Heavenly Plant Matters

I was working on a very homegrown Christmas project today, two days before Christmas. It was a calendar and I was drawing simple pictures to represent the months of the year for 2024. 

I got to December, and the first thing that came to mind, of course, was a Christmas Tree. 

Ok, what’s wrong with that, you say? 

Besides the obvious, if you believe Christmas is about Jesus. And, because I’ve been struggling with all the Christmas hoopla this year . . . trying to remind myself what Christmas is all about. And STILL, the first thing that came to mind was a Christmas tree. That’s what’s wrong. 

So I tried to reboot – and then the first thing I thought of was holly leaves and berries. Ok – I love to garden and my front hedges are holly bushes. Maybe I’ll give myself a pass on that one. 

And then I thought stars, and then angels, and then the LAST thing I thought to create a picture of – was the baby Jesus. 

Sigh. 

This is not your traditional – “What’s wrong with Christmas and do you know the real meaning?” post. We all know the story. Or we should. If you need a refresher, you can find it in Luke 2:1-20, and Matthew 1:18-2:23. 

Most of us also know Jesus was not born on December 25th. And too, many of us believe one of the theories for the start of Christmas was that Constantine altered the holiday so we could have a Christian one instead. There are articles on the varied theories, so I’ll just point you to Brittanica if you want to dive deeper. 

What’s wrong, is that the story of Jesus’ birth and all of the miracles surrounding it didn’t resonate so deeply with me this season. What’s wrong, is that the commercialism of the Christmas holiday is burned so deeply into my soul, that it doesn’t feel like Christmas if I’m not shopping and “fooding” and all the things we associate with the holiday. What’s wrong, is that we all know the story, but not the reason behind the story. 

Did you ever listen to Handel’s Messiah? The whole thing? It doesn’t end at the Hallelujah Chorus. It ends with our victory over death because our redeemer lives! This is the reason we celebrate Christmas. The baby born in the manger is the symbol of our hope – a hope that continues through Resurrection Sunday and wraps up at the redemption of this earth. 

The scripture reads: 

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.”

Isaiah 9:6-7, KJV

Don’t you think this is pretty radical? I mean, think of the world in which we live. No wonder we talk more about the baby in church than the reason the baby came. 

Ok, getting too serious here. Where’s Rudolph? 

Is Christmas about family? Nope. But it’s nice to see them for the holidays. 

Is Christmas about gifts? Nope. I know, Jesus came as a “gift” to the world, and the wise men also presented him with some pretty lavish stuff! But, they were rich, and I’m sure it didn’t hurt their pockets at all.

And – it was their act of worship. 

Let’s not worship the gift-giving, although it can be really fun! Instead, let’s direct our worship to the right place. Rather, to the right One. 

Is Christmas about gardening? Only if you keep the tree and the holly in play! 🎄

We have great stories to give Christian meaning to candy canes, Christmas trees, bells, holly, and other symbols. It is all fun, and yet too many arguments have been had over these things. Bah Humbug . . . ?

So, here it is:

His name shall be called:
Wonderful.
Counselor.
Mighty God.
Everlasting Father.
Prince of Peace. 

Yes, peace. We all need it. We all need him.

Wishing you the merriest Christmas this year, full of joy, laughter, family, too much food, and – more than anything, peace that comes from God himself. Let’s rejoice in the truth of who he is! 

Life is worship, and worship is life. ❤️

Oh! And here is a full rendition of Handel’s Messiah on YouTube. Enjoy!

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