The Story, Simple and Unadorned

 

I saw a lot of trees during the last two days. As I drove through one wintry snowscape after another on our pre-Christmas journey, I couldn’t help thinking of the picture of our Christmas tree that accompanied my Monday post.

 

We have many favourite heritage decorations on it but I’m also fond of my collection of snowflakes, snowballs, frosted pinecones, tiny birds – ornaments that portray “natural” elements. The tree is always laden with special trinkets to make it special.

 

In one church that we attend I noticed pots of vibrant red poinsettias lining the stairways, and an ornate golden poinsettia atop the piano, adding to the festive look. That discovery rocked me with a truth I sometimes overlook.

 

 

God’s handiwork far surpasses anything man-made. In nature, the snow-laden trees along the road were far more glorious than my fancy re-creation… the natural poinsettias far grander than any gilded imitations.

So, too, is the story of Christmas more meaningful, more awe-inspiring than any novel we might write from our imaginations. In a simple stable the Son of God became the son of man, born to die for us, that we might be able to call ourselves children of God.

 

This story, simple and unadorned, is the greatest story ever told:

“Jesus loves me. This I know

for the Bible tells me so.”

~

My wish for each of you is that you will find joy in the simple story of God’s unfathomable love and that it will become especially meaningful and relevant to you during this Christmas season.

(I will be taking a blogging break until after Christmas, but will return next week.)

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