And we are witnesses of all things which He did, ...whom they slew and hanged on a tree. Acts 10:39
THE DAILY THOT FOR Thursday, December 4
The Forgotten Tree
And we are witnesses of all things which He did, ...whom they slew and hanged on a tree. Acts 10:39
In Acts 10:39 above the cross of Calvary is called
"a tree." The Bible refers to it in this way at least four other times. In
Acts 5:30, Peter said, "The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew
and hanged on a tree." Paul wrote in Galatians 3:13, "Christ hath redeemed
us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us; for it is written,
Cursed is everyone that hangeth on a tree." See also Acts 13:29 and 1 Peter
2:24.
At this season, when much attention is paid to a tree that is covered with
tinsel, ornaments, and colored lights, that rugged, unattractive gibbet of
Mount Calvary might well be called "The Forgotten Tree of Christmas."
Completely overlooked is the purpose for which Jesus came to earth. The true
significance of His birth is lost in the trappings, gift-giving, and
party-going associated with the celebration of this holiday.
Luke tells us that "the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which
was lost" (19:10). The Babe of Bethlehem was born to die. He came to give
His life a ransom for sin by hanging on a "tree" —not a tinsel-covered thing
of beauty, but an ugly, cruel instrument of execution.
As we remember our Savior's birth, let's be deeply conscious that it is
vitally linked to Golgotha's hill. There He was crucified, and there He shed
His blood for the sins of the world.
Calvary's cross is the forgotten tree of Christmas, yet it's the most
important one!
