The Christmas Tree has a beautifully symbolic history to us as believers and it all started with the first recorded mention of fir trees used in Christmas Celebrations in 12th century Germany.
A fir tree was utilized in mystery plays and was often referred to as a “paradise” tree. These dramas would be held outside during the Advent and Christmas seasons and the fir tree would stand as a symbol of the Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden.
Since that time, the evergreen fir tree has become a sign of hope during the winter season–hope in the promise that the rest of nature too will awaken to new life in the coming Spring. The message was clear: through Jesus Christ, we too have a hope of everlasting life.
Jesus has become our Tree of Life–our tree of “paradise.” As such the evergreen Christmas Tree reminds us today that even though our earthly season must come to an end, we will one day live forever because of the eternal life given to us through our Savior.
The fir itself is an evergreen–it does not die or fade away (lose its needles in the winter months). In this sense, it represents the immortality of the resurrected Christ. The lights we place on the tree are to illustrate that Jesus is the “Light of the World” (John 8:12). The triangular shape of the evergreen reminds us of the Holy Trinity. The Star or Angel on the top calls to mind either the Star over Bethlehem that proclaimed the place of the Christ Child’s birth or the Angels that announced the same (Matt 2:9, Luke 2:11).
The use of the indoor Christmas tree began in the early 17th century, in Strasbourg, (which at that time belonged to Germany, but is now France). The tradition spread from Germany into northern Europe and in 1841, Albert the German husband of Queen Victoria, first introduced the custom of the Christmas Tree to Great Britain.
He had the very first decorated Christmas Tree assembled in Windsor Castle that same year. The first Christmas trees in the New World were introduced by Hessian soldiers in 1776, but later, German immigrants brought the tradition into wider use in the US. The customary decorating of the Christmas Tree, as we all know it today, began just over one century ago.
The Christmas Tree may be a simple symbol that brings a bit of joy to some; but for those who know its purpose, it brings a life-giving representation of a King Who came as a baby to save us from our sin. And because of His sacrifice, we have the opportunity to one day live eternally with Him.
Although we enjoy sharing stories of Santa Claus and Rudolph’s shiny red nose, isn’t it wonderful that after centuries, the true significance of this beautiful Christmas Season still stands?
0 Comments