A Living Christmas Tree Checklist!

This little checklist is more than a helpful hint for Christmas trees. It’s a check list for your approach and attitude toward Christ and Christmas.

Purchase a tree that will fit your home. They look a lot smaller in the outdoors. This point was driven home one year when we went to the wild, with the forest ranger’s permission, to chop down our own live tree. The perfect tree turned out to be nine feet tall and six feet wide. When I finished making it fit, it was a great looking Christmas bush. 

The size of the tree is not the only thing that needs to be checked.  Check your head size. Christmas isn't about you. It isn't about who has the biggest tree or the most decorative house. Christmas is about Christ.

There are no perfect live trees. Do not attempt to trim it to perfection. Another lesson taught from our nine foot tree. 

Despite what Hollywood portraits, there is no prefect Christmas.  The only thing perfect about Christmas is Christ.  The people you celebrate Christmas with are imperfect and you are too. Accept the fact that those that celebrate Christ birth are imperfect.  Don’t try to remake them and don’t be too hard on yourself. The dinner may not go perfect. Uncle Charlie might show up with a Rudolph nose or not show up all. The presents might not fit! 

Unless you are looking for the flaming tree effect, put live trees in a stand that allows you to water them often and water your tree. Your local fireman will thank you. 

During the holiday season and throughout the year, check your relationship with the Lord.  Water that relationship with prayer and daily time in His Word.  Many a fire of temptation can be prevented with proper watering.

Make sure the bulbs are properly fastened into the sockets before hanging lights.  Many a frustration meter has went off the chart because of a bad connection. Check the lights first and not last.

It is also wise to check your head and make sure it is screwed on straight.  People do many foolish things during the holidays. None is more foolish than spending more money than you have. The spirit of giving can be good. Don’t let it turn bad by over spending.

Hang only treasured ornaments on your tree. You are not out to impress the world with your tree. The kid’s painted ornaments are fine. Hang memories and not ornaments. 

During the Christmas season and throughout the year, do not try to impress others. The cost of impressing other is too high.  Love, respect, and acceptance are items that cannot be bought. They are given freely to those that give them freely.

Don’t let the tinsel hide the tree. It is amazing how much time and effort is given by Christmas shoppers to find the perfect Christmas tree; and then they hide it under a ton of tinsel. 

The meaning a purpose of Christmas can be lost in the tinsel of the holiday. Don’t allow Santa to overshadow the Babe in the Manger.  Allow Christ to be at the front of Christmas.

Crown you tree with a star or an angel. Both are symbols of hope. The star announced the birth of hope to the Magi. The angels proclaimed the hope of peace to be found in a babe born to a virgin. They are fitting symbols to top your tree.

Christ is our Prince of Peace. He is our hope. It stands to reason that He should be at the top of our life all year.

If you enjoy Pastor Jim's Wit and Wisdom, then you will love his book, For His Glory: A Kaleidoscope of Wisdom. Find out more and take a peek inside by Clicking Here. 

Check out these related articles: The Madness of Christmas and Is the Hassles of Life Dragging You Down?

Overwhelming Blessings?

Several days ago I attended an auction, something I enjoy doing on occasion. While there I observed a somewhat heartwarming event. A young girl sitting with her father and grandfather was allowed to bid on an item she obviously wanted. Two or three bids later she won the bid and her grandfather, with a serious face, leaned over and asked her how she was going to pay for the item. With a somewhat nerve smile, she looked up at her father and smiled. He, seeing the anxiety in her eyes, smiled and patted her softly on the head. She relaxed, smiled broadly, and received her new treasure. Daddy would take care of the cost.

When a person receives the gift of salvation, he or she enters into the family of God.  We have a Heavenly Father that loves us and has the ability to bless us beyond our wildest dreams. Nevertheless, occasionally we are granted treasures that carry an enormous price tag of responsibility. Take for example the birth of a child or the blessings of a loving mate. What new mother doesn’t nervously wonder if she has what it takes? What new groom doesn’t question his ability to live up to the responsibility of a husband? The same is true of anyone that becomes a Christian. Who doesn’t doubt if he or she has the capability to live like a child of the King? 

It is at those moments, those times when we are overwhelmed by the blessings, that we must look to the smiling face of our Loving Heavenly Father for the assurance that his grace is sufficient. Like the little girl at the auction, we too need the loving assurance of God our Father. With His touch, we can smile and know that he will take care of everything. Follow @pastorbarr

• Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 1 Peter 5:7  
• Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. Psalm 37:5
• Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32

Find a collection of Pastor Jim's finest Wisdom pieces in his book For His Glory: A Kaleidoscope of Wisdom. Practical and encouraging biblical wisdom that will always touch your heart and often cause you to smile. Check it out and see what others are saying.