Christmas Tree

Merry Christmas

Christmas is a season of Hope

Hope that is full of Joy

Hope on Family

Hope of Peace

Hope of new things

Hope of family togetherness

Christmas is a time of Hope

we hope to experience a Deep Joy.

As Christians I remind you to live your life in EXPECTATION.

Knowing His Promises

Living in His Presence

Christmas is wonderful time of Year..........

1000 Illustrations for Preaching & Teaching (What Do We Mean?)

In 1952 pupils in a New York public school were invited by their teacher to mention things associated with Christmas.

The children responded spontaneously: “Santa Claus,” “Reindeer,” “Christmas trees,” “presents.”

Then a pensive little girl said, “The birthday of Jesus.”

“Oh, no,” the teacher replied quickly, “that’s not what we mean.”

The world is missing the point

We as Christ Followers should be celebrating because of the GOOD NEWS.

We are here to move Hope to EXPECTATION

and because of His Promises

We live in Joy and Peace

and we are here to be the voice in the darkness to lead the lost to the light.

Today I want to tell you a story about a symbol of Christmas

Christmas Tree

Let me Tell the story of the Christmas Tree

The Christmas tree has a rich and varied history, blending ancient traditions with Christian symbolism.

Origins The tradition of bringing evergreens into homes dates back to ancient civilizations.

Egyptians, Romans, and Druids would decorate their homes with evergreen boughs during the winter solstice, symbolizing life amid the darkest days of the year.

Christian Symbolism The modern Christmas tree is said to have originated in Germany during the 16th century.

Some historians credit Martin Luther, the Protestant reformer, with adding lighted candles to a tree.

According to legend, he was inspired by the beauty of stars twinkling through evergreen trees and wanted to recreate that scene for his family.

Popularity The Christmas tree tradition spread across Europe and reached the United States in the 19th century. It gained immense popularity after England’s Queen Victoria and her German husband, Prince Albert, were depicted in a newspaper illustration standing with their children around a Christmas tree. This royal endorsement made the custom fashionable.

Decoration Traditional decorations included edible items like apples, nuts, and marzipan cookies. Over time, ornaments made of glass, paper, and other materials became common. Today, Christmas trees are adorned with a variety of decorations, from lights and tinsel to themed ornaments.

Modern-Day Tradition The Christmas tree remains a beloved symbol of the holiday season around the world, representing joy, festivity, and the warmth of gathering together with loved ones.

It's fascinating how a simple evergreen tree has come to embody so much history and tradition, isn't it? 🎄

__________________________

The legend has it that a fir tree grew out of the fallen oak.

"That became a symbol of Christ — being triangular in shape it represents the trinity

— and from there came the idea that the tree should be a symbol of Christ and new life," Dr Wilson said.

"That's one of the main origins of the Christmas tree and bringing it into the house."

I love the illustration of a Tree.

The Seed from God planted in His Provision

Deep Rooted

Dependent on everything around it

Flexible but not changing

Subject to pruning and shaping

Changes in Season

Used to bring Beauty into the World

Adorned with HIS LIGHT, HIS DECORATIONS, created in the beginning of the world.

Bringing Light into a dark room

that becomes the CENTER of All Celebrations

I love the thought of a Christmas Tree

Seeds planted and grown

Planted for a Purpose

Nurtured by Man, but Fully Dependent on God

Growing Daily

Then harvested to bring Joy to all

Christ the Tree of Life

Isaiah 11:1 ESV

1 There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.

Trees are an example of Past, Present and Future

how are trees part of the Bible's past, present and future

Trees hold significant symbolism and practical importance throughout the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. Let's explore their role:

Past (Old Testament)

Tree of Life and Tree of Knowledge: In Genesis, the Garden of Eden features two important trees—the Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil (Genesis 2:9). These trees play central roles in the story of Adam and Eve's creation and fall.

Abraham and the Oaks of Mamre: Abraham received three visitors under the oaks of Mamre, where he was promised a son (Genesis 18:1-15).

Burning Bush: Moses encountered God in the form of a burning bush, which was actually a shrub, at Mount Horeb (Exodus 3:1-4).

Present (New Testament)

The Fig Tree: Jesus used the fig tree in parables and performed miracles involving fig trees. For example, He cursed a barren fig tree, symbolizing the consequences of unfruitfulness (Matthew 21:18-22). The Olive Tree: Olive trees and their branches are frequently mentioned in the New Testament. Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, which was filled with olive trees (Matthew 26:36-46). Olive branches also symbolize peace and reconciliation. The Cross: Jesus was crucified on a wooden cross, often referred to as a tree in the Bible (1 Peter 2:24).

Future (Revelation)

Tree of Life: The Tree of Life reappears in the book of Revelation, symbolizing eternal life. It is described as bearing twelve kinds of fruit and leaves for the healing of nations (Revelation 22:2).

Trees thus span the entire Biblical narrative,

representing life, wisdom,

and God's relationship with humanity.

Their symbolism and presence offer lessons and reminders of faith, growth, and renewal.

have you ever been to a Christmas tree farm?

Trees of all kinds of sizes

Planted in beautiful rows

shaped to serve

When we travelled to Philly for time with our family.

We went to a tree farm. it was a mad house.

people everywhere in the shop, workers shaking, trimming, wrapping the trees

and then tying them to the top of vehicles to be taken home

Yet as you turned to the rest of the property

the hustle and bustle lightened.

You saw people, family searching the Hillside

for THAT TREE

THE ONE THAT WOULD BRING JOY to their HOME

Gosh you simply must PAUSE, PRAY and PONDER

isn’t that like the Christmas Season.

To see all the ads, the stores, the decorations and lights

to see all the activity that is meaningless and will fade.

Like the people searching our hearts are designed to YEARN for JESUS

to turn from it to see a view of people searching for the perfect tree

The Perfect Tree

Jesus is that Perfect Tree

it is why we celebrate

Isaiah 11:1 ESV

1 There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.

Isaiah 53:2 ESV

2 For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him.

Jeremiah 23:5 ESV

5 “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.

Friends ---

Christ is the TREE of LIFE

Many Christians interpret Jesus as symbolically representing the Tree of Life because He offers eternal life to believers. This concept is deeply rooted in various biblical passages.

Eternal Life: Jesus often speaks of offering eternal life, much like the Tree of Life in Genesis and Revelation symbolizes eternal life (John 14:6).

Bread of Life: Jesus refers to Himself as the Bread of Life, offering spiritual sustenance to all who follow Him (John 6:35).

Connection to the Vine: In John 15:1-5, Jesus describes Himself as the true vine and His followers as branches. This imagery emphasizes the vital, life-giving connection believers have with Him.

This symbolic representation highlights Jesus’ role in providing spiritual nourishment, eternal life, and a deep, abiding connection with God. It’s a powerful and uplifting interpretation that resonates with many.

Christmas Mission

1000 Illustrations for Preaching & Teaching (Loving Christ)

On Christmas Day some years ago, a little boy was seen going in and out of his church several times.

When asked, “What gift did you ask of the Christ child?”

he replied, “I didn’t ask for anything.

I was just in there loving Him for a little while.”

Can you give some time to Christ tomorrow?

Like that Christmas Tree

Purchased

Planted

Pruned

Providing

Praising

Lets be the LIGHT OF THE WORLD in a DARK PLACE

Our Christmas always shine brightest in the Darkest Room

Our Beacon of Hope

May be share this time with God and Others this wonderful Season

Lets Pray