JOTS FROM OLD JAKE
God� Christmas Tree
Thursday, Dec. 27, 2007 - 6:40 p.m.
You can�t hardly talk to a bunch of Christians this season and not end up discussing whether the Christmas we put in our homes is the Christian thing to do or not. From my take on what I have read and heard: the Christmas tree as we know has come into our traditional Christmas celebrating through pagan rites that relate to worship of the God of the Trees, or from someone�s dream of the bright star of Bethlehem shining down on the frost on the cedar trees the night of the birth of Christ. None of the above can be substantiated through the scriptures. So here is a rendition of God�s Christmas Tree.
Genesis 3:17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;
So because of the disobedience of Adam in the act of partaking of the forbidden tree a curse was placed on mankind.
Galatians 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
Jesus cancled that curse out by Him sacrificing Himself on the Tree� �the Cross.� He bore that curse and paid the price for us who believe.
Now I claim that cross as God�s Christmas Tree. Not only that but he has placed presents for us under that tree.
Some of the gifts He has placed for us under that tree are;
Peace with God;
Grace wherein we stand;
Joy in our hope of the glory of God;
Glory in troubles;
Patience;
The Holy Spirit;
Et al.
Romans 5:1-5 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
It seems only fitting that because of a tree we were doomed to death but because of a tree we are allowed a reprieve. It is not the tree that did either of the life altering events they just played a part of the event. First event was involving something that hung on the tree. The second event was what was hung on the tree. The first involved disobedience. The second involved obedience. The first event caused the curse the second disposed of the curse to who so ever calls on His name.
I am sure that many analogies can be derived should a person meditate on them for a while.
CS~ that new song Mary Did you Know? Has me thinking about what was going on in the minds of Mary, Joseph, the siblings of Christ and the neighbors of that time. Surly Mary knew a lot of what was going on with Him. But I would think it would be next to impossible to really rationalize the depth and importance of her son, Jesus. There would be no benchmark to compare that experience with. I believe even the brothers of Christ were not really followers until after He was ascended to heaven. Then my mind wonders on and questions just how much of what is happening today is significant to the Harpazo and the end times since we have no benchmark to compare it with is missing the significance. Whatever it is these times are sure interesting.
VERSE FOR THIS ENTRY!
Matthew 18:4-5 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.
ULTERIOR WORDS OF WISDOM� OR/NOT!
Other people are not a good benchmark to compare yourself; they may be more messed up more than you think.
May you be filled to overflowing with the Holy Spirit!
