Not what you have in mind for a Christmas tree?
You are probably thinking about something more traditional, like a spruce, pine, or fir decorated with lights, ornaments, tinsel, and an angel or star on top. Of course – the best part – gifts under the tree.
The first Christmas tree was erected almost 2,000 years ago, just three days before what we celebrate as Easter today. On the tree was the ultimate gift – Jesus!
Trees Today
More than 94 million households will display a Christmas tree in their home this holiday season, according to a Christmas tree survey from the American Christmas Tree Association. 80% are artificial and 20% are real.
Growing Christmas trees is no small feat. One of our career ministry volunteers, Maverick Martin, owns two Christmas tree farms in northern Wisconsin. The first farm plants seeds, which grow for five years to seedlings about three feet tall. They are transplanted to the second farm and grown to full-size trees of five to eight feet tall. After a total of 10-15 years, trees are harvested and distributed.
First Tree Forever
Long before traditional Christmas trees, Jesus was nailed to a tree made in the shape of a cross. When Jesus was born, His Father in heaven had already planned His Son’s death on the cross and resurrection from the grave.
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son,
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
John 3:16
The ultimate gift of this and every Christmas is Jesus Christ sacrificed for our sins. The cross on which He died has become the symbol of forgiveness and mercy, grace and life forever.
The Gift of a Job and Jesus
More than 15 million Americans are suffering real unemployment this Christmas. That’s almost one out of every 10 workers needs a good job.
For almost 30 years, we have been helping people who are looking for jobs to also find Jesus. Our mission is to give glory to God in the highest by educating, equipping and encouraging people find a job, career and God’s calling.
We invite you to give by December 31 to sustain and grow this ministry. Please “like” and share social media posts you might see from us to expand their reach and impact!If you would like give to the future and hope of Crossroads Career Network, you may make a donation online or mail a check to:
Crossroads Career Services, Inc.
C/O Greyrock Accounting
135 South Main Street, Suite 701
Greenville, SC 29601
Donations are tax-deductible. Crossroads Career Services, Inc. is a nonprofit IRS-approved 501c3 organization. Learn more about us. If you have any questions, email support@test.crossroadscareer.org.
This post was originally shared in December 2014. Updated December 2016.
