Emily Hardie

Our Advent Series comes from a plan provided by Church of the Valley on The YouVersion Bible App. For more information, please visit: https://ccv.church.

Day Four: The Christmas Tree Ornaments

In medieval Europe, December 24th was declared Adam and Eve Day and a play about the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil was performed to celebrate. Since fruit trees were impossible to find in the winter, the director of the play decided to use a pine tree decorated with apples to represent the Tree of Knowledge. The audience loved the decorated pine tree so much that years later families started decorating their own pine trees with fruit and other sweet treats. 

Read Romans 5:19

Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one person obeyed God, many will be made righteous.

One of the treats hidden among the fruit was a biscuit that was placed there to remind them that in the midst of our sin Jesus was sent to die on the cross for us.

Read Romans 6:23.

²³ For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Takeaway: Look at the ornaments on your tree. Are there any that have a special meaning to you? Are there any that remind you of God’s love?

Our Advent Series comes from a plan provided by Church of the Valley on The YouVersion Bible App. For more information, please visit: https://ccv.church.

Day Three: The Christmas Tree Lights

On a cold December night, theologian Martin Luther, was walking through the forest and spotted the twinkling of stars through the branches of the giant fir trees. Overwhelmed by the amazing beauty of God’s creation he cut down a small fir tree and took it home. Martin Luther gathered up all of the candles in his home, lit them, and carefully placed them on the branches. 

Read Psalm 19:1.

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

As Martin Luther’s children watched the flickering flames of the candles they were able to experience the beauty of God’s creation in their own home. 

Read Romans 1:20.

²⁰ For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

Takeaway: Spend some time looking at the stars in the sky and think about all of God’s amazing creations. 

Our Advent Series comes from a plan provided by Church of the Valley on The YouVersion Bible App. For more information, please visit: https://ccv.church.

Day Two: The Christmas Tree

During the seventh century, an English missionary named Saint Boniface, came across some men offering sacrifices to an oak tree. Angered by their sin, Saint Boniface cut down the tree with one swing of his ax. Years later, from the tree stump, a pine tree began to grow. Saint Boniface used this as an example of Jesus’ victory over death and the eternal life we have through Him. Have you ever noticed that a pine tree always points toward heaven?

Read 1 Peter 2:24.

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness.

Jesus died on the cross so that each one us can have everlasting life.

Read John 5:24.

Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.

Read 1 Corinthians 15:57.

⁵⁷ But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Takeaway: Spend some time looking at your Christmas tree and see what others ways the tree reminds you of Jesus.

Our Advent Series comes from a plan provided by Church of the Valley on The YouVersion Bible App. For more information, please visit: https://ccv.church.

Day One: The Christmas Wreath

The Christmas wreath is a popular decoration that we typically find hanging on a door, over the fireplace, or in windows. But, did you know that the circular shape of the wreath has a symbolic meaning? The circular shape symbolizes eternity, it has no beginning and no end, just like Jesus’ love for us. 

Read Romans 5:8.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Every time you see a Christmas Wreath, remember that God sent His Son Jesus to die on the cross for our sins so that we can have everlasting life. 

Read 1 John 4:9.

⁹ This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.

Takeaway: Look around your house or take a walk around your neighborhood, every time you see a wreath think about a time when you have experienced God’s love.