For this next passage, I recommend making yourself a cup of hot cocoa, cuddling up next to the fire, and putting on some soft Christmas music in the background. Make it a warm, comfy atmosphere for this most-inspiring story from the book of Philesians.Philesians 5:6-21
6 And behold, wise sages from the east did see a bright star in the sky. And the star shone with exceeding brilliance. It was brighter than any star had ever been, before or since.
7 And so the sages mounted their camels, and bearing much costly and precious gifts, set out on a long journey to follow the star.
8 And it came to pass, on the third day of their journey, as darkness drew nigh, that the wise sages took up lodging for the night in the town of Izmus.
9 And behold, one of the sages, Melchior, approached the entrance to the inn, and he saw nearby a small, plastic star which did rest on top of an exceedingly green tree.
10 Melchior was thus smitten by the tree and did inquire of the innkeeper, saying, “From whence camest such a tree?”
11 And the innkeeper replied, “Lo, this tree is exceedingly green, and its leaves, though needle-like, do never change their color.”
12 Melchior said, “May it be as you have said. Allow this sojourner the joy of approaching the tree.” And the innkeeper gave his consent.
13 So Melchior summoned the other wise sages who were with him, and they all marveled at the exceedingly green tree. And the tree was adorned with a plastic star on top, and tassels of silver all around (see footnote).
14 And behold, after a good while, Melchior, filled with awe, said,
“O Izmus tree, O Izmus tree, how lovely are thy branches.
O Izmus tree, O Izmus tree, how lovely are thy branches.
15 Thy boughs so green in summertime,
Stay bravely green in wintertime.
16 O Izmus tree, O Izmus tree, how lovely are thy branches.”
17 And again, Melchior, along with the wise sages, did inquire of the innkeeper, asking, “Wilt thou give us the tree for a fair price?”
18 And the innkeeper, thinking this was good, did cut down the exceedingly green tree, wrapped it tightly in nylon mesh, and with the help of an assistant, hoisted it on top of one of the sage’s camels.
19 And the sages left the innkeeper and his assistant a small tip.
20 And then the wise sages returned immediately to their home, setting up the exceedingly green tree. And alas, it took three whole days for the wise sages to set up the tree such that it appeared to stand straight from all angles.
21 And the sages placed the costly and precious gifts under the exceedingly green tree.
Footnote: In verse 13, tassels of silver comes from the Greek word tinselos, from which the English word tinsel is derived.
And thus the "Izmus Tree" tradition was born!
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