A Naked-Tree Christmas

Christmas, Devotional, Jesus 1 Minute

My Christmas tree stands naked this Christmas except for the pre-strung lights. I’ve seen pictures of so many beautiful trees on social media, yet I haven’t managed to hang the special ornaments which our family has collected each year since our children were born. A busy schedule, health issues, and simply not making it a priority have all stood in the way.

But today as I noticed how plain and simple it looks, I thought of the night our Savior was born as recorded in Luke 2. There was nothing fancy about His birth. He was not born in a palace or even the nicest inn found in Bethlehem. There was no huge family celebration or extravagant baby shower. Instead God brought His son into the world quietly in a stable with a feed trough for his bed. It was a simple birth for the Son of God and Savior of the world.

My naked Christmas tree reminded me that we often lose our focus. We put so much time and effort into making the perfect Christmas that we forget to spread the good news as the shepherds did that first Christmas. My naked tree reminded me how important it is for us to take a moment and ponder on the true meaning of Christmas: the humble birth of our Lord Jesus which would bring great joy for all people (Luke 2:10).

When the shepherds had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart (Luke 2:17-19). Have a Naked-Tree Christmas and make the time to ponder on the good news of Jesus’ birth and experience the true joy of Christmas!

Published by Tresa Walker Strengthrenewed

Like Jonah, I have spent a good bit of time in the belly of the whale. I understand what made Jonah run from God’s plan for his life, but I have also learned the joy of obedience. No experience compares to the time I spent running from God calling me to write, but many blessings have followed since I yielded to His will. In 2 Corinthians 12:9 God says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” God doesn’t expect us to be perfect, just willing! My days are filled with spending as much time as possible with my family, teaching middle school, playing piano for worship services, teaching a ladies’ Bible study, writing devotionals, and making homemade cinnamon rolls when I have the energy.

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One thought on “A Naked-Tree Christmas”

  1. I have a feeling you and your family experienced heightened joy on your Naked-Tree Christmas, just because it helped focus your attention on the humble birth of Jesus. You are so right, Tresa: it is VERY easy to lose our focus. This year I tried to worship while working on the Christmas cards, the wrapping, the cleaning. (The shopping and decorating were already done when I decided to aim my thoughts toward worship.) To be honest, I had to keep bringing my thoughts back to prayer, praise, and gratitude, but each time I did, the peace the defies understanding renewed my spirit–and energy!

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