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Daily Prayer for the Christmas Season
The
Symbolism of the Christmas Tree
By Frank
Schaefer
The Christmas
tree has become a symbol of the spirit of Christmas in many countries and many,
if not all, our homes. What led Christians to adopt this custom?
The first mention in history of fir trees used in Christmas celebrations was in
12th century Germany. A fir tree was used in mystery plays as the so-called
"paradise" tree. These dramas were held outside during the Advent and Christmas
seasons and the fir tree symbolized the tree of life in the Garden of Eden. The
evergreen fir tree is a sign of hope throughout the winter season--hope in the
promise that the rest of nature too will awaken to new life in the coming
spring. The message of this symbolism was simple: through Jesus Christ we too
have hope for everlasting life. Indeed, Jesus Christ has become our tree of
life--the paradise tree. As such the evergreen Christmas tree reminds us that
even though our earthly season must come to an end, yet we will live through the
grace of our Lord Jesus.
The use of the indoor Christmas tree began early in the 17th century, in
Strasbourg, (which at that time belonged to Germany, but is now France)
spreading from there throughout Germany and then into northern Europe. In 1841,
Albert the German-born husband of Queen Victoria, first introduced the Christmas
tree custom to Great Britain. He had the first decorated Christmas tree set up
in Windsor Castle in 1841. The first Christmas trees in the New World were
introduced by Hessian soldiers in 1776. Later German immigrants brought the
tradition into wider use in the US. The custom of decorating a community tree
began in the early 1900's and is a popular custom in the US today.
What is the symbolism of the Christmas tree today? Well first of all, the fir
tree is an evergreen--it does not die or fade away or lose its needles in the
winter. In this sense it has soon come to represent the immortality of the
resurrected Christ.
The lights in the Christmas tree also have a deeper meaning. Originally the
lights used were candles, of course. During my childhood days in Germany my
grandparents still lit dozens of candles in their Christmas tree. The candles
too were meant to symbolize Christ, specifically his self-giving love and gift
of life to us. As many of us know, the candle provides light and warmth as it
consumes its own substance, the wax. So, too, did Jesus give of his own
substance--his life--so that we might find divine light. And when we have found
divine light for ourselves, we too are enabled through the power of the Holy
Spirit to give of ourselves to others. After all, Christmas is the feast of
love, where we share gifts with each other as Christ shared the gift of life
with us.
Getting into the Spirit of Christmas While Decorating the Home
It's the same
every year: we can't wait to get those Christmas decorations out. As soon as
Thanksgiving is over, we get busy. On the day after Thanksgiving, you can see
countless men in the yards, hanging light chains in trees and setting up Santa
slays in front of the house. Women start hanging wreaths and the greens inside
the home and make the living room smell rich with potpourri and mulled spices.
Christmas trees are being hauled on light trucks and car roof carriers and
poinsettias (and they seem to get larger every year) seem to take over the
flower shops.
But have you ever wondered what the meaning is behind some of these decorations?
Sure, they are traditions handed down to us through many generations, but they
are more than just family traditions. Most of our home Christmas decorations
have a spiritual meaning. I thought it would be fun to share some of those
meanings with you:
The Symbolism of
Greens
Why
we use greens for Christmas decorations? Well, the color green stands for new
life, for freshness, and new birth. Plants like pine trees, holly, and ivy are
called evergreens because they never die. They always keep their green color.
And we decorate our sanctuary with greens because God has promised that the
church will never die. Advent is a time when we remember that death could not
hold Jesus in his grave--and neither can it hold us either.
The Symbolism of
Light
Jesus
is the light of the world. He brings hope to all those who are in darkness.
Jesus’ name is Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.” Just like a candle gives
of its wax to bring light to the darkness, so Jesus gave of himself to bring
hope to us.
The Symbolism of
the Holly
Did you know that early Christians wore holly as they entered the church? They
believed that the burning bush through which God spoke to Moses was the
holly--or holy--tree. Many believed that Jesus’ crown of thorn was also made
from holly leaves. And that the berries that were white turned red and have
stayed red ever since. Some even say that wherever Jesus walked on earth, holly
sprang up in his footsteps.
The Symbolism of
Ivy
Ivy stands for love because it clings to the walls and trees when it grows.
That’s why Christians in the Middle Ages started to use it for Christmas
decorations.
The Symbolism of Poinsettias
Poinsettias are used as Christmas decoration because their flowers are shaped
like stars, which remind us of the star that shone at the first Christmas. The
flowers are red, which reminds us that the baby born in a manger became the
Savior of the world. Jesus shed his blood on the cross so that our sins can be
forgiven.
As you decorate your house this year, think about the meanings of some of the decorations. They may just make your Christmas season more special and remind you of the real reason for the season: the coming of Jesus, God-with-us in the flesh. Have a happy Christmas season.
(Submitted by Father Kevin)
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Date This Page Was Last Edited: Monday, October 05, 2009 04:29 PM
