Each morning I sit here with my Bible and my coffee, looking at the Christmas tree adorned with angels and tiny lights. I love it!
I think the thing that is most striking about this tree is there are no gifts beneath it and that gives me a real sense of peace, joy and contentment.
There were years when our children were younger and having no presents caused me heartache. I shed many tears wondering how the Lord was going to provide because we had no money for gifts. Frankly, we had very little money for food so it would have been foolish to think of trying to buy Christmas presents.
But this year is different. This year, and the last number of years, there has been a true contentment in celebrating the season with loving hearts and devotion. Yes, we have given gifts to the ones we love and we have received in kind. But the greater joy has come in thanking God for the many blessings He has abundantly given. Our lives are so filled with His love and provision that there is no wanting or needing anything more. Yes, the word is contentment.
With contentment comes peace. True heart-felt peace. The kind of peace that says all is well; no worries, anxiety or stress. The Bible refers to it as peace that by-passes our understanding. Peace that anchors us in every situation. It doesn’t mean that there is an absence of difficulty or problems, rather that there is a confidence in God that means all is well.
“Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. 7 Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.
8 Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don’t ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise. 9 You know the teachings I gave you, and you know what you heard me say and saw me do. So follow my example. And God, who gives peace, will be with you…1 11 I am not complaining about having too little. I have learned to be satisfied with whatever I have. 12 I know what it is to be poor or to have plenty, and I have lived under all kinds of conditions. I know what it means to be full or to be hungry, to have too much or too little. 13 Christ gives me the strength to face anything…19 I pray that God will take care of all your needs with the wonderful blessings that come from Christ Jesus!” Philippians 4:6-19 CEV
I remember a little chorus that I sang in Sunday School when I was just a girl. “What can I give Jesus, I want to do my part. What can I give Jesus, the love of all my heart. My hands and feet and money too; My praises and my song. I give them all to Jesus for all to Him belong.” The greatest gift we can give is the gift of our heart.
I know many of you have found your true contentment in Christ and have been living this way for years but perhaps there is someone you know who is struggling with the lack of peace and joy this Christmas because there aren’t any presents under the tree. I hope you will share with them what the Lord has taught you about trusting Him and the peace that brings.
In the last few lines of the Christmas Carol, O Christmas Tree, we are admonished to learn to trust in God. I hope you have found that lasting and abiding trust.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging;
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging;
Not only green when summer’s here,
But also when ’tis cold and drear.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Much pleasure thou can’st give me;
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Much pleasure thou can’st give me;
How often has the Christmas tree
Afforded me the greatest glee!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Much pleasure thou can’st give me.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly!
From base to summit, gay and bright,
There’s only splendor for the sight.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee!
Thou bidst us true and faithful be,
And trust in God unchangingly.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee! !”