Isaiah 11:1-10; Romans 15:4-9; Matthew 3:1-12
Just last Sunday, we began the season of advent in the Catholic Church. A season of preparation for Christmas, the coming of Christ. It will not be out of place to think that a lot of families have already made an arrangement to beautify their houses.
Obviously, one of the things that is very prominent in this season among other things is the Christmas tree. Many people spend money to purchase many Christmas trees to be put on strategic places in their compounds. Sometimes, in our life situations, challenges and crisis that we face in our businesses and careers, we distract ourselves with putting up the festive decorations.
Now, let us pause and ask ourselves: What is really the hullabaloo about Christmas tree? What is the hype and uproar that is associated with it? Is there any biblical or religious importance attached to it?
Well, the answer is already found in the first reading of today. Jesus is the Christmas tree. "He is the shoot that springs from the stock of Jesse, a new shoot that grows from its roots" (Isaiah 11,1).
In the oracle of Isaiah, in the tree imagery, the branches would be historical kings, whom he had written off in favour of a return to the very source of the dynasty. The prophet Isaiah mentioned Jesse who was the father of King David, whose reign brought about the golden age of Israel.
Unfortunately, after the reign of king David, the kingdom of Israel was split and was eventually taken over by her enemies. Also, in their captivity in Babylon, one of his descendants became an obscurity. As a result, the prophet Isaiah wrote this oracle, that one day a shoot will spring forth from the stump of Jesse and bring about Israel’s glory.
Today, Jesus is that shoot that sprang into a tree of life and hope. And that is why the Christmas tree is an appropriate symbol for the season. Jesus Christ is indeed our Christmas tree.
In the gospel pericopee, John the Baptist made mention of an axe. This is actually one of those items that we cannot find near the Christmas tree, but today, John the Baptist is on standby and combat ready to cut down our Christmas tree should it doesn't represent our Christian belief and way of life.
John is warning us today that our beautifully decorated Christmas trees and houses without a corresponding good and charitable heart is a sure sign of celebrating the externalism associated with Christmas, and not the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.
Just like the star on our Christmas tree is a symbol of the star of Bethlehem that led the wise men to find the infant Jesus. May our lives lead others to Christ. May we project Christ and not ourselves, just like John the Baptist projected Him when he said: "Ecce Agnus Dei" (Behold the Lamb of God).
May our lives be like the light on the Christmas tree that brings warmth, joy and peace. And as we await the coming of Christ on earth, may justice flourish and great peace for ever. Amen.
Happy Sunday!
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