“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” (Luke 2:6-7)

The reason for the season reminders all around us

Christmas decorations, and their symbolism can remind us of the true reason for the season, Jesus. This is especially true of displaying the nativity scene.

Christmas Nativity Scene

Also known as a creche or manger scene, it is a representation of the birth of Jesus. It is an important symbol of the Christmas season and serves as a reminder of the significance of the holiday. The first known nativity scene was created by Saint Francis of Assisi in 1223 to depict the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.

The scene typically includes figures of Mary, Joseph, the baby Jesus, and various animals (no animals are actually listed as being there in the Bible). In addition, the scene may include shepherds, angels, and the three wise men (wisemen weren’t listed as being present at His birth, either, they appeared later on).  

Therefore 

When we see a nativity scene, we are reminded that it is displaying the Christmas story—the birthday of our Lord and Savior, Jesus. And it’s the promised good news and a time to rejoice and praise God, just as the great company of the heavenly host did on that wonderful day on the very first Christmas!

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:11-14)

“The Lord God planted a garden toward the east, in Eden; and there He placed the man whom He had formed. Out of the ground the Lord God caused to grow every tree that is pleasing to the sight and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” (Gen. 2:8-9) 

The reason for the season reminders all around us

Over the last few days, we have been looking at Christmas decorations, and how their symbolism can remind us of the true reason for the season, Jesus.

The Christmas tree

One of the first signs of the Christmas season to appear everywhere is the Christmas tree. There has been much debate regarding the use of them historically, especially since they were used by pagans to celebrate the winter solstice. However, some Christian historians claim that the Christmas tree has purely Christian origins, with its roots in the story of Adam and Eve and the tree of life in the Garden of Eden. They argue that the use of evergreen trees during Christmas symbolizes the eternal life that Jesus Christ offers and that decorated trees remind them of many Christian truths about Him.

Jesus, a new branch bearing fruit

In prophecy, Isaiah compared Jesus to a tree by relaying, “Out of the stump of David's family will grow a shoot—yes, a new branch bearing fruit from the old root.” (Isa. 11:1). The reminder that Jesus came from the lineage of David is like a seed coming from a family tree.

The tree’s shape

The Christmas tree being in the shape of a triangle was thought to represent the Holy Trinity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:18–19). The upward-pointing branches often symbolize praise to God.

A resurrection symbol 

Christmas trees can serve as a metaphor for the fact that Jesus died and rose again in splendor in the same way a tree was cut down to its own death to be placed upward again in glory and splendor.

The decorations on the tree

For many Christians, candles or lights on the tree signify how Jesus came as the light into the world. The star placed atop the tree represents the star the wise men followed to Bethlehem (Matt. 2:9). Some believe that the Protestant revolutionary Martin Luther started lighting candles in trees after walking through the woods on a snowy night. The sight of the moon hitting the snow-glistened trees reminded him of the light of Christ that came down from heaven. It was also this experience that inspired him to pen the lyrics to the 1535 Christmas hymn, “From Heaven Above to Earth I Come.“

Therefore

Use everything about Christmas trees to remind you of God’s Word, the tree of life, and about Jesus, who He is, His glory, and what He came for!

“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him.” (Rev. 22:1-3 NIV)

“The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid! I have good news for you, a message that will fill everyone with joy.” (Luke 2:10) 

Holiday reminders

Most Christmas decorations are meant to remind us about the true meaning of Christmas. Over the last couple of days, we learned that the star reminds us of what the wisemen saw and that candy canes are shaped and colored the way they are to remind us about Jesus and what He did for us. Another decoration we often see at this time of the year is an angel. And angels played a prominent part in the Christmas story. 

Angel ornaments

Many people use beautiful, ornate angels to decorate the top of their tree or to hang along with other ornaments. They remind us of why we celebrate Christmas.

The angel, Gabriel, announced the birth of Jesus

“Six months after Elizabeth knew she was to become a mother, Gabriel was sent from God to Nazareth. Nazareth was a town in the country of Galilee. He went to a woman who had never had a man. Her name was Mary. She was promised in marriage to a man named Joseph. Joseph was of the family of David. The angel came to her and said, “You are honored very much. You are a favored woman. The Lord is with you. *You are chosen from among many women.” When she saw the angel, she was troubled at his words. She thought about what had been said. The angel said to her, “Mary, do not be afraid. You have found favor with God. See! You are to become a mother and have a Son. You are to give Him the name Jesus. He will be great. He will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the place where His early father David sat. He will be King over the family of Jacob forever and His nation will have no end.” (Luke 1:26-33)

Angels announced the birth of Jesus to shepherds

“Shepherds were in the fields near Bethlehem. They were taking turns watching their flock during the night. 9 An angel from the Lord suddenly appeared to them. The glory of the Lord filled the area with light, and they were terrified. 10 The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid! I have good news for you, a message that will fill everyone with joy.” (Luke 2:8-10)

“I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me,” (John 19:14)

The various kinds of Christmas decorations that appear all around us during the holiday season should remind us of the real meaning of Christmas, which is Jesus. Yesterday, I told how the holiday star is a reminder of how the wisemen rejoiced when they saw the Bethlehem star (Matt. 2:10). Other decorations are reminders, too, such as candy canes, which are used for everything from Christmas tree decorations to yard ornaments and stocking stuffers!

Candy canes

The shape and colors of candy canes serve as a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas and the birth of Jesus Christ.

Its shape

The candy cane shape is in the form of the letter “J” for Jesus. Canes are also shaped like a shepherd's crook, which is associated with two significant figures in the Bible: the shepherds who visited the baby Jesus and Jesus himself, as the Good Shepherd caring for his flock (see John 19:14).

Its colors

The red and white colors of candy canes have significant meanings. The white color represents purity and innocence, reflecting Jesus’ sinless nature (1 Peter 2:22). The red stripes are a symbol of his sacrifice, with red resembling the blood shed on the cross (Matt. 27:45-54).

Therefore

When we see candy canes during Christmas time, we should be reminded of who Jesus is, why He came, and what He did for us on the cross.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me — just as the Father knows me and I know the Father — and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life — only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father” (John 10:11-18).

“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.” (Matt. 2:10)

Christmas decorations are appearing everywhere!

Yes, many people just stick decorations up willy-nilly without giving thought to what they represent. But not me. When I see the decorations, I picture in my mind a great heavenly celebration that’s about the reason for the season, the birth of Jesus. I especially love seeing lighted stars; they remind me of how the wisemen reacted when they saw the Bethlehem star and “rejoiced with exceeding great joy” (Matt. 2:10). I use the decorations I see as a reminder of what it was like on that wonderful day when Christ was born and of the angelic multitude rejoiced together before the shepherds tending their flocks nearby.

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:8-14)

“Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.” (Rom. 12:10)

Don’t become distracted

It’s easy to get caught up in holiday preparations and distracted from the reason for the season, which is, of course, Jesus. There’s an example of this happening in Scripture. Two sisters, Mary and Martha, had Jesus and His disciples visit their home. One of the sisters, Mary, was focused only on Jesus and sat at His feet as He spoke. And the other sister, Martha, was distracted by the meal preparation and became irritated that Mary wasn’t helping her. Martha then complained about it to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me” (Luke 10:40). He said, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41-42). 

Martha wasn’t doing anything wrong, actually. She was just working to get food preparation done. But the better thing, as Jesus pointed out, was to focus on Him. If she had done that, she wouldn’t have been stressed out. Similarly, learning to focus on what is most important during the holiday season, and prioritizing your time, accordingly, will remove much stress.

The most important things

Make it your goal to put Jesus first during the Christmas season (see Matthew 6:33 for another wonderful promise). And use the Christmas season as an opportunity to focus genuinely on loving and honoring each other (see the verse at top). You will enjoy the season so much more!

“Don’t you know? Haven’t you heard? The LORD is the everlasting God; he created all the world. He never grows tired or weary.” (Isa. 40:28 GNT)

As we enter the Christmas season with all the decorating, gift-giving, family gatherings, and social pressures, many become weary and stressed. The good news is that there is an answer.  

The answer

Spend time with God who never grows tired or weary. He is the one who gives strength and increases power when you need it.

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isa. 40:29-31 NIV)

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”   (Matt. 11:28-29)

Simon and Garfunkel had a huge hit in the 1960’s with their song, “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” The song obviously struck a responsive chord with the masses. And after all these years, it still remains one of the most popular songs in history. Why is that so? The answer is found in the lyrics, which are about feeling weary and experiencing personal pain—and with a hopeful answer given of a friend being “like a bridge over troubled waters, I will lay me down.”

Everybody needs someone like that!

The good news is that we do have someone like that, it’s Jesus! He literally laid down His life for us!

“For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.” (John 10:17-18)

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13) 

Therefore

“By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.” (1 John 3:16).

“We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Rom. 8:28 NLT)

“Everything’s going to be okay!”

I’ve heard the above statement many times over the years when something bad happened to me. I’ve experienced floods, earthquakes, car wrecks, house fires, financial losses, and even the sudden death of loved ones. It’s not unusual for troubling things to happen. In fact, Jesus warned about it. He said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NLT)

It may look impossible

When trouble happens, recovery often appears unachievable at first. You’re usually in some form of unbelief or even shock; you cannot think clearly. And it is certainly comforting to be told that everything is going to be okay. And, truthfully, it’s usually true. Most problems, no matter how big, eventually get resolved.

When I was a little boy, I lived near the Van Duzen River in Alton, California. One winter, it rained hard for days, the river overflowed, and water flooded through the doors of our house. It happened so fast that we hardly had time to think. Daddy grabbed both me and my brother and rushed us out the front door through the debris-filled water that was already up to our knees and rising fast. He tightly held onto us to prevent us from washing away. We barely were able to make it to a hill nearby to safety. From there we were able to see everything we had being washed away.

 I distinctly remember that I was able to feel safe because I knew Daddy loved me and I knew he would always work to keep me safe. He was my Daddy!

Therefore

The passage at top promises us that God will cause everything to turn out okay for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. So, when trouble comes along, don’t be fearful, remember that He’s going to make it turn out okay!

“For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son.” (Rom. 8:29 NLT)

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isa. 41:10 ESV)