Finding the Perfect Christmas Tree - iBelieve Truth: A Devotional for Women - December 20

Finding the Perfect Christmas Tree
By Meg Bucher

“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners- of whom I am the worst.” - 1 Timothy 1:15

“This is the one!”

And with the biggest smile I had conjured up in months, both arms shot into the sky to proclaim a very important victory. Trudging through rows of evergreens in the crisp December air to the tune of reunited family filled my heart. A magical tradition from my childhood now successfully passed down to the next generation. Over the decades, my immediate family of five drifted from struggling to agree on which Christmas tree would fill our family room to finding a way to gather from separate parts of the country for the holidays.

Paul retained a humble perspective of his salvation in Christ. Like an evergreen that everyone passes over because of its gaps and crooked trunk, Paul considered himself the worst sinner of all. Undoubtedly, he did great work for the LORD and honored Christ with His faithfulness, leaving an example for generations to follow. On the Christmas tree farm that day with my family, we had no choice but to pick a tree with a big gap up top, because the rest had already been tagged. But lit up in our family room, and decorated with a few strategically placed ornaments, the big gap is unnoticeable.

1 Timothy 1:16 says, “But for that reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.” (NIV)

We are all the tree with the big gap and the crooked trunk. But Jesus doesn’t wander the rows of the evergreen farm in search of a better tree. He doesn’t settle with what’s left because He has too. He looks at each of us, gaps and misalignments, and chooses us. Immediate family will teach us how to see each other through this godly perspective. Family creeps into our comfort zones and teaches us the values of patience and love. We see each other’s gaping holes and crooked trunks. But when we choose to let our whole selves fill the family room, Christ allows us to see each other through His perspective.

“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God,” Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 1:17, “be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (NIV) Paul new he was a crooked tree with gaps. We all are. And the “trustworthy saying” he implores us to consider urges us to embrace ourselves, and the others God purposefully places in our lives, regardless. Christmas reminds us to leave our lives daily in the hands of our Creator. Perfectly timed, He sent Jesus Christ to earth. He chose to be here, and He chose each one of us. All perfectly purposed to honor God with our lives. The family and friends He places around us help adorn our gaps with perfectly placed ornaments, and us them. When we choose to see each other through the eyes of Christ, we realize we’re all being transformed into beautifully decorated Christmas trees. Our Savior has rescued us from our sin.

Related: Listen to our podcast, The Characters of Christmas with Dan Darling. You can find all of our episodes at LifeAudio.com. Here's Episode 1:

Meg Bucher writes about everyday life within the love of Christ. An author, freelance writer and blogger at Sunny&80, she earned a Marketing/PR degree from Ashland University. Her first book, “Friends with Everyone,”  is available on amazon.com. Meg leads/teaches Bible Study in Women’s and Youth Ministry. Living in Northern Ohio, she’s been wife to Jim for a decade and counting, is mom to two tween daughters, a distance runner, photographer, and avid Cleveland Browns fan.

Related Resource: Discouragement Often Comes after Calling | Ezra 3

In this episode of  The Bible Explained, Jen walks through Ezra chapter 3 and explores the Israelites’ return from exile as they begin rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. She highlights how the people, though fearful and greatly outnumbered, chose unity, obedience, and worship by first rebuilding the altar and restoring sacrifices to God. The episode focuses on the emotional moment when the temple foundation is laid—some rejoice with gratitude while others weep, remembering the former temple’s glory. Through passages in Ezra, Haggai, and Zechariah, Jen emphasizes God’s encouragement not to “despise small beginnings,” reminding listeners that God often works through humble starts, difficult seasons, and imperfect circumstances. The episode closes with a practical encouragement: when God calls people to a purpose, opposition and discouragement will come, but faithful perseverance and trust in God’s presence are what carry the work forward. If this podcast helped you understand the Bible in a clearer way, be sure to follow The Bible Explained on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!