas calls us to:

> Find LOVE that Brings Peace, trusting Jesus as proof of God’s love & belief in you!
> Risk FAITH that Takes Courage, loving God with all yourself & others as yourself!
> Know JOY that Shares Hope, relying on God as your enduring, never-ending source!
> Be LIGHT that Dispels Darkness, not giving in to fear, pride, or selfish agenda!

Merry Christmas and a Jesus-empowered, bright New Year! Let’s get to it!