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5 Behold, the days come, saith the
LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign
and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.
6 In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. (Jeremiah 23)
What a blessed and wonderful time of year for all of the world,
but especially for Christian men, women, and children! Several years ago, I was
passing through Tokyo and Hong Kong during the Christmas season and observed
extensive Christmas decorations abounding throughout the two cities. Most of
the decor was tinsel, lights, and, of course, Santa Claus. I was impressed by
the fact Christmas is celebrated around the world, but mostly by people who
have no idea of its meaning - even professing Christians who place Santa, or
gifts, or decor, at the center of their observance.
One of our primary Christmas customs is to place a beautiful
Christmas Tree in our homes. It is decorated with all manner of bright lights,
colors, ribbons, and Christmas ornaments. It brightens our holiday and makes us
glad. But have we left something out - something vital and crucial to
Christmas? What about the Sovereign Lord in whose honor the day is named: the
Lord Jesus Christ?
The Christmas Tree may remain a center of attraction, but perhaps
we should look beneath the tinsel and icicles to see the symbolism it can have
in our homes. Long ago in the Garden at Eden, the Lord God fashioned a Paradise
for the crown of His Creation - Man. In the Garden, He placed many beautiful
flowers, trees, and herb-yielding plants; but at the center of the Garden He
placed the Wonderful Tree of Life. Along with the Tree of Life, the Lord God
made to grow the tree of the knowledge of good and evil alongside thereof.
GENESIS 8 And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in
Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.9 And out of
the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight,
and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst
of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.10 And
a river went out of Eden to water the garden; and from thence it was parted,
and became into four heads.
Man has always sought to go his own path apart from the leading of
God. He has attempted to do all things according to the will of his flesh, and
not the counsel of the Holy Spirit, to the detriment of his soul. Man
did not find the TREE of LIFE as appealing as the tree of the knowledge of good
and evil. Man was proud and did not want God to withhold any secrets from his
knowing. Pride led to the downfall of our ancient parents
when Eve succumbed to the temptation and lie of Satan that if she ate of the
forbidden fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil she
would “become as God” The Tree of Life was avoided in much the same
way that it is today. Our Christmas Trees can uplift our love for Christ and be
a testimony to the World. He is the Tree in the midst of the Garden. He is the
evergreen branch of righteousness which is changeless with the passing of the
seasons. His branches are ever full of Life. He is the Light of the World and
the Torch of Truth which may be represented by the Christmas Star atop our Tree
of Christmas. His earthly life began as he was laid in the heart of an earthly
tree - the manger, and ended some thirty years later on a tree of shame and
infamy; yet, His great sacrifice brought eternal life and Redemption to all who
believe and will partake of the Tree of Life.
This Christmas please remember to keep the true Tree of Christmas
as a joy and symbol in your home. God rest ye merry gentlemen, joyful ladies,
and bright, young children in the Light of His Christmas Light and unfailing
Love.
Bishop
Jerry L. Ogles
Anglican Orthodox Church
Logos of St. Andrews, December 2003
