“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)
Christmas was only days away and we still didn’t have a tree. Living on a college-student’s budget with our first baby on the way, we were scraping by and couldn’t bring ourselves to spend $25-50 on something we didn’t need. It seemed kind of trivial when I told God how sad I felt that we couldn’t afford a Christmas tree. Then I felt guilty knowing there were others who needed so much more.
On our way home from a friend’s house the Sunday night before Christmas, my husband, J.J. and I noticed the tree lot near our apartment had marked all their trees down to $10! Grins stretched across our faces as we made plans to buy one Monday night as soon as J.J. got home from his part-time job.
The next evening we walked down each row of the tree lot looking for just the right spruce to fit in the corner of our one-bedroom apartment. Feeling sentimental and slightly maternal, I realized that picking our first Christmas tree was going to be almost as difficult as choosing our child’s name.
I took way too much time. The sun went down quickly, the tree-lot started to close and the spotlights shut down. There we were, standing in the pitch dark without a tree.
My creative and very patient husband pulled his car into the rows of trees and flashed on his high beams. Suddenly, the bright lights dispelled the darkness and standing in front of me was the most precious tree I’d ever seen. Although it had some droopy branches and a gap on one side, I pointed at it and told J.J., “That’s the one I want!”
Later that night, with my hands wrapped around a cup of hot cocoa, I sat on our couch looking at our little tree. I remembered how sad I felt earlier when the darkness made it impossible to see the trees. Yet, when the beams of light illuminated the lot, my heart filled with hope.
Etched in my mind was a picture I wouldn’t forget, a memory that drew me back to another time marked by darkness – a time when I wasn’t choosing, but needed to be chosen.
Just when it felt like all my dreams had died and my hope was gone, the Light of God’s unfailing love punctured the clouds of darkness and depression surrounding my mind. It happened on another cold winter’s eve in January 1989 while I was sitting in the balcony of a church hoping to hear something that would fill the empty places in my heart. Feeling His Spirit tugging on my heart, whispering words I longed to hear, I sensed God saying, “Renee, you are the one I want.”
He’d been trying to tell me for years, but I had allowed the wounds of my past and the words of others to convince me that no one would ever want me.
At some point, I think most of us have felt like the little Christmas tree and me. Scarred by disappointments, we wonder if anyone would ever choose us. With gaps that make us feel like candidates for rejection, we hope no one will notice our inadequacies. And like the fate of my spruce pine, it seems the only way we’ll get chosen is if all the good ones are picked first.
First Peter 2:9 reminds us that through Christ we are chosen! God sent His Son to light our darkness and fill the gaps in our hearts. Sweet friend, I pray that you will hold onto the truth that God sees you today, and He wants you to hear Him declaring with all His heart, “You are the one I want!”
Dear Lord, that spruce pine and I have a lot in common. Even with my gaps and broken branches, You chose me and made me part of Your family through Jesus. Thank You for sending Your Son to bring Light in the dark corners of my life and to bring endless hope to my heart. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Today, I’m also sharing this post on Karen Ehman’s blog as part of her 12-days of Christmas giveaways, and giving away a special gift pack that includes:
- A signed copy of my book, A Confident Heart
- A “Living in the Security of God’s Promises” – printable
- A Bath & Body Words Christmas treat
- A Starbucks gift card
To enter once, click “Share Your Thoughts” below. To enter twice, enter below and hop over to Karen’s blog to enter again.
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Amen ! JESUS chose us when HE went to the cross so that those who believe in HIM will be with HIM forever. HIS precious HOLY SPIRIT lives in HIS children and we are to share that hope with others who are down , depressed, injured or diseased as well as those who just don’t know HIM. Let us all bless someone this season who is left out, unloved, abused or who has lost a loved one.
There is such power in your words… I can TRULY feel the Spirit, love & hope through you!! Thank you, Gailyn. 🙂
When fear & insecurity set in it is hard to feel good much less chosen; but I believe you are right. I need a job or I won’t get into Jan. I would appreciate prayer for peace, hope,& faith in action.
thanks for sharing, renee…a beautiful story 🙂
This is the 2nd time, I have read the scripture about being a chosen race, a royal priesthood, etc. God knew I need the reminder that I am chosen by God to be his. Some days I feel like that little imperfect tree, but by His grace I am learning to accept that He chose me to be his daughter. Thanks for the reminder.
This a very beautiful story. I’m glad God gave you a light in your life.
Why is it so hard to remember this on a daily basis? Thanks for the reminder.
Thanks for the encouraging words.
Thank you for your very encouraging words. 😀
What a beautiful story. God’s love and acceptance of our flaws hidden in the darkness brings tears to my eyes every time I think about it. He is so forgiving, understanding, loving, patient and compassionate. I wonder why it takes some of us so long to wrap ourselves in His warm embrace . It is such a wonderful place to be.
Thank you for sharing this story and also for the Christmas prayer/poem you sent out – I loved it!
Thank you for word. It lifted my heart and reminded me once again how I’m chosen.
Thank-you for a wonderful and a much needed visual message. Sometimes , especially around the holidays,when we are going through trials and don’t feel wanted or loved it’s a message like this we can cling to. I know that while I may not be wanted and loved by some I am loved and I am chosen by God just like you chose that little Christmas tree, blemishes and all.
Blessings to you and yours this Christmas and the New Year too!
Beautiful…and just what I needed to hear tonight…thanks & God Bless! 🙂
I’m glad we don’t have to be perfect to be chosen by God.
Absolutely loved opening my email to read your latest story. The title caught me immediately…..I have felt exactly this way all my life as well, still do most of the time…..made many bad choices due to my lack of confidence and self esteem…..assuming that no one wanted me around…..to make the long story short, I finally heard God speaking to me too, and amazingly the turning point came through a group my girls were attending, called “Chosen”!!! We’ve moved to a new town now and my girls were the inspiration in my heeding God’s call to start a “Chosen” group! So, here I am “chosen” by God to let young girls know they are “chosen” also…..He has a special plan for all of us and I never, ever would have thought He could use me!
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” Col. 3:12
Your devotional reminded me of my past when I so longed for acceptance and affirmation. I am chosen and precious in His sight.
I am so thankful that God doesn’t need us to be perfect before He wants us. Heaven knows I would never make it! It’s by grace alone that I am His.
Thank you Renee for this encouragement.
Thank you for reminding us that God wants us no matter what gaps we have or how droopy our branches are.
I love how real and applicable you make this simple truth to each of our lives. Yet it is so profound. I cannot be reminded enought how precious we are because He chose us. Thanks, renee. God bless you richly during this beautiful season.
I have a friend who was brought up with a kind of works theology. I have tried for years to convince her that she was indeed chosen by God and that nothing that she has done in her life has changed that. With your kind permission, I will be sharing your post and your site with her. Maybe she will believe you (with a little push from me). Merry Christmas!