Jesse Tree

If you find yourself in need of a conversation starter during this holiday season and lack the necessary creative juices to come up with one - just roll with “What are your holiday traditions?”  This question always opens up a can of worms! 

It brings to mind what customs we grew up with, what we do now, and what we would love to do with our people in the future.  I personally always liked the idea of hiding a pickle in the tree.  Whoever finds the pickle ornament gets a prize.  I have no clue where I even heard this and never have managed to implement it.  Perhaps next year? 

Years ago, a dear woman in town introduced many of us to the “Jesse Tree.”  I am forever grateful that she did.  When my kids were younger and life was crazy, “Jesse Tree” devotionals and ornaments kept us focused on Jesus during the hustle and bustle of Christmas.

So, what are our traditions now?  We gather on Christmas Eve to dip pretzels and cookies in white chocolate.  We then adorn them with colorful, sugary sprinkles and usually consume most instantly.

On Christmas Day, we bake a cake and sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus after the real food and dishes are finished.  The chaos here has calmed way down over the years.  There are no toys to assemble.  Nevertheless, Santa continues to enjoy our cookies and milk.  There are still six stockings proudly hanging and waiting for him to arrive and stuff full of treats. 

Our pastor asked me to do the children’s message this week. My topic was Christmas and what I love about it.  Some of my favorites were planned from my Bible, but some were totally spontaneous. 

I was caught off guard when a precious family lit the Second Advent candle.  The baby of the bunch was ready to protest.  She was absolutely beautiful in her red dress, but appeared bored and agitated with  the shenanigans.  Her dad eloquently delivered his message about the candle and big sister helped him light it.  Big brother watched.  

I wondered what was next.  I have never been “THE” family lighting the advent candle, but I have been in the spotlight often and outnumbered by children.  Baby girl began to fuss, squirm, and let her presence be known!  

The most amazing thing happened though right in front of our eyes. When her mom stepped up to the mic holding her and began to pray, she was suddenly silent and totally content.  I know from experience that the Word of God is life and death.  It can transform any situation- but I saw it today again with this family in a real way. 

I did peek during the prayer to see if someone had shoved a bottle into her mouth.  Nope, The Word calmed her.  It was a beautiful and unexpected testimony of Christmas and the power of Jesus.  I referenced this “phenomenon” in the children’s message.   

The choir then sang “Blessings” by Laura Story right in the middle of the traditional Christmas cantata.  The lyrics include this “What if your blessings come through raindrops, What if your healing comes through tears, what if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You’re near.  What if trials of this life are your mercies in disguise?”

I absolutely loved this part of our worship.  It was unexpected, but very fitting for what we all deal with in real life.

Likewise, Luke 2:10 also includes us all.  It says “Do not be afraid, I bring good news that will be for all of the people.”  All of the people?  That includes you.  That includes me.  Claim and live in the Good News this week.