O Christmas Tree (O Tannenbaum)

I just got finished hanging the boys Christmas ornaments that they made at school this year on the Christmas tree and filed away JDs 12th or so poem consisting of some of the lyrics of ‘O Tannenbaum’ and his colorfully decorated picture of a Christmas tree and I felt warmth cover and cuddle my soul…

It must have been God’s love because I then instantly remembered a time when I was in elementary school and sang my first and only solo of ‘O Tannenbaum.” It was a huge thing that night for my family and for me…I remember it fondly. Although I think most definitely I must have been chosen only because I was able to memorize the lyrics and could stand still more easily than some of the rowdy boys in my class…

Hmmm…as I put the decorations away I made some hot tea and basked in the love I was reliving and experiencing…as I revisited the lyrics that I once sang as a child.

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

Thy leaves are so unchanging;

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

Thy leaves are so unchanging;

Not only green when summer's here,

But also when 'tis cold and drear.

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

Thy leaves are so unchanging!

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

Much pleasure thou can'st give me;

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

Much pleasure thou can'st give me;

How often has the Christmas treeAfforded me the greatest glee!

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!Much pleasure thou can'st give me.

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

Thy candles shine so brightly!

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

Thy candles shine so brightly!

From base to summit, gay and bright,There's only splendor for the sight.

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

Thy candles shine so brightly!

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

How richly God has decked thee!

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

How richly God has decked thee!

Thou bidst us true and faithful be,And trust in God unchangingly.

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

How richly God has decked thee! !"

As an adult this has a whole new life-giving meaning to me. All I can think to say is…”WOW!” “YOWSA!” “BOOM…O!!!” I am singing this song now much older and more touched by the circumstances of life; but most importantly more touched by the God who made me!

Just last month I felt God totally prepared my heart and the material that I shared at the Epic’s Women’s Event and it was all about being hand-crafted by God and during that time God drew my attention to trees---and in a roundabout way; a way that only God can communicate…He was telling me I was a tree because I was made in His image!!! And not only am I a tree…but we are all trees making up a giant forest for God
I hear the lyrics and have to agree…

Yes, in my own nature I am unchanging…I seem to want to keep doing things the same way that I have always done them; because it is comfortable for me and it is what I know…but also…and maybe more of why this is included…I am made in the image of God and He is unchanging…His love for me never changes. I cannot do anything to make Him love me more and I cannot do anything to make Him love me less.

Yes, just as my own children bring me pleasure; I too bring great pleasure to my Heavenly Father…

Yes, when I surrender to my God and allow Jesus to love through me…His light shines and therfore so do I..

Yes, God has richly decked me…and every other tree of His!!!

Yes, I agree…thou bidst us true and faithful be, and trust in God unchangingly!!!
O’Christmas tree! O Christmas tree! How richly God has decked thee!!!

I so enjoy our eclectic Christmas tree full of ornaments I’ve made, Justin has made, my boys have made, and that others have made for us…I will never look our Christmas tree the same...
I just might have to break out in caroling each time I glance at it…because the love and the joy of our God has filled up my heart! Why not carol all 12 months of the year?

I also think it is just so awesome that my husband decided to make it a tradition and for the 3rd year in a row He made a movie video procession of pictures of the family setting up the tree. Oh, how I think God must take such pleasure in setting each one of us up in this life and getting us ready to shine and be decorated in only ways that God can do!!!

Hmmm…. and I wonder if the reason we put gifts under the tree is to celebrate and remember His gift…His ultimate gift that is for everyone! Have you opened it and received it yet? He has great reason and has chosen each one of us for a unique purpose…oh may we not wait to receive this free gift.

Merry Christmas…may all you trees receive His gift and His continual blessings!