As this could well be my last Christmas on this planet, I want it to be
TREETACULAR!
First, a history lesson. Christmas trees, as we know them, have a bad rap. Egyptians, Celts, and Romans had pagan practices with trees and evergreens. Christians of the 16th century borrowed from these traditions, bringing decorated trees into the house. That didn’t play well with early church leaders. “PAGAN SYMBOLS!” they thundered. “Christmas is SACRED—don’t muck it up!”
Thus, Christmas trees came late to America, given heavy fines for hanging decorations. German and Irish immigrants, though, changed that, and today, our trees are diverse. Here are a few:
Lobster pots Teddy Bears
Casettes Hub Caps
Real Christmas trees (as opposed to artificial) have to die to serve their purpose. They must die before they can be decorated and made glorious.
Must die. Christ died on a “tree”of death, but that death, followed by resurrection, brought life and beauty to all who link up with Him. Our stark reality remains a 100% human death rate. I’m going to die; you’re going to die. But will beauty come out of my death? Your death?
Like the extraordinary trees pictured above, you can dress a manikin elegantly, but a manikin is nothing more than shaped cardboard. I want something better. I’m certain my death will bring me to heavenly splendor. My risen Lord will clothe me with His garment of love. Because I have known Him as my Savior and Lord, He will know and welcome me as His beloved child.
Jim and I no longer do trees, gifts, cards/letters, or decorations. Instead, we worship. With Jim’s Swedish, 6 AM Julotta background, going to church on Christmas Day has always been a given. And this year, Christmas comes on SUNDAY! Worshiping, remembering odd, though powerful carols like Good King Wenceslas. (Click this link when done reading.) https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/57832/good-king-wenceslas
My favorite of all carols:
“On this day, earth shall ring with the song children sing to the Lord, Christ our King, born on earth to save us; Him the Father gave us. Ideo-o-o, gloria in excelsis Deo!” (Latin: THEREFORE, Glory to God.)
Hallelujah, what a Savior…
as the sacred hymn is sung.
YES–what a Savior, indeed!
Have a blessed holiday Ellie. Thank you for the inspiring words and the pictures of original, if not a bit awkward, Christmas trees.
I listen to my late mother’s nativity music box that plays Silent Night. I feel a connection to her in its reminder for the real reason for the season.
Yes, those trees are “awkward,” for sure, but the real Tree is a thing of beauty indeed. I love those old music boxes!
You certainly know how to keep the Message simple … and holy and powerful. Love you both!
Thank you, Clarice. High praise, indeed, from someone who also writes powerfully.
Thank you, Eleanor. Very inspiring . . . Gloria in Excelsis Deo!
AMEN to that, Norm! Thanks much!
Love “Good King Wenceslas!” I had never heard it before coming to West Church 40+ years ago. Thanks for the lyrics.
I love you, and thank you & Jim, for providing a fertile environment for life & growth of humans and trees! 🌲🌲🌲
It’s funny—I can still sing at least the first verse of Wenceslas by memory, but where did that come from? It must’ve been popular way back, but it’s not in our current hymnal. A great song but only peripherally Christmas. Thanks, Jeanne!
Such amazing powerful words as always. I love reading everything you write. It always gives me pause – to slow down and reflect on He that is ALL things. And here, to remember and celebrate the true reason for Christmas. And just be grateful. I know I am grateful for you and want you here in human form forever, knowing that is not possible. But the joy of being in God’s presence is truly what we all aspire to and will celebrate. We will sing his praises. Love you my friend.
Thank you, dear friend! Your words feel my soul. May your soul be filled with the richness of the Heavenly Kingdom!
Thank you, Ellie! I just went back again and reread the blog you posted before this one. I did enjoy your jokes. Lowell told me that he talked to you recently. I had not read those words of God King Wenceslas before. I especially liked the last two lines. We spend a lot of time in my Sunday School class talking about how we might help the poor. I hope you and Jim have a Beautiful, Blessed Christmas! I think of you often and I really appreciate the encouragement and support you have given to me in my pursuit of writing. Glory to God in the highest! I especially thank Him for the blessing He has given me in having you as my friend. Love you, Kathy
Thank you Ellie, I so appreciate how you turn your writing back to Christ and all He has accomplished for us on that Tree ! I am so thankful Christmas is on a Sunday this year, so thankful for you and Jim and the God honoring testimony your lives have been to sooo many through the years. So thankful the Lord has numbered our days . So thankful He has numbered your days ! So thankful He has given you such a joyful spirit that longs for your home in Heaven even as you continue to seek to serve Him today with the many gifts He has given you. love you, dianne
Thanks so much, Diane. You get the point, all the way from God’s work in our lives to our days being numbered. I’m planning a big Heaven Party, so don’t be too late! : )
It IS wonderful that Christmas falls on Sunday this year. I think that is so very special, keeping an even more direct focus on the true “Founder of the Feast.” I look forward to joining you at the real feast one day, Ellie, the Wedding Supper of the Lamb, where we’ll all have our direct focus on Him, honoring Him together. How much we have to look forward to! May God bless and keep you and your Jim and fill each day with His peace and expectation. I enjoyed what you wrote about Christmas trees. That’s a good reminder of the role of one particular tree in our eternity. In the meantime, I’m enjoying the lights of all Christmas trees I see. Lights remind me of the Heavenly Hosts, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will to men.” What a glorious plan our Father brought to earth in order to bring us home to Him. God bless you!
Cathy, you grasp the essence of Christmas as it should be—aglow with starlight and angel song. We WILL be together at the Great Feast!
Ellie,
Thank you for sending this. Yes, we who are in Christ, shall gather at that great feast! And we shall be rejoicing as we join in the song, “Worthy Is the Lamb who was slain!”
YES AND AMEN!!!