The Tree of Life

When we set up our Christmas tree, as I’ve already mentioned a couple days ago, I like to take the time to remember times gone by.  Each ornament comes with its own story, its own significance, and its own memories.  Sometimes, though, I like to look past the lights, the glitter, and even the ornaments to the tree itself.  Then, I think about the tree of life.

Of David. A psalm. The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it... (Psalms 24:1 NIV)

You see, the Tree of Life harkens me back to the Garden of Eden with God’s perfect picture for our lives.  When I think about the Tree of Life today, however, I start to think about it like the writer of Proverbs did.  He recognized that we can experience a bit of God’s original design even in our crazy, hectic, messed-up world today.

Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed. (Proverbs 3:13-18 NIV)

When we find and exercise God’s wisdom, it becomes, for us, a kind of tree of life.  We start to experience the blessings that come from walking together with God.  We start to experience a Garden Walk.

The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. (Proverbs 15:4 NIV)

This tree of life not only affects our lives.  It affects the lives around us.  Suddenly we become people who build up instead of people who tear down.  Our words and actions stop hurting people.  Instead, they heal and help people.  We become people who help people experience a tree of life.

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and the one who is wise saves lives. (Proverbs 11:30 NIV)

How about you?  What do you think about when you see a Christmas tree?  Do you think about the Tree of Life?