Ten-Foot Tree or Nativity
By Kristen Terrette
“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will bring joy for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’” Luke 2:10-12
It’s easy to get caught up in the bright lights and traffic-stopping decorations, but those things can never fill our soul.
A ten-by-eleven foot window sat in the family room of my childhood home. Every December we put up a ten-foot Christmas tree in front of it. We cut it by hand from a tree farm, forever seeking the biggest one for our window display. The whole neighborhood drove by to see it lit up with a huge handmade, lighted star on top. For my sisters and me, it wasn’t really Christmastime until the tree was there.
Enjoying Christmas trees, lights, wreaths, and snowmen isn’t bad. But as I’ve gotten older and closer to my Savior, my most favorite decoration—the one that signals Christmas has arrived—is no longer a Douglas fir in my living room. Now it’s the Nativity scene.
This delicate and detailed scene holds a prominent place in my kitchen since that’s where my family hangs out the most. Three Wise men, shepherds, animals, Mary, and Joseph are there, but the most precious figurine is the tiny baby in a manger, centered in the space, standing out from the rest.
Jesus.
His presence signals the festivities have started. Our Savior has arrived! And therefore, so has the Christmas celebration.
Christmas isn’t about tree, lights, or presents. It’s actually not about a feeling. Nice. It’s about our Savior. Have you been looking for Christmas in the wrong places? Have you not given Christ His rightful place in your heart and festivities? There’s still time to find the true meaning of Christmas, to behold and adore Him. He who came to earth as a baby changed the world forever. He is the Messiah, the Lord.
He can change your world as well.
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Kristen Terrette is passionate about storytelling and helping people take their next steps in their relationship with Jesus. She lives forty-five minutes outside of Atlanta, GA. She served as a Children's Ministry Director for many years, and with the support of her husband and two children, she now stays home writing Christian fiction and non-fiction. She also serves on the women's leadership team at her local church and writes for Crosswalk and Wholly Loved Ministries. You can check out her articles and novels at www.kristenterrette.com.
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Originally published Friday, 15 December 2023.
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