When the Tree Comes Down

This is probably one of the most depressing moments--the Christmas tree comes down tomorrow. I know-some of you have real trees that are shedding all over the floor and turning brown, so you are ready to jerk that evergreen down and get the stolen floor space back.

But for those of us who adore Christmas, taking down such a beautiful, joyous thing is a sad and somber moment. I feel like I'm taking down an old friend--one that has been bringing me joy for a month. But when I break it down, even when the tree comes down the story and purpose doesn't end.

Our purpose for Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Christ. Christmas is directly linked to Easter--and the story doesn't end when I take the tree down. The little baby king born in a manger had little hands that would be scarred from nails, his soft brow would bear a crown, but not one of gold. It would be a circle of thorns digging into his flesh and sending blood down his head and into his eyes. His back so gently patted by his mother would lay open to the bone--tendons exposed because of the lash of my sin. The little toes Joseph touched in amazement would dig into the harsh cobblestone streets of Jerusalem as he drug a heavy, splintered cross up the hill to Golgotha. No, it doesn't end with the tree.

As we approach a new year I'm reminded of the lessons of the past and the hope of the future. Because of the baby in the manger I can face a new year. Because of Christmas I have hope of Easter. Because of Easter I have hope of eternity. It all starts with Christmas.

The King born that night in Bethlehem was born with the end His goal. He was born with a purpose and worked every day to achieve that purpose. Now this is where the interesting thing comes in...He created us with purpose too. We were born with His future goal for us in mind--and how are we living toward that end? No, it doesn't end with the tree.

So as I take down the balls, the ribbons, the lights, the tree, and the excitement of Christmas and pack it away, I will not pack away the joy that came from Christmas in the form of a baby. I won't stack in the basement the realization that every move and decision I make is for a purpose for my good and His glory.

Because He lives,
Sarah