Thoughts Inspired by a Charlie Brown Christmas Tree
One Christmas tradition many people observe is that of putting up a Christmas tree. My hubby and I will probably forego that custom, however. It is too easy to envision our resident feline attempting to live up to his name by scampering to the top where an angel typically sets. And Scamper is NOT an angel! (Smile)
Though three decades have come and gone, one Christmas tree I had still stands out in my memory. I lived in a small mobile home at the time. (Emphasis on SMALL. The living room measured roughly 144 square feet, and already contained a piano, full length sofa, chairs, and a TV.) But that December I decided I could make room for a tree. I decided to get the it from one of the tree farms nearby.
A friend graciously volunteered to assist me in this venture. We trudged through deep snow, up and down rows of trees, searching for one that would take up minimal space. Finally, nose and toes almost frozen, I spotted what I deemed the perfect tree. End of search.
But the adventure was really just beginning. Back at my house, when we proceeded to place the pine in its stand, we realized I had chosen one with a trunk that curved. It was impossible to get the evergreen to stand straight. No matter what we attempted, the tree leaned. Unsteadily. Precariously. Dangerously. Further complicating the
Further complicating the situation, one side of the tree had a HUGE bare spot that no amount of garland or ornaments could possibly conceal. We ended up turning the tipsy tree so the bare spot faced the wall. And, to reduce the risk of a crashing conifer, we used clothesline to anchor it to a nearby window frame.
I have since learned that those who work in the Christmas tree industry would refer to my memorable tree as a “Charlie Brown” tree. People in the industry work meticulously to prune and shear so that the final result is a symmetrical, high-density, coneshaped tree. Unlike mine from years past.
Pruning is not only necessary when it comes to growing Christmas trees. It is also essential for our spiritual growth. And so God permits and sends and uses circumstances and trials of life to “prune” us. Pruning that enables us to grow. To become what God has intended for us to be. To fulfill His unique plans and purposes for our lives.
“For the time being no discipline brings joy, but seems sad and painful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness [right standing with God and a lifestyle and attitude that seeks conformity to God’s will and purpose].” (Hebrews 12:11, Amplified Bible)
As we celebrate Jesus’ birth, may we not forget why He came.
“I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10b, King James Version)
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Why is it that so many professing Christians make no spiritual progress, and indeed make no efforts to grow in grace? Why? Because they care nothing about it! To take up a “mere profession” is all they desire; but to proceed from one degree of piety to another; to grow in grace – is no part of their desire… Is it possible to be a Christian and yet destitute of this desire to grow in grace? No, it is not! I tell you, it is not! If you have no concern to grow in grace – there is no grace in you! You are a piece of dead wood – and not a living branch! You are a spiritual corpse – and not a living man! In this state there can be no growth – for dead things never grow! —John Angell James
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“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18, King James Version) Giving credit where credit
Giving credit where credit is due: http://www.highcountrylights.com/fun-activities/random-christmas-facts.html https://extension.unh.edu/resource/pruning-and-shearing-christmas-trees-fact-sheet
