Decorating the Tree

Bible Reading: Titus 2:10-14; John 14:6

Ezra, Clark, and Genevieve sat in the living room with their parents, holding small boxes in their hands.

It was their family’s yearly tradition to go to a special Christmas ornament store where each person would pick out one ornament to put on their family Christmas tree.

Ezra, the youngest, had chosen a blue ornament with his name on it. Clark, who was interested in all things at sea, had picked out an ornament that looked like a ship. Genevieve had chosen one that looked like a nativity scene and was made with wood from Bethlehem, the city where Jesus was born. Mom had found an ornament that was in the shape of a giraffe, her favorite animal. And since Dad played the saxophone, he had brought home an ornament featuring a picture of the instrument.

After they had all placed their new ornaments on the branches, the family stood back to admire their tree. Mom smiled. “You know, I can’t help but see the way our unique personalities—the way God made each of us—come through in what we picked to decorate the tree.”

Dad spoke softly. “’That they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.’”

“What?” asked Ezra.

“It’s our memory verse right now,” explained Genevieve. “Adorn means decorate, right?”

“Exactly,” said Mom. “We’re told to decorate God’s doctrine—the truth of the good news of Jesus—with all we do. That’s a lot like us decorating the Christmas tree. Just like each of our ornaments is different but decorates the same tree, each Christian has different talents, interests, and life circumstances, but we all represent the same truth—that Jesus loves us and died to save us from our sin.”

Dad nodded. “The Christmas tree, like God’s truth, is beautiful on its own, but God calls us to decorate His truth to help others see just how beautiful it is. In fact, just like ornaments, God uses us as part of the beauty of His good news. When we share what Jesus has done for us and use our gifts, personalities, and actions to express our love for Him and for others, we bring out the beauty of His love and grace.” • Aurora Scriver

How About You?

Did you know that your life is an ornament that decorates God’s message of hope in Jesus? In today’s passage, Paul speaks about all kinds of Christians—each with unique circumstances and abilities. God has also given you these things. If you know Jesus, you can show others you love Him by using those gifts in godly ways. When you look at your Christmas tree, think about how you can point others to the beauty of Jesus.

Today’s Key Verse: Titus 2:10 That they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Decorate the good news of Jesus