So, one of the things I hold dear to my heart during this season, is my "Mercy" tree.
If you have ever been on one of the Entering Canaan advent retreats, chances are you have seen it.
My "Mercy" tree began as a "Troop" Tree.
I decided, the year my son was serving in Fallujah, that I wanted to remember him and all those serving in a special way, and so I made my Troop tree.
The tree had the pictures of the guys in my son's unit...a reminder of the sacrifices of all who were serving and away from their families.
It was a tough Christmas as it always is for those whose loved ones are in harms way.
Mike came home safely, but many of his friends did not. We still live with the pain of those who have taken their own lives, were injured, or have never been able to reconcile the PTS of the experience.
After their service, I changed the tree into a "Mercy" tree. I replaced their photos with those of the Divine Mercy and displayed it for both those suffering PTSD as a result of war, and for the women and men suffering from a past abortion.
Although it holds a place of prominence during the Advent/Christmas Season, it is something I keep out all year to remind me that the season of "Mercy" is always present to us, available through the life of Jesus.
This tree is a reminder to always trust in His love for us and to be grateful for the tremendous gift of His forgiveness and healing mercy which is always there waiting for each one of us.
