Our very first Christmas tree...

Yesterday, after our gynae appointment, we went to Concourse to get our very first family Christmas tree. It was really fun shopping with Joshua and Joash (thank God he was asleep in the sling most of the time) for the most suitable tree and the various ornaments that will match well with our home.

Christmas had never been a family thing for both Joshua and I and I've always wanted my first family Christmas with my husband (and of course son) to be special. Before I was a Christian, Christmas was a dreaded time for me as it meant loneliness and bitterness amidst the festive season which made it all the more ironic. I had no friends to go out with... no one to watch the Christmas lights with. I remember writing about my Christmas experience for my secondary school Chinese composition. My essay was pinned on the classroom wall but my teacher told me that she'll not put in the school magazine even though it was well written cos it was simply too sad a picture depicted of Christmas.

Over the years, as I tasted the goodness of my Lord Jesus, Christmas has wondrously changed for me. I've been blessed with wonderful memories of sharing the good news since I've known Him. Some years, I was away on mission trips to other countries to share the gospel during the holidays. (even experienced a white Christmas before!) Other years saw me caroling with various groups of Christian people. It has been really fun and meaningful. Now, when I see the Christmas lights and decorations being put up in the malls and streets, I get so excited and happy!!!

The symbolism of Christianity in the Christmas tree becomes more and more apparent to me. The evergreen nature of the Christmas tree now reminds me of the everlasting life we have in Jesus. The star that is placed at the top of the tree beckons us to Jesus just as the star in Bethlehem which called the wise men and shepherds to worship the newborn King 2007 years ago. It is also sobering to be reminded that Jesus' birth foreshadowed his own death on the 'tree' (another word for the cross) so that we might be with God.

I'm looking forward to the years to come when Joash is grown so that I can explain and share the goodness of Christmas with him...