A Christmas tree! What a beautiful sight! But what does it mean to me? I wondered as I gazed at the Yuletide display before me.

The evergreen tree--it symbolizes Jesus, who lives in my heart for good. He never dies away in the winter of my difficulties, but is always with me.

The star on the tiptop of the tree is like that unforgettable star that lit the way to the first humble home of my Savior two thousand years ago. It also reminds me to always look up, that there's always a shining star of hope, even in my darkest nights.

The baubles and pretty decorations are the good, happy things that fill my life with spice and delight. I don't take time as often as I should to thank God for all my blessings, or even for the sad things and the hard times that have made me the person that I am today. Life wouldn't be life without both joy and sadness, the good and the bad.

The colorful string of lights reminds me of the things God does to light my way through life. "His Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105). I never need feel alone.

And last but not least, the presents under the Christmas tree symbolize my gifts to Jesus. It is His birthday, after all. The most meaningful gifts are gifts of love--time, friendship, company, giving, forgiveness, and understanding. I give Him gifts each time I give from my heart to others.

The heart of Christmas is not in the presents we give, but the love that we share. This is what makes Christmas.