And Nature Sing

My mom used to sing this little chorus, "On a Christmas morning, the angels sing for joy!"  They are not the only ones who rejoice.  All of creation lifts its praise to the Maker of heaven and earth.  I can hear it in the wonder of the forest and in the grandeur of the trees, see it in the snowfall and in the herd of elk crossing our path.

The day we searched for a tree was beautiful.  I never tire of the experience.

Sure, we could get a better tree at the lot, but we would miss the beauty of nature and family bonding.

The tree is selected and prepared to bear the weight of the trappings, while at the same time providing a resting place for our carefully wrapped gifts.  It is cut down in its prime, giving its life that Christmas might come.  This sounds acutely familiar. 


The Christ child, born in Bethlehem, carries our burden.  Yielding His life, He stoops low, swooping  us up into that safe place where we receive mercy and grace, sharing our journey.

Hope and anticipation are wrapped in His boughs, a hope that does not disappoint. 

We rest assured in His promise that we "will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills will burst into song before [us] and all the trees of the field will clap their hands." (Isa. 55:12)  

Silent and softly He came.

Fierce He will return.

Let earth receive her king. 

 For the heart that makes room for Him will know His joy.

 As He is lifted high we are drawn to His light. 

We delight in His presence, resting in the Gift of all gifts, Jesus, the Savior of the world. 

Without doubt, heaven and nature sing, while we join in the song.
 Joy to the world, the Lord is come! 

From our house to yours, Merry Christmas!