iBelieve - Week 2

You are a Christmas tree

Most people take the time during the Christmas holiday to put up a Christmas tree. It looks great, but what does it mean?

In the old, old days, people thought of these evergreen plants as capable of keeping away bad spirits or circumstances from their homes. The Egyptians used these types of trees for the purpose of representing triumph over death, even though it was associated with a pagan god. The Vikings and Romans also used these trees, but they weren’t Christmas trees quite yet. 

Christmas trees like the one that may stand in your living room began its history in Germany. Committed Christians were the ones to complete this action in the 1500s. Additionally, many believe that a Protestant Reformation leader, Martin Luther, was the first to place light onto the tree to remind him of the night sky.

Truth is, America began accepting Christmas trees at a late date; nonetheless, we have them. Now, the point of all of this is to make a statement that God has placed upon my heart: Because of Jesus, I believe that God desires us to be Christmas trees.  

Christmas trees shine in midst of darkness. They light-up the setting and bring about encouragement. In fact, they even change the mood.

Jesus says this in Matthew 5:14-16, “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

Because of Jesus, you should light-up any place in which you go. Be the light amongst darkness and follow Jesus! Understand that it carries onto others, too.

There is another reason why I believe we are like Christmas trees. First of all, they are the biggest decoration that takes up the most space. If you are anything like my family, it is the first item to be unpacked. It sets the Christmas setting—like the centerpiece of all decorations.

Set the setting before the setting sets you. If the Christmas tree doesn’t go up first, there may not be enough space for it. It may require trimming, a tight space, and an ineffective role.

In the same way, don’t let the people around you change you for the negative. Take your place, and set your setting before those around you cause you to take an ineffective and ungodly position. Take your place before the world gives you a place. 

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2).

You are meant to be a Christmas tree and make a difference for Jesus! Stand out!