The Christmas Branch
- December 9, 2015
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- Wendel Elliott
Posted in: Featured, Ranch Life
“What about this one?,” I said looking at it hopeful. Everyone else looked at the specimen and agree it’s the one. We get the handsaw and begin the task. Someone throws the end of their rope to put around the trunk. Taking care not to drag too many needles off, the rider starts out with the tree in tow. It’s that time of year and the family tradition of riding horseback and cutting a Christmas Tree. The memory is always special but requires effort and a search for the right one. Is it blank on one side? Is it a little too full or maybe it has too much sap?
I remember growing up with the joy and excitement of getting a Christmas tree. We would trim the tree, while enjoying “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer”, “Frosty the Snowman”, or “The Little Drummer Boy” on T.V. Sometimes, we would listen to Christmas carols on records. The decorations would come out of their boxes and we would reminisce about some of the more meaningful ones. The one that you made in Kindergarten, the miniature manger scene, or the shiny antique glass ones that had their very own box for storage. Once you got all the branches covered with decorations, lights and maybe some icicles you were able to step back to admire the grandeur of the sight and the celebration truly kicked off. Branches of a Christmas tree covered with decorations is a wonderful sight to see.
We all have similar memories that are special to us regarding decorating for Christmas. What are some of your favorites? Is it putting up lights all over the outside of the house? Is it that special set of handmade ornaments? Maybe it’s the reminder of the real reason in that manger scene that has its place on the mantle.
As you deck the halls and put up the twinkling lights on the boughs of the Christmas Tree, gaze and think upon that real reason we celebrate – the Righteous Branch. Here is what He has done through this Branch: God has decorated His Family Tree with you and me by giving us This Great Gift. God has engrafted you and me into His Family Tree, through Jesus Christ our Savior. There’s room for you in His Family Tree all you have to do is put your faith and trust in Jesus. Follow Him and become part of the family. God gave His Son as a gift; we celebrate His birth into this world and for what He has done in our lives. He is our salvation.
“The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior.” (Jeremiah 23:5-6 NIV)
Celebrate the Righteous Branch this Christmas! Speaking of that, we better saddle up and start our search for the right specimen.
I’ll see ya’ll out in the pasture!
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Posted in: Featured, Ranch Life
About Wendel Elliott
Wendel Elliott is a cowboy preacher, serving right at six years as pastor of Big Bend Cowboy Church in Alpine, TX. He also manages a cow/calf operation in the area. Wendel's writing and messages come straight from ranching experiences and the Western way of life....