Scripture:
Psalm 1
1 Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.
4 Not so the wicked!
They are like chaff
that the wind blows away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
6 For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.
Ornament: tree shaped ornament
Thoughts:
God made his promises, and especially the promise of a Messiah, so that the relationship between the Father and his creation could be restored. If you listen to God’s enemies, ignoring God in favor of what serves selfish interests, or belittle what God values, you will miss the blessing that could be yours.
Then you might not know the grace and joy that Mary did…
or the truth that Joseph did,….
or the excitement that the shepherds did,….
or the fulfillment that the wise men did….
You might miss it all. But God sends the angel message of “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests”, sending it to you this season so that you can experience the righteousness that comes from faith in Christ. That you may be like a living tree, not withering in the drought of difficulty and stress, but refreshed by waters that flow no matter what the weather patterns in life.
He promises to watch over you and give you a meaningful fruitful life.
Listen to His message, and allow Him to be Lord of your life. Allow Him to bless you and prosper you.
Everyone says they want to be prosperous, but not many find the real wealth of a spiritual life with Christ. Don’t let that be you. Get planted in the good and prosperous place of God’s promises…like a tree beside fresh flowing waters.
That is the real Christmas tree which lasts forever and never dries out and is never thrown away… but grows to be a place of shelter and strength.
Carol: O Christmas Tree