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“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” -1 John 3:16 

   Early November Tammy and I, along with Eric and Nancy Bohanan, went on a cruise to Key West and Bimini Island. It felt good to leave the cool temperatures at home to feel the 75–80-degree weather in the south. It was beautiful and it’s always a treat to experience foods you wouldn’t normally order in a restaurant. The ice cream was top notch by the way, just saying.

   Upon docking at Key West, we were able to take a trolly ride around the old city and the newer areas surrounding. Among the history there was one site that caught my eye and I quickly grabbed my phone to write down the name and information regarding a peculiar plant that grows to great size off the coast surrounded completely by saltwater. The plant is called the Mangrove. It’s root system under the water pushes up numerous branches above the water that bushes out with bright green leaves giving the appearance of a mushroom. The fact that anything can thrive with only saltwater as nourishment is amazing but to see the foliage bright and plentiful is impressive.

   Our driver pointed out the reason for the phenomena when he directed our attention to small patches of brown leaves randomly seen on the plant. He said they call these brown colored leaves sacrificial leaves. The idea is that these leaves somehow take excess salt from the water so that the other leaves can flourish and thrive. If not for the sacrifice of those leaves the entire plant would perish but they take the bulk of the salt content making it possible for the others to live.

   This simple act of nature so beautifully reflects the great sacrifice that Jesus made for us. He became our sacrificial leaf so we could have life and have it more abundantly. If Christ hadn’t come, just as all the other leaves would have died, we would all die lost in our sin. Jesus’ death turned no hope into hope for all who will believe in Him as Lord and Savior.

   I’m thankful for those little moments in life as I travel that God places reminders of how great His love is for us and everything God does points to Jesus Christ the author and finisher of our faith.

   This Christmas as we celebrate with family never lose sight that He was born so He could die of a cross paving the way for us to receive eternal life.