During this time of year, it may be easy to forget that the bigger purpose behind Bethlehem was Calvary. The purpose of Jesus’ birth was His death. The purpose of the manger was the Cross.
It wasn’t as pretty as a department store tree. There were no lights or fancy bows. Its decorations were stains of blood red, a few metallic nails, and garlands of grave cloth. The tree topper was a scrawled sign that read “King of the Jews” behind a wreath of thorns.
There were no pretty boxes with expensive gifts and tags overflowing below. The bad list was too long. There were too many names…too many sins. There was no good list. No good enough deeds. No, not one.
Except the One on the tree. And that single man – the baby born to die, God Himself In flesh – became the gift to everyone. The most expensive gift given to every single person who ever celebrated the holiday, cheered for Frosty, sang about Rudolph, wrote a Christmas list, relished homemade cookies and cocoa, or decorated their own tree while forgetting about His in the hustle and bustle of the season… Yes, His was the greatest tree, and He was the greatest gift.
The Cross is the real Christmas tree.
John 3:16-17 (NIV)
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
Prayer:
Lord Jesus,
As we enter this season of celebration, remind us of the depth of Your love displayed on the Cross. Help us see beyond the lights, the gifts, and the festivities to the greatest gift of all—Jesus, the One who came to bear our sins and give us life. May we not lose sight of the true purpose of Your birth and the sacrifice of Your death. Fill our hearts with gratitude for the precious gift of salvation, and let our lives reflect Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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