A Christmas That Changes You: Lessons From the Tree of Life

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 "The Christmas Tree That Changed My Perspective "


As we step into the beautiful season of Christmas, I’ve been reflecting deeply on what this time truly means—especially as the year gently comes to a close. Christmas has always been about the birth of our Lord Jesus: new hope, new life, and new beginnings. That is what I grew up believing, and that truth still sits firmly in my heart.




But this year, something stirred within me.

I realised there is so much more surrounding Christmas that we rarely pause to understand. We follow traditions without knowing their meaning. We repeat rituals simply because “that’s how it’s always been.” We decorate, we celebrate, yet sometimes we forget to feel and understand.

And then I asked myself…



Why do we often wait until the end of the year to be kind, loving, reflective, or renewed?

Why do we spend months being someone we were never meant to be, instead of living as our true, God-given selves?


These past months have been a journey of unlearning and learning—of correcting my thoughts, my words, and my actions. And truly, learning to do good takes longer than slipping back into old habits. But it is worth every effort.


This shift happened unexpectedly when I agreed to help direct a Christmas play written by my brother. In the beginning, it felt like “just a play,” nothing more. But as I went deeper into it, something touched me. I began discovering meaning in things I had never questioned before—especially something as familiar as the Christmas tree.


Questions That Changed Me


I found myself asking:

*Why do we keep a Christmas tree?

*Why not just a crib, since Christmas is about Jesus’ birth?

*What does the tree really represent?


For someone like me—someone who always followed what elders said without asking why, someone who never learned to think for herself—these questions were unexpected… and eye-opening.

But the truth is, I have changed.

Time has changed me.

God has changed me.

I’ve learned to listen to the soft, guiding whisper of the Holy Spirit rather than the loud expectations of people. It wasn’t easy, but I’m grateful. This is how God opened my eyes.

As I meditated and reflected over the last few days, something beautiful unfolded. I discovered the real meaning behind the Christmas tree—the reason it stands beside the crib, and what it truly represents in God’s plan.

And that understanding changed everything.


The True Meaning of the Christmas Tree — A Journey From Eden to Salvation


Most of us decorate the Christmas tree every year without thinking twice. We buy it, we light it, we decorate it… and that’s it. But God helped me see something deeper:

The Christmas tree is not a decoration.

It is a symbol of our spiritual journey and God’s eternal promise.



The Tree From the Garden of Eden


In Eden stood the Tree of Life, symbolizing eternal life—life rooted in God, life beyond time, life of purpose and purity. It was protected by an angel after Adam and Eve sinned.

When we place the Christmas tree in our homes, we are inviting that same meaning:

Not just “festive spirit,”

But the eternal life God desires for us.

Its branches remind us of the Ten Commandments—God’s unshakable foundation.

Its leaves, flowers, and fruits represent the Fruits of the Holy Spirit:

love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.


The Christmas tree is not an idol.

It is not something to be worshiped.

It is a symbol filled with God’s wisdom and truth—if we look at it with an honest heart.



The Tree and the Cross

Then another powerful truth touched me. 

The Christmas tree tells two stories: 

the pain that began in Eden

&

the salvation that began on the Cross.


From the Tree of Life to the tree of the Cross, God’s plan for mankind unfolded.

That’s why the Christmas tree is not “just an ornament.”

It carries the story of your life, your family, your purpose, and God’s promise of redemption.

The moment I understood this, the Christmas tree became sacred to me—not just a seasonal decoration, but a reminder of God’s deep love.



The Meaning Behind Every Ornament


Here’s the most beautiful part: Every ornament we hang on the tree holds meaning.

Instead of decorating the tree in one rushed evening, we can follow a four-week spiritual journey—awakening the tree and awakening ourselves as we prepare for Jesus’ birth.


💫Week 1 — The Bare Tree (Eternal Life)


The tree stands alone, simple and pure.

It represents eternal life and invites us to quiet our hearts.


💫Week 2 — Ornaments of Gratitude (Fruits of the Spirit in Our Family)


Each ornament becomes a blessing placed on the tree.

                                A whisper of “Thank You, Jesus” for every gift in our lives.


💫Week 3 — Ornaments for the World (Love Beyond Ourselves)


We place ornaments with intentions for the world - peace, unity, healing, forgiveness.

This awakens compassion within us.


💫Week 4 — The Star (God’s Promise Fulfilled)


Finally, we place the star - a reminder that God’s promises were fulfilled through Jesus,

and can be fulfilled through us as well.



A Christmas Tree With Purpose



When we follow this four-week journey, the Christmas tree becomes more than a decoration.

It becomes:

💫A story of beginnings in Eden

💫A story of salvation through the Cross

💫A reminder of God’s eternal promise

💫A symbol of our spiritual growth

💫A message of love for our families

💫A call to bring God’s light to the world

This understanding has transformed the way I see Christmas.

And I pray that as you read this, your heart opens to the true, holy meaning of the Christmas tree—not the commercial version, but the spiritual version God intended.



A Message to Carry Into the New Year


From my heart to yours…
May your days be gentle, your spirit be lifted, and your life be filled with quiet blessings.

Happy Holidays 💗

✨ Written by Aurelia Jonas

Personal Growth & Relationship Coach

Helping individuals heal emotionally, reconnect with themselves, and find strength in their journey toward self-love and wholeness. 💛

✨ Email ID: maauragrowthcoach@gmail.com

✨ Insta ID: maaura57











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