Shapes of Christmas-advent devotion (5)

The Tree (Christmas Eve)

Scripture
Luke 2:25-32; John 10:10

25And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
26And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
27And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law,
28then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said, 29"Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, According to Your word; 30For my eyes have seen Your salvation, 31Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES, And the glory of Your people Israel."

10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Devotion
There is no more familiar shape during the Christmas season than the Christmas Tree. The decorated symbol of Christmas quickly transforms a normal living room into a joyful atmosphere of celebration. The most outstanding characteristic of the Christmas tree is the use of an evergreen tree. These trees are full of life. The fir tree can stand tall even under the most outrageous conditions...and in the end still be flowing with the life is was given. Jesus said that He came so that we may have life and have it to the full. This life of faith can stand the most outrageous conditions of life and in the end we are allowed to stand tall because Jesus has brought us through it. This Christmas season we celebrate the birth of our Lord, our Savior, and our Life-Giver. Don't wait another year or even another day before trusting Him for your life. Let Jesus be the king, your friend, and your way to the Father. He came for you so that you might live.

Prayer-
Lord Jesus,
Thank you for putting on flesh and walking the earth so that we may have a close personal relationship with Almighty God. You are the source of all life and we confess our need for you. Please forgive us when we act as if we are fine without You. Take us and use us to reach others with Your light of grace and love. We love you Jesus...but only because You showed us what real love is. We pray all of this in Your name.
Amen