Christmas GiftsChristmas Gifts

An odd shaped Christmas TreeAn odd shaped Christmas Tree

Under this Christmas TreeUnder this Christmas Treeare odd shaped gifts.are odd shaped gifts.

One of these gifts lying quietly at the baseOne of these gifts lying quietly at the baseof the Tree has an awkward protrusion.of the Tree has an awkward protrusion.

In fact, it lies there so quietly thatIn fact, it lies there so quietly thatits hush is captivating.its hush is captivating.

On its wrapping paper is just one word:On its wrapping paper is just one word:

PEACEPEACE

Nearby is an unusual shaped gift wrappedNearby is an unusual shaped gift wrappedin bright wrapping paper.in bright wrapping paper.

Everyone who looks at it is strangelyEveryone who looks at it is strangelycompelled to smile and is distracted fromcompelled to smile and is distracted from

their present worries and is taken by happiness.their present worries and is taken by happiness.

On its wrapping paper is just one word:On its wrapping paper is just one word:

JOYJOY

Behind this gift, near the base of the TreeBehind this gift, near the base of the Treeis yet another odd-shaped gift. It juts outis yet another odd-shaped gift. It juts out

in the most unusual places.in the most unusual places.

Looking at it stirs your heart. It drawsLooking at it stirs your heart. It drawsyou closer.you closer.

You feel that whatever is inside is ofYou feel that whatever is inside is ofimmense value.immense value.

Just looking at it causes you to feel secure.Just looking at it causes you to feel secure.

On its wrapping paper is just one word:On its wrapping paper is just one word:

LOVELOVE

These gifts appear connected to the Tree.These gifts appear connected to the Tree.

In fact, upon closer examination, the gapsIn fact, upon closer examination, the gapsin the Tree are not random.in the Tree are not random.

Each gift slots perfectly into its gap in the Tree.Each gift slots perfectly into its gap in the Tree.And when placed back there, we see thatAnd when placed back there, we see thatin reality, the Tree and its gifts are in reality, the Tree and its gifts are oneone..

You see, Jesus is the Tree.You see, Jesus is the Tree.

The Scriptures often picture JesusThe Scriptures often picture Jesusas The Tree.as The Tree.

In Genesis 2 and 3 He is pictured asIn Genesis 2 and 3 He is pictured asThe Tree of Life -The Tree of Life -

from where all life’s real needsfrom where all life’s real needsare limitlessly satisfied.are limitlessly satisfied.

Isaiah the Prophet also pictured JesusIsaiah the Prophet also pictured Jesusas a tender young tree shoot (Isa. 11:1).as a tender young tree shoot (Isa. 11:1).

The Apostle Paul says that Jesus is theThe Apostle Paul says that Jesus is theTree of Salvation in Romans 9, 10, 11.Tree of Salvation in Romans 9, 10, 11.

And the Scriptures close with beautifulAnd the Scriptures close with beautifulpicture of Jesus described as The Tree of Life,picture of Jesus described as The Tree of Life,

from which His leaves are “healing for the nations.”from which His leaves are “healing for the nations.”

Not only is Jesus the Tree of Life...Not only is Jesus the Tree of Life...

He is also the True Source of pureHe is also the True Source of purePeace, Joy, and Love.Peace, Joy, and Love.

Not only is He healing for the nations...Not only is He healing for the nations...

He is healing for your soul.He is healing for your soul.

And until your soul rests in HimAnd until your soul rests in Himit will ache.it will ache.

Jesus is the True Christmas Tree - Jesus is the True Christmas Tree - the True Source of all life’sthe True Source of all life’s

best gifts.best gifts.

Will you receive the gifts that He aloneWill you receive the gifts that He alonecan offer you and for which your soul aches?can offer you and for which your soul aches?