A Strange Tree

 

 

 

It was a Christmas tree

In the shape of a cross

As though beckoning life’s traveler,

The weary and lost.

 

A red ribbon hung

From its spread-eagled beam

And its colour was brown,

Not the usual green.

 

It stood out among

Some other Christmas trees

And it attracted more attention

Than all of these.

 

There were no bells or balls

And no star on the top,

No candy cane or tinsel

Nothing from that lot.

 

 

But it had an appeal

That was unmistakably clear,

Jesus came that first Christmas

For a cross to bear.

 

The ribbons on the beam

Were the blood from his hands

Resulting from those nails

That were bored in his palms.

 

The single light

Where the two beams crossed

Was the light of God’s love

Showing sinners the cross.

 

 

I guess such a tree

Does not fit this festive season

But Jesus came to earth

For this very reason.

 

So, somewhere on your tree,

For a cross find a space,

At the top where you put your star

That would be a good place.

 

Christmas is about a cross

And less about a Christmas tree,

See the blood from his head and hands

That flowed for you and me.

 

And then you will see

The cross is not out of place,

Especially upon the Christmas tree

For it you must find a space.

 

 

On your tree this Christmas

For the cross please make space,

Give it star position at the top

For there is no better place.

 

Stewart Russell © December 12, 2021