It was the weekend of tree decorating in our family. With ours up, we went over to watch as our granddaughters helped to do theirs.
She sat in my lap for a few minutes chatting about Christmas trees before asking the question on her heart …
“Mimi, is there any such thing as a perfect Christmas tree?”
We put so much undo pressure upon ourselves to create a tree of great beauty each year:
- real or artificial?
- white or colored lights?
- garland, tinsel, or beads?
- star or angel topper?
- matching ornaments or variety?
My answer came quickly, “Every tree is perfect!”.
Since the conversation, I have been reminded of another tree:
“Out of the stump of David’s family will grow a shoot – yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root.” (Isaiah 11:1, NLT)
A stump. “A standing tree trunk from which the upper part and branches have been removed” (from dictionary.com).
From a tree with little left of it, came beautiful new growth.
Every Christmas tree is beautiful to behold. It is a representation of the ones, the family, to whom it belongs. Each tree is as unique as the ones who put it up. The tree tells the family story down through the years.
Each one a small part of His story, and the story will continue on down through the ages.
Today I am joining … Trekking Thru the Week and Unite and #RaRaLInkup and Teaching What Is GoodĆĀ .
What a great reminder that God brings beauty from the ashes. Even when things seem hopeless, God is working to bring new life and healing.
Yes, Debbie, God is always at work and we are never without hope.
Every Christmas I look forward, at some point, to pondering the beauty of a new beginning from an old stump.
And I totally agree with your response about the perfect Christmas tree. You have a tiny philosopher there!
It was a question that took me by surprise from a 9YO. But it was a good one for me to ponder!
I love seeing other people’s trees. They each tell a story about their family. Thanks for a beautiful post as always!
I do too, Cheryl. Each tree is so unique and always strikes me as special. It is like you get a glimpse into their history and heart. Glad you stopped here!
I agree that there’s no such thing as the perfect tree. I love letting my kids decorate the tree and seeing how they change from year to year.
Kids have a ways of making the tree special. I love how they tend to put many decorations on the same branch. This year it made me realize how none of us really like being out on a limb all alone š
May you & your family have a blessed Christmas!
Each tree is perfect. I love that, Joanne. We got a new tree two years ago, finally a pre-lit one so my hubby wouldn’t battle with the frustrating string of lights. This tree really does seem perfect. š
Lisa, you so made me laugh! But you are absolutely right – not having to battle the tangled strands of lights would make for the perfect tree š
A perfect tree. A perfect shoot. Yep! You have an amazing spiritual perspective Joanne!