The Christmas Tree Nightmare

This past year, I went to war with our family Christmas tree. It was a pre-lit artificial tree, and for a few years, it had been magnificent. Just set it up, plug it in, and the lights were perfect.

But last year, when I plugged it in, large sections were completely dark. A Christmas nightmare! I checked fuses and plugs, but nothing worked. So, I had a “great idea” to de-light a pre-lit Christmas tree.

This great idea turned into a three-hour odyssey of pliers, side cutters, and a mountain of wire and cords. I commend the people who pre-light these trees; they are incredibly thorough… Though I definitely wasn't putting them on my "nice" list that day. I ended up with blisters and a lot of frustration. My great idea had failed.

The experience made me realize something important about our own efforts to fix things: we often try to take matters into our own hands, but sometimes the problem is bigger than we can solve on our own.

And it reminds me of a verse:

“There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end, it leads to death.” (Proverbs 14:12, NIV)

This verse reminds me that my attempt to fix the tree—a way that seemed right to me—was ultimately a painful failure. It's a small lesson that points to a much larger truth.

As you prepare for this Christmas season, have you brought your plans to Jesus? Have you brought your expectations, your dreams, and your desires to Jesus for His wisdom, insight, and hope?

Before you get too far into your great idea, don’t you think it would be wise to bring them to the One who created Christmas as a time of peace, hope, and love?

Let’s pray together… Father God, thank you for this reminder that my own ideas and efforts aren't always the right path. Forgive me for trying to fix things that are beyond my control. Help me to surrender my frustrations and my desire to do it all myself. Amen.

Never forget my friend,

You are a miracle!