The Perfect Christmas Tree 
~ Kelly McFadden

Each year in the mall near our home, a Christmas tree looms high above the department stores as a decoration and focal point for holiday celebrations.  It is breathtaking.  Of course, this tree gets a lot of help.  In fact, to make sure the tree looks perfect and even from all sides, existing branches are cut off, extra ones are collected, and each branch is cut and trimmed. Then, holes are drilled in the tree trunk and extra branches are placed in just the right spots.  The tree is made to look flawless.

When I think about the holiday season and the message of Christ, this mall has it all wrong.  I think God looks at us more like Charlie Brown’s Christmas tree. You know the one I mean. A tree that is far from perfect: skimpy, left behind and unwanted.  A tree that has lots of gaps in the branches and need extra help getting decorated.

God demonstrated his power in mighty ways through the Apostle Paul.  The passage from 2 Corinthians records Paul’s requests to God to remove the afflictions he was facing, but God chose not to do so.  God demonstrated His incredible power through Paul by working through Him even in the midst of His weaknesses.  It is also these weaknesses that reminded Paul to rely on the Lord, for he knew he could not succeed without the power of God in his life. 

It is tempting to rely on our own strength or think we can do everything on our own based on the talents, energy and effort we give to something.  However, God wants us to realize instead that we need to rely on Him to be our strength.  When we rely on Him, we will not only find ourselves stronger, but we will also continue to grow and move to deeper Christian character when we allow God’s strength to work in us.  So when you face situations that are difficult and challenging, be encouraged.  God will make His power perfect in you…just as you are, with flaws and all.

Thank you Lord, for honoring even the smallest faith … for even the smallest faith is inhabited by you.  With You, in You, and through You all things are truely possible and that is what gives us hope to go on!  We trust each day to You, as You walk with us through the valleys of life that bring us low, for in that place of lowliness, we can know that You will lift us up and bring us out into a place of freedom, a place of greater faith!! You truly are more than what we could ever ask or think….You truly are more than able!  In Jesus Name, Amen