After the Christmas Tree Fell
A few weeks ago our Christmas tree fell. The whole thing, lights, ornaments, star on top, landed with a bang on the floor. You can read about the whole sad story here, but let’s just say when the tree hit the floor, stuff in my heart hit the fan.
As I swept up pieces of ornaments it felt more like pieces of my life. Memories I held dear shattered. Moments I’d experienced for years ripped right out of my life. The pretty ornaments cracked. The sentimental ones scattered into broken nothings.
Things I once loved and looked forward to split into sharp, painful edges.
We did eventually hoist the tree back into place, and as we began our do-over decorating I realized something exciting … something powerful.
The Names of God didn’t break.
At least one of everything on the tree crumbled when it fell. Family ornaments, kid ornaments, shiny ornaments for show, poinsettia balls and leaves. At least one of every kind of ornament showed some sign of the fall. Except my Names of God ornaments.
It appears they are unshakeable.
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9 (ESV)
On this Christmas Eve, take a minute to kneel by the manger. The manger that holds the unbreakable. Unchangeable. Unshakeable. Jesus.
He left the riches of Heaven to bring them to you. The riches of the Anointed One, Lamb of God, Mediator, Redeemer, Great High Priest, Chief Cornerstone, Messiah. For you.
Riches that will not dissolve whether a life or relationship or job or dream or tree stands or falls. Riches unchanged by change. Unbroken by disaster.
Our Christmas tree is up and shining. And so is my heart. Because this time when I see my tree I’m reminded of Jesus and His gift to me, that no one and no thing can take away.
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow–not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.” Romans 8:38 (NLT)
What a journey this Names of God series has been. I’ve been blessed, and I hope you have, too. If you have, will you leave a comment and share a Name that’s touched you? I’d love to hear about it.
Merry Christmas, friend.
Chief cornerstone – He has always carried me through all hard times in my life . I wouldn’t say that I’ve had many but the ones I’ve had have been tough ! Watching two of my grandparents pass away taking and literally gasping for air . I would say it was only God my chief cornerstone that carried me through ! Merry Christmas Katy and to all !
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Andrea. I pray your year is blessed by God’s daily presence. I always love hearing from you. 🙂
Each name touched me in a different way. As the Christmas season began the one thing that I said I wanted to do this year was to take time and dig into God’s word daily and to really soak in the true meaning of Christmas. Each year I get so distracted by the craziness of the holiday season that I often forget to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Not long after I made the decision to really dig deep this year you started this series. Thank you so much for each and every post. It most definitely opened my eyes to the different meanings of the names of God. This blog series was such a special gift to help me to dig deeper into God throughout this wonderful season. It was a true blessing and encouragement! I look forward to each blog post of yours as they are all so encouraging!
Heather, I’m so blessed & excited to hear how God connected us this way! It’s so cool to hear how He leads us separately then joins our hearts. He’s so big! Thanks for sharing here.