Sunday, December 16, 2018
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16
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This tree in our sanctuary is artificial, but if we set that thought aside for a moment, we can see a noble evergreen; hero of winter and symbol of everlasting life. Our tree is dressed in beautiful gold and white Chrismon ornaments lovingly made by Trinity members and tiny white lights that twinkle and shine like the stars in the night sky. I think it is honored to be here to help tell the Christmas story!
Watch the trees in your life and be open to their meaning and message.
During Hurricane Michael, a large lace bark elm toppled over in our backyard. In the dark, while winds and rain were tearing at its branches, we could see it was leaning dangerously close to the ground. When morning came, the sun shone brightly in the clear, blue sky, but our beautiful tree lay across the yard, up-ended in the storm, roots snapped and lifted out of the earth. We had watched this tree grow from a sapling. It provided us with cooling shade and served as a comfort to all the birds and small animals that live in, and regularly visit, our backyard spaces. We will miss it, and we sense that all its furry and feathery friends will too. But with an undeterred sense of hope, we’ve planted a young maple in its place. As the nights lengthen and the temperatures drop, we pray that our new friend can push its roots into the earth and gather the right mix of nurturing water and nutrients to carry it through the cold winter. We admire its bravery and marvel at its unspoken faith and humility as it grabs onto life and seeks to stand strong.
Watch the trees in your life and be open to their meaning and message.
You will find them to be wise and sacred. You will find that each reflects God’s light and love in its own special way.
Libby Burton