Have you ever considered using your Christmas tree as a witnessing tool? I used to love using a small Christmas tree to present the Gospel to children.

• First, we discussed the evergreen tree which reminds us of eternal life. It is ever green with sap running through it (before it is cut down)
•  The shape of the tree points to God.
• Of course, the tree must be in a stand to remain upright, as we need The Lord Jesus as our firm foundation.

The Next thing thing I would do (especially in Awana at night)  is to have someone turn out the lights so that the room would be dark – just as the darkness of sin. The world was in darkness until the Savior came.  I would then turn on the tree lights. White lights because they shine brighter then red, blue, green or even yellow lights.

• The lights on the tree remind us that Jesus is the Light of the world. “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world; he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

• The lights also remind us that we are to let Him shine through us ”Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

• The lights also remind me that there will be no need of sun or moon in Heaven; for Jesus is the light. “And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it; for the glory of God did lighten it; and the Lamb is the light thereof.” (Revelation 21:23)

• Gold decorations & tinsel remind me of the streets of gold in Heaven. (Rev. 21:21)

• Red decorations remind us that Jesus was born to die.  He shed His blood that we may be saved.  He paid the penalty for my sin. (John 3:16)

• White on the tree reminds me that he washed me white as snow.
• The star reminds us of the Bethlehem star which signified the birth of the King of Kings and was a guide for the wise men to follow that they may find Him, and worship Him.
• Angels remind us of the Heavenly Host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on the earth peace, goodwill toward men.” (Luke 2)

(In the Bible, Angels appear as men.  They are not portrayed as beautiful women in slinky or fancy dresses with wings and a halo. They are messengers of God.  They came to announce His birth and to Worship Him! We are to worship Him and not the angels.)

• Ice-cycles hung on the tree reflect the light – just as we are to let The Light of the world reflect through us. When I was a child, the Ice-cycles were silver tinsel cut into long strands. Granddaddy always insisted on hanging them on the tree one by one so that they would hang perfectly. (I must admit to giving into the urge to take a hand full and fling them on the tree and allowed them to fall where they may. They often landed on the floor!) Today I use crystal or clear plastic. When the light shines on the crystal ones, we can almost see a rainbow reflected on the wall!
• The tree skirt reminds me that He has clothed me with HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS.

• The gifts under the tree remind me of the greatest gift of all. Salvation wrapped in love. The perfect gift from God – His only begotten Son; the lamb of God who was born to die for us. Our virgin-born Savior, wrapped in swaddling clothes was the best gift ever given!

When doing the Christmas Tree Gospel presentation, sometimes I gave each child a card with a verse to read as we came to the appropriate moment/decoration. Of course, each was given the gift of a candy cane to take as a reminder of God’s wonderful gift to us.

Please excuse the family pictures as I haven’t decorated our tree yet this year and didn’t have a suitable photo of a Christmas tree to use.   I would love to hear how you share the Gospel at Christmas. Please feel free to give us your stories in the comment section. Have a blessed Christmas season this year!

Love,

Kathy

Where's The Line To See Jesus? By Becky Kelly.

Spinning wool to knit a Christmas scarf?

In 2002 I wrote in my journal:

It is so easy to get into the “frenzy” of the season by outside pressures to decorate a certain way, dress or look glamorous in velvet or taffeta. Including the table!  The pressure to make:

Handmade gifts, decorations, boxes and bags

Custom candles, candies and pinecones

Decorated by hands of my own.

Packaged wrapping and value pack bows just will not do.

Every single item must be handmade by you!

Jewelry must be handmade as well.

Not with store bought beads that you simply string.

We must first make our own beads from polymer clay.

That is how it is done these days.

Decorative soaps must be made by hand

With sweet smelling oils not to be used by man!

The candles must be sweet smelling too

Even for people allergic to perfume.

Carol Duvall and Martha Stewart

Know how to sell their ideas.

The gist of the matter is order from us.

We will tell you how to be loved by all.

You must present things so special

they will be remembered for years!

By New Years, you’ll be over your stress induced tears.

Why do we listen?

Why do we care?

Must we have a Martha Christmas this year?

I have decided to worship and praise

The master who created the days.

He loves me and cares more than any salesman.

In fact, maybe I’ll tell Martha and Carol about Him!

Let’s have a “Mary Christmas” this year!

Show others that Jesus cares.

Spend some time with someone who’s lonely

That doesn’t cost any money.

Share the love that Jesus showed

When He came from heaven to earth below.

He gave His life for you and me.

I’m so happy; I think I’ll sing

Praise to Jesus Christ our Savior

Who is God’s perfect gift from above

Thank you Lord for your gift of love.