“Why does Grandma have a tree in her house?" I can’t help but wonder what my little grandson must be thinking as he stands there in awe staring at the Christmas tree. I have to admit, as I struggled putting on the lights and searching for just the right ornaments I found myself mumbling, “Whose idea was this anyway?” Who came up with the idea that we should have a tree in our house? I decided to do a little research. God bless the Internet.
The Christmas tree originated in Germany. Martin Luther is credited with being inspired by the starry heavens one night, and in expressing his feelings to his family brought a fir tree into his home; the family attached lighted candles to its branches. Fir meant fire, and fire is an ancient symbol for spirit. The tree also pointed toward the heavens.
Evergreens were thought to represent the ever-burning fire of life. The color green signified the life force through the year. Eventually decorative balls represented the planets, while the star that radiates from the top reminds us of Bethlehem. The entire tree and decorations teach us that the universe is witness to the Incarnation.
In fact, the Christmas tree symbolizes to us a further appreciation of Jesus' birth. It is a means of retelling a miracle in a colorful and beautiful way so that we can further understand and appreciate Jesus' entering our world.
Actually, the tree is a reinterpretation of pagan rites, along with the use of other greens and decorations to commemorate in ancient times a celebration of the feast of Saturnalia - the birth of the Sun in the sky at the Winter Solstice. Along with the giving of gifts, the feast was later Christianized with the selection of December 25th to announce the birth of the Son of God to the world. The heavens and earth rejoice in the coming of the Lord of Life.
Our decision must be either for our Christmas tree to represent the celebration of the birth of Christ, or simply an acknowledgment of the pagan festival of the Winter Solstice. I prefer to celebrate the birth of Christ and go with the Christian symbols of the evergreen tree, branches outstretched – like Christ, receiving us in love. The lights symbolizing that He is the light of the world – the reason for the season.
What does the beauty of the Christmas tree say to you?
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