Hung on a tree

December is a month of celebration. Virtually in every home, at every store, and in every church, there is a Christmas tree to brighten the air and uplift the hearts of men, women, and children. Hanging on the tree are many ornaments. Canes symbolizing the letter J for Jesus, stars standing for the Star of Bethlehem, and angels to remind us of the angelic host who sang "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." And, of course, lights and lots of them, since Jesus shone light on the dark world, bringing a message of love, hope and redemption.

But not long ago, to be hung on a tree did not mean celebration or decoration. A man guilty of a capital offense was hung on a tree (Deuteronomy 21:22). A man thus hung was considered to be under God's curse (Deuteronomy 21:23). As Joshua conquered Canaan, he hung enemy kings on trees to show what became of the enemies of Israel (Joshua 8:29, 10:26). Even in the days of the Romans, to crucify a man on a tree was reserved for the worst offender.

Yet, Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us (Galatians 3:13). He did not pass the cup of the cross (Matthew 26:39, 42), but obediently accepted it (Philippians 2:8) and endured it, scorning its shame (Hebrews 12:2). By shedding his blood on the cross, Jesus made peace and reconciled us to God (Colossians 1:20). The message of the cross is indeed the power of God that saves us (I Corinthians 1:18). How appropriate is it for Paul to say that he would never boast in anything, except in the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ (Galatians 6:14).

Because of Christ, we can celebrate a Christmas tree and hang ornaments on the tree in celebration and decoration. In Christ, a curse became a blessing. In Christ, an object of scorn and shame became an object of boasting and adoration. In Christ, a sinner like me became a new creation, a child of God. Praise the Lord. Hallelujah!