Shade Tree Wisdom 12/2/14

          Enter December, the last month in this eventful year.  The Church is now in the Season of Advent, preparing for and looking to celebrate the birth of the Lord Jesus, the Babe of Bethlehem.  The end result of that is, of course, our salvation.  One hymn writer expressed it this way:

“My sin, Oh the bliss of this glorious thought,
My sin, not in part, but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul.”

          The State and local land owners so far have replanted some 40,000 acres with native grasses to create a bird friendly habitat.  For when native grasses were removed to plant other grasses more suitable to range for cattle, such plantings did not provide the habitat where the quail and other birds could survive.  State biologist estimate quail population dropped 75% over the last 30 years.

          Texas lawmakers last year earmarked $6 million for restoring prime habitat, expanding research, and educating land owners.

          Jim Willis was a pioneer in the movement.  He removed cattle, used prescribed burns and herbicides, before planting native grasses, sand plum trees, and shrubs. In time quail and some 30 species of grassland birds, as well as rabbits, deer, and ducks returned to the property.  The new prairie also acts as a sponge when it rains and replenishes the aquifers below the surface.

          That is what Advent leads to.  It brings us to the Birth of Jesus Christ, who was born “to save His people from their sin.”  To us who are all born in sin, it is the message that tells us “Behold, the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world."

          Let the birth bring you rejoicing anew in this year of your life.

GPD 12/2/14