In your Advent preparations, most of you probably have your tree up or are planning to by this weekend. What a perfect time to unite the family or share with family/friends the origin of the Christmas tree. There are many stories, but the one I like dates back to the eighth century and St Boniface. As the story goes, he gave a balsam fir tree to the Druids in place of the symbol of their idol, the oak tree. “The fir tree is the wood of peace, the sign of an endless life with its evergreen branches. It points to heaven. It will never shelter deeds of blood, but rather be filled with loving gifts and rites of kindness.”
Perhaps this will provide you with a great starting point to begin a family discussion about the true reason for the season. If you don’t discuss or reinforce the true meaning of Christmas, who will? Who else will compete with the commercialism of Christmas that bombards us everywhere?
Be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new self, created in God's way in righteousness and holiness of truth. Therefore, putting away falsehood, speak the truth, each one to his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Eph 4:23-25
Pray for families, especially those consumed by commercialism, that their hearts are converted and open to His light. No present can begin to compete with the gift of the birth of Christ. No gift can fill us with lasting joy, like that of the newborn King. Prepare your hearts to receive Him and continue to pray for families.
Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet
