Christmas, By A Tree

Text: II Corinthians 8:9 - For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich.

II Corinthians 9:15 - Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.

Sometimes, if not often, we ought to just be still before the unfolding of grace, having that audience with God. The reach of grace, for it's innumerable details is beautifully complex, capable of sufficiency for the most grand, and as well, the most minute of needs, with a touch ranging from being unbearable to utterly endearing. The invitation for the Christian is to avail oneself to the Giver, and discover the gift. It is a work of surrender.

Sometimes the gift is raw, unseemly, and unfinished, like a fresh cut raggedy tree, shedding it's dirt, and it's needles, with nothing about it worth celebrating but it's symbolism, it's potential, and the hope it offers for the trace fragrance of pine and the memory of what past Christmas trees brought- to carry it, is clumsy work, with the immediate gain, a backache, scratches and splinters: yet, it is a gift.

But then outside of itself comes a perfecting work, also a gift, perfectly fitting it in the perfect space with all its adorning done, its ornaments reflective, and it's lights lit, still with its signature pine fragrance- replete with pleasantly wrapped surprises beneath its boughs, perfect for every hope-filled gaze, perfect for every accompanying Christmas carol, and every patient yearning and family reflection.

Grace reaches just like that- suffering the incomplete with a perfecting finishing touch, turning on the lights... Thank You Lord, for Your touch of grace!

You saw me, and assumed my worst, and put upon me the heavenly, far past my deserving.
What word, or words can there be for that?  Hallelujah!

Prayer:  Thank You Jesus! Merry Christmas!   Amen.

(by Dr. McNeal Brockington)