Red Chinese New Year lanterns sway in the wind on naked trees. Once covered in leaves and blossoms, the branches are now decorated by mortal man to symbolize prosperity, blessing, and wealth.
Seasons change, leaves and blossoms come and go in due time, just as the Father planned it.
For while blossoms wilt and die, and leaves turn brown and fall off, the soil is rich and the roots pour nutrients to live by into the dry, dismal looking soil.
Leaves on our most prized plants turn yellow, then brown and we watch on with dismay, feeling hopelessly helpless, yet, has He not promised life?
Our fears and dismay at the sight of sickness and death blind us
from the promise of a better time.
For isn't it only natural?
While, to the naked eye, it looks like the tree has given up life itself,
it's really just biding its time.
Forsaking daily extravagance, it stockpiles resources so that, at the appropriate time, it might burst forth with life and blossom- shouting messages of life and hope.
Where is our decoration then?
The once ornate lanterns look like a gaudy reminder that man's way pales in comparison
of the brilliance of an eternal spring to come.
Winds may come and blow the lanterns about, but the tree is not uprooted.
Rains come down and leave a pathetic trail of red dye and soggy paper, melted over silk tassel, but still, the tree remains.
Are not we, the church, the tree?
