God so loved
Much to the girls’ excitement our Christmas tree is now officially up! I remain unsure how ‘Christian’ the tradition of the tree actually is, but there are certainly things in it which can point us to the true message and meaning of Christmas.
Firstly, as presents gather at the foot of the tree we ought to be reminded that Christmas is all about the greatest gift ever given, the gift of Jesus.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16
Secondly, the tree itself points us to another great gospel truth. The tree points us to the reason that Jesus came. Namely, to free us from the curse of the Law of sin and death:
“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree’”
Galatians 3:13
This grotesque death was reserved for the worst of the worst, and yet Jesus -willingly (Mt 26:53)- gave himself up for us in love.
“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
2 Corinthians 5:21
Thirdly, the star on the top of the tree reminds us that the story of Jesus does not end in death and defeat- quit the opposite! He was raised on the third day, he has triumphed over death and will return triumphant for His people.
“I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”
Revelation 22:16b
The bright morning star is the brightest star that rises on the dawning of a new day. The bright morning star then is a reference to the One who will come again to usher in a new Day, a new Reality. Death and darkness will make way for light and life.
John MacArthur says
“This is the brightest Star announcing the arrival of the day. When Jesus comes, He will be the brightest star who will shatter the darkness of man’s night and herald the dawn of God’s glorious day.”
And so as you look at your Christmas tree this year, remember Jesus; his life, his death, his resurrection and the promise of his return. It’s not been an easy year, but we have plenty of reason to rejoice in Him!
