Trees are one of the many plants that keep us alive. They consume CO2 and give off O2. We would have a difficult time having clean air to breathe without trees. Even deserts have oases surrounded by trees. A Tree is Growing and Tell Me, Tree are two nonfiction books that give us many ways trees affect our lives year round. So why the obsession with trees this time of year?

It is said that Martin Luther, out walking in the winter forest, saw the sun sparkling off the icicles on the evergreen trees and thought it so beautiful that he wanted to share it with his family. Naturally, the icicles melted when he brought the tree in, but he replaced the icicles with candles. Many countries and cultures do not use trees in their Christmas celebrations, but here in the west, trees are very common for some pretty good reasons.

Let’s take a moment to remind ourselves of some reasons we use evergreen trees for Christmas.

• Evergreen trees remind us of everlasting life, always green and growing
• Icicles, candles, and strings of light remind us that Jesus is the light of the world who gives us everlasting life.
• An angel represents the angel of the Lord who told the shepherds that baby Jesus had been born.
• A star causes us to look up, just as the wise men did, following that star to the place where Jesus lived.
• Garland of popcorn and cranberries reminds us of the purity of Jesus and the blood He shed on Calvary.
• Christmas balls of many colors tell us of the kingship of Jesus (gold), and Jesus’ shed blood (red).
• We often hang tiny manger scenes on our trees to help us tell our children the story of his birth.
• Candy canes hang all around. Three tiny stripes and one large stripe woven into a pure white cane shaped like a shepherd’s crook, and the letter J . The purity and holiness of God encapsulate the Godhead, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. The large red stripe is for the blood He shed. The sweet smell of the peppermint reminds us of the sweetness of God’s love.

There are some other things associated with the trees that point us to the crucifixion.

• Pinecones have prickles. Jesus was pierced for our transgressions
• The cross was made of wood, though we do not know what kind.
• Holly is also a common decoration with prickles and blood-red berries.

What other things do we use to decorate? Do we tell our children about the symbolism? Christmas is not about Santa or an Elf on the Shelf. Let’s help our children see the importance of our decorations and the importance of Jesus birth.

Gail Cartee wishes each of you a Joyous Christmas.

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