JESUS' CHRISTMAS TREE BLING

'Tis the season for Christmas trees! They're everywhere, from grocery stores to schools, streets to department stores. But the most important place you'll find them is in our homes. Whether our homes are big or small, there's always room for a Christmas tree, even if it means rearranging things temporarily.

This morning, I had the privilege of doing Chapel with the preschoolers at my boys’ school. As I prepared for this special day, I pondered the best way to engage these adorable preschoolers. I wanted to read a Christmas book and tell them about the purpose of Christmas – the birth of Jesus.

Even though the preschool director had asked me to read one of my books, I wasn't enthusiastic about it because they didn’t have a Christmas theme. Little did I know God had a different plan. The Lord urged me to pick up my first book, "My Mommy's Name Is Mommy," and I began to wonder how it could possibly relate to Christmas. The answer didn't come right away, but just in time, a revelation struck me the day before the big event. God showed me the path I was meant to follow with the children.

I was to decorate a Christmas tree with the preschoolers using Isaiah 9:6. I almost got into a frantic mode trying to put things together. I took my small Christmas tree out and dashed to the Family Dollar store to get some fillable ball plastic ornaments (2 for $1). I then employed my oldest, who's 14, to write out the names of Jesus on a paper based on Isaiah 9:6. I cut out the names, opened the fillable ornament, layered it with some vibrant red crinkle paper and put one name in each fillable ornament. The names were written legibly to make it easier to read.

Chapel this morning was such a blast! I had the best time sharing my book "My Mommy's Name Is Mommy," which explores the different names of God. After that, we had the opportunity to hang the names of Jesus on the Christmas tree. The children's faces lit up with excitement as they eagerly rushed to hang up names like "Light of the World," "Tree of Life," "Ruler," "Savior," "Wonderful Counselor," "Everlasting Father," "Mighty God," "Prince of Peace," "King of Kings," and "Bright Morning Star."

Each of these names has a deeper meaning. For example, there’s a connection that can be made between the Christmas tree and the Tree of Life from the Garden of Eden. It’s easier to make a reference to the story of Adam and Eve and how they chose the wrong tree, but Jesus played an extraordinary role as our ultimate SAVIOR and TREE OF LIFE.

With the name Bright Morning Star, the Lord brought my attention to a famous landmark in my city. Known as the Roanoke star, this beloved sight can be seen while driving on the highway. It's not just any ordinary star, though. According to the Virginia Blue Ridge website, it proudly holds the title of the largest man-made illuminated star in the world. The Roanoke Star made me wonder about the wise men. Did the wise men witness a star as grand as the Roanoke Star leading them to the birthplace of baby Jesus? I shared this idea with my boys, igniting a great conversation.

Parents, make Christmas decorating meaningful by intentionally guiding your kids' focus to Jesus. Create a special bonding moment with your children by filling ornaments with the names of Jesus to hang on your tree. If you prefer, you can also write the names of Jesus on your existing ornaments using a marker. Remember, he is the true reason for the season. Are you ready to start decorating your Christmas tree?

Things Needed

1. Time
2. Christmas tree
3. Fillable Ball Plastic Ornaments
4. Star topper

PS: Sending a heartfelt prayer for families facing difficult times during this season. Whether it's the pain of losing a loved one, battling health issues, or facing financial hardships, may Jesus bring you comfort. May He shine as your guiding light, illuminating every dark corner of your life.