The Christmas Tree

I have heard the history of many things, but do not recall having ever heard the history of the Christmas tree. One day recently, I was looking at the Christmas tree and was struck by what it was telling me. This post will relate to you what I learned.

The Christmas tree is traditionally from a group of trees commonly called evergreens. Evergreens are called this because they are green all year round. Does this sound familiar? God is eternal and unchangeable. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. So when I look at a Christmas tree, I am reminded of the eternal and unchangeable nature of God.

While I have never heard a history of the Christmas tree, I have heard the story of the candy cane.

Many years ago, a candy maker wanted to create something that would remind people of the true meaning of Christmas. After much thought, he decided to make a candy in the shape of a shepherd's staff. When people saw this candy cane, he hoped they would be reminded of the birth of Christ. I do not know if this candy maker had a reason for choosing the colors red and white, but this is what I think they could represent. Jesus died on the cross to save us from our sins The red is His blood which washed us whiter than snow. So when I look at a candy cane, I am reminded of the shepherds who ran to Bethlehem to see the newborn King. I am also reminded that Jesus came to save us from our sins.

I have never heard any history of Christmas lights, but I have heard that Jesus is the Light of the world. So when I see Christmas lights, I am remided that Jesus is the Light of the world and He shines in our lives.

The traditional Christmas tree is laden with decorations which are, usually, beautiful. Sound familiar? God decorates His creation everyday with beauty. When I see Christmas decorations, I am reminded of the beautiful decorations God has places on His creation.

The top of the traditional Christmas tree varies from family to family. Some place a star at the top and some place an angel at the top. Both the star and the angel were part of the first Christmas. The star was seen in the eastern sky by a group of men we know as wise men. Upon seeing this star, they determined it was a sign pointing to a new king. They loaded their camels with provisions and gifts and followed the star until, about two years later, they came to the house where Jesus lived. They worshiped Him and offered Him the gifts they had brought. When I see the star, I am reminded of the wise men who journeyed long to worship Jesus and give Him the gifts they had brought. It also reminds me that Jesus is God's perfect Gift to all who would believe. The first Christmas was filled with angels as they gave the birth announcement of Jesus to a humble band of shepherds. Upon hearing the good news, the shepherds ran to Bethlehem where they found Mary and Joseph and Jesus who was lying in a manger. When they left, they told everyone what had taken place. They glorified and praised God for all they had seen and heard. When I see an angel, I am reminded of the host of angels who proclaimed the good news and gave glory to God. I am also reminded of the humble shepherds who ran to see Jesus, told everyone about Him, and gave glory to God.

Overall, I believe we can look at a Christmas tree and be reminded of that first Christmas when heaven came to earth.

Isaiah 9:2-7
John 1:1-18
Matthew 1:1-24
Matthew 2:1-23
Luke 1:1-80
Luke 2:1-40