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O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum, Wie Grun sind deine Blätter?

Just as you thought it was safe to forget about Christmas, Jennie Dowling strikes …

Once you remove the trappings of Christmas, the pretty paper, twinkling tinsel and bright baubles, all that is left is the plain Christmas Tree. Stripped of its glory, its mystery exposed. No more does it sparkle.

What if this process of stripping away was repeated in our own lives? If the material things we hold so dear were taken away?

Like the Christmas decorations, we develop various masks to hide ourselves behind. Without these defences we feel vulnerable. Just as we see the pine needles once the tinsel is removed, our lives need the light of Christ to illuminate those dark areas we successfully cultivate to prevent close scrutiny.

For it is the God who said “Let light shine out of darkness” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

2Cor 4v6

I know that Jesus is able to see beyond my external appearance to what is inside. He continually challenges me to see myself as I really am, in need of a saviour, in need of forgiveness. Encouraging me to grow like the Christ child.

We are all invited to step into His Kingdom. Just as we are.

Jennie Dowling

Last modified: 25th November 2005