"Mistletoe"

In the quiet stillness of winter, when many trees stand bare, the live oak keeps its leaves. Strong, sprawling, and rooted deep in the earth, it stretches its branches wide as if sheltering all who rest beneath it. Spanish moss drapes elegantly from its arms and dances in the winter winds. And among its twisted branches and expansive limbs  grows something unexpected and symbolic. Mistletoe, a plant that begins as a seed carried by the wind or a bird settles  into the crevices of the oak’s limbs. The mistletoe draws life from the tree, an uninvited guest clinging to a strength not of its own.

 In many old traditions, mistletoe was a symbol of peace offered beneath the steady shelter of an evergreen tree. Two strangers meeting under it were required to lay down weapons, offer grace, and speak forgiveness. Today we hang the symbolic cluster of mistletoe as a reminder to kiss our beloved in the warm glow of Christmas lights and cheer.

As the mistletoe clings to the strength and shelter of the live oaks we cling to God’s strength and shelter. God invites us to remain, drawing life from His branches and draping us in a place of refuge from the elements of this world.

“He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge.” Psalm 91:4
Just as the oak stands firm through storm and season, God stands firm beneath the weight of our need. Just as the mistletoe grows only because it is held by something stronger than itself, so we grow only because God holds us.

Lord, teach me to rest in Your strength like the mistletoe rests in the live oak. Let me remember that my life is upheld by Your endurance, not my own. Make my dependence a place where peace begins. Peace with You, peace with others, and peace within my own heart. May Your steadfast presence be the shelter over all my seasons. In the mighty and powerful name of Jesus, Amen.