The highest bough.

Matthew chapter 5 verses 13-16.
Jesus told them; "You are the world's seasoning, to make it tolerable. If you lose your flavor, what will happen to the world? And you yourselves will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. You are the world's light---a city on a hill, glowing for all to see. Don't hide your light! Let it shine for all; let your good deeds glow for all to see, so that they will praise your heavenly Father."

In the popular Christmas song "Have yourself a merry little Christmas" there is a line that states; "Hang a star upon the highest bough." It is a very beautiful song which I like to sing out loud in the car, where no one can hear my mistakes or squeaks.
   As children, the Christmas tree was so huge. It towered tall and strong in the corner of the living room. The day for decorating was filled with excitement as the lights are precisely hung and the delicate ornaments strategically placed. The Christmas music played in the back ground and hot chocolate was served. The tinsel sparkled as it was tossed on the trees branches. Someone always lifted the little ones, so that a shiny bulb could be hung high.
     The joy of putting up a Christmas tree, decorating it and then plugging in the lights, has never grown old. It is enjoyed by young and old alike. It is a time for laughter and fellowship. It is the time to invite friends and family and get the backgrounds on where the Christmas tree ornaments have come from and the story behind them.
   There is always the mystery of the wrapped gift and the wonder of what's inside. Anticipation can take our thoughts in all sorts of directions as we wonder what could be inside that nicely wrapped gift with our name on it. The joy of Christmas is seeing those we have not seen for a while, it is the giving of a gift to someone and watching the smile on their face. It is watching the children filled with more energy than anyone should have. It is Jesus, God's gift to all people.
   God did not have to send Jesus. He could have just let us go ahead and live in grief and despair. He could have watched as we grow old with no hope, frustrated with the aches and pains of age. But God was terribly sad for the direction people were headed. They were distancing themselves from Him. Forgetting about Him and always seeking forgiveness but going nowhere.
   God changed all that when He sent Jesus. Jesus is the Messiah. He is the one who we can trust to forever forgive our sins and bring us into a life of praise and joy. He is God's promise of an everlasting light that will be with us all the days of our lives and beyond. Our worries about having enough or what tomorrow may bring can all be left with Him.
   When you call out to Him and ask for His forgiveness. When your heart is filled with the warmth of His touch upon your life, then you will understand and burst into words of thanksgiving. You once were bitter, you once held a judgement on others. You were never satisfied or happy. You were all over the place with your emotions wondering what it is that you needed so bad. But you are no longer alone. Jesus is with you and you have seen His light shine through your life.
   Everyday is Christmas, for Jesus has been born and you walk with God, thankful for His love. So when you look at a Christmas tree, think of that star or ornament that is hanging on the highest bough. How bright, how colorful. Get to know the story of where it came from and you will see how Jesus, the best gift of all, is where you have hung all your hopes and dreams.
   Thank you Father for Jesus. Thank you that through the glittering lights of Christmas, we see the birthday of Your Son. Our Messiah! 😊 

Deuteronomy chapter 6 verses 4-9.
"O Israel, listen: Jehovah is our God, Jehovah alone. You must love Him with all your heart, soul and might. And you must think constantly about these commandments I am giving you today. You must teach them to your children and talk about them when you are alone at home or out for a walk; at bedtime and the first thing in the morning. Tie them on your finger, wear them on your forehead, and write them on the door posts of your house!

Luke chapter 2 chapters 10-14.
The angel reassured them by saying; "Don't be afraid! I bring you the most joyful news ever announced, and it is for everyone! The Savior---yes, the Messiah, the Lord---has been born tonight in Bethlehem! How will you recognize Him? You will find a baby wrapped in a blanket, lying in a manger!"
Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others---the armies of heaven---praising God singing;  "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth for all those pleasing Him"

Matthew chapter 22 verses 37-40.
Jesus replied, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. The second most important is similar: Love your neighbor as much as you love yourself. All the other commandments and all the demands of the prophets stem from these two laws and are fulfilled if you obey them. Keep only these and you will find that you are obeying all the others."