CHRIST-mas TREE

 

CHRIST-mas TREE

Is there an angel atop your Christ-mas tree

heralding tidings of joy for all to see?

Perhaps there are musical notes decorating your tree

reminding you of these angelic songs of jubilee.

Maybe you display harps or trumpets that could have played

tidings of peace and joy with the heavenly host as they paid

a visit to earth that night

with God's glory shining bright.

Don't forget to display the words peace and joy

the heavenly host spoke of when employed

to announce the good news to all.

Words that still ring true for us all:

Gloria in Excelsis Deo.

(Glory to God in the highest.)

These angelic songs were first sung to the shepherds

as they cared one night long ago for their herds.

Is there a shepherd's hook on your tree

for your friends and family to see?

Perhaps there are sheep scattered among your Christ-mas tree's evergreen boughs,

reminding us of those sheep protected from animals that howl and growl,

as shepherds kept watch through the night

under the stars shining bright.

The shining lights on the Christ-mas tree

remind us of the stars twinkling brightly

in the midnight sky that night

when the shepherds were filled with fright.

Is there a manger hanging from within

your Christ-mas tree's evergreen limbs

cradling the Christ-child,

above pretty-wrapped gifts piled?

Do barnyard animals nestle in the boughs -

cattle, donkeys, or maybe feathered fowls -

in remembrance of the last-minute stable

that the innkeeper made available?

Maybe there's a star atop your tree

reminding you of the star the wise men did see

guiding them to where the Christ-child

was, with his mother Mary, as the star directed.

Perhaps camels are added to the revelry

as they too have a place in history.

Don't forget the wise men's gifts

of gold, myrrh, and frankincense.

Perhaps you'll display a golden treasure chest

to remind you of these gifts given after the long quest

to find the newborn King

who would forgiveness bring.

Do you hang a cross upon your tree

to be reminded of the cross of Calvary

where Jesus willingly gave His life,

in turn offering us eternal life?

Is there a heart in red

reminding you of the blood shed

when Jesus freely gave His life for us

reminding you of the real meaning of Christmas.

This year when you decorate your Christ-mas tree,

be reminded of God's gift to you offered for free.

The gift of salvation found in Jesus, whose name means the Lord saves,

offering you forgiveness, peace, and joy, with His life He gave.

 * * * * *

The angel said to them...

"I bring you good news of great joy

that will be for all the people."

Luke 2:10

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host

appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

"Glory to God in the highest..."

Luke 2:13-14

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby,

who was lying in the manger.

Luke 2:16

On coming to the house,

they saw the child with his mother Mary,

and they bowed down and worshiped him.

Matthew 2:11

For God so loved the world

that he gave his only begotton Son

that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish

but have everlasting life.

John 3:16