O Christmas Tree, O Christ-more Tree

There’s more Christ in the Christmas tree of life. Oh, what is this beautiful tree that points to the Heavens of God’s infinite creation? The supernatural star of Bethlehem is atop and can be seen from afar. Hanging in the celestial branches is an infinite host of angels bursting through the fabric of Heaven, singing grace to shepherds who were to come and inspect a lamb born without blemish. A lamb to be sacrificed for the covering of naked transgressions by our Adam and Eve ancestors. They were dressed in leather by the OG fashion designer Himself before being locked out of Eden lest the death curse became unbreakable and sealed. Locked out into a death-cursed world.

A journey of many moons, generations, and miles connects each branch on the family Christmas tree. We honor a chosen family that brings Light to the world.

“I once was blind, but now I see.”

Through the perfection of time, each branch of the family tree is recorded from Adam to Jesus, the second Adam. Not one member of the family tree is an ornament on their branch without a crack, scratch, or missing pieces, sometimes glued back together in weird-looking ways. But, each hangs in the balance of grace, faithfully hoping and latching onto the vine, serving a redemptive purpose in God’s greater plan.

Another 400 years pass between the rivers of revelation. The elderly prophetess-widow Anna faithfully fasts and prays during these silent years for restoration. And righteous old man Simeon stands on a promise to see the refreshing of Israel emerge before he dies.

Priestly Zechariah scoffs in his old age at the idea of birthing his prophesied son. Yet, Elizabeth’s miracle baby John leaps for joy in her wrinkled womb at the coming Kingdom-at-hand!

Little Mary’s in a tight spot on her branch. An innocent lamb herself, she’s publicly shamed with the most unexpected pregnancy. Surrenders her life for the greatest joy and greatest sorrow a woman will ever know. Trades her dreams for a God-sized reality that comes in the smallest of spirit-filled ways. She’s intimately aware of the presence of God on Earth from start to “it is finished.” The first to welcome Jesus into a human heart. The first to share in humanity’s good news before anyone could understand.

Joseph, another Egypt-bound dreamer, conquers the fear of the unknown to bring a holy child to his divine birth appointment. He swallows his shame, adopting and sheltering baby Yeshua with Abba protection, even when there is no room in the inn.

The blood of Adam coursing through a fetus, an unborn baby. The age-old prophecy is coming to pass. The Branch of the Lord sprouts forth. And there He is, Jesus, the God who created all the atoms and intrinsic designs of the cosmos within and without. There the infinite I AM cries out for mother’s milk in a helpless frame. Complete trust and rest in his lowly human Ima.

Let the trumpets blast, the King of kings is here! The head of the serpent will be crushed. Legal rights that were sneakily stolen will be reversed to and restored to their intended recipients. The sons of Adam and the daughters of Eve may now co-reign henceforth. The keys to death are taken back. Paradise lost is now found. Prince of peace for our souls.

And the wise men from exotic exiled lands humble themselves low on the Christmas tree branches. After the celestial music stops playing, they safely leave a murderously sly Herod. After they catch a glimpse of the Christmas star, they seek Jesus to offer and bring precious gifts of frankincense, gold, and myrrh, from afar. Gifts for healing, provision, and honorable sacrifice for an untimely trip back to Egypt, later called out to the Promised Land, just like his forbearers of long ago. Gifts from God in these patterns cover the roots of the Christmas tree that’s grounded to bless the whole earth. So many gifts and talents for His children to open, unravel, unfold, and discover. Abundant life gifts for us all, planted in our hearts and DNA in a space before time. Gifts to share, invest, and multiply for the creation to bear more fruit. Billions of fruit trees to bring the glory of God and the Lamb who shared our suffering in exchange for His success. We honor Him with the ornamental stories on our trees this Christmas.

The Christmas tree represents eternal life that is found in the truest story ever told. A Christmas parable for those who have eyes to see and ears to hear. So, smell the sweet pine and brew a cup of breathe easy tea. Taste and see the sweetness of 12-season fruits. For God is good and His love endures forever. Merry Christmas!

©2023 Cherish Flieder, SomethingToCherish.com