Tree Talk

Do you have a Christmas tree in your home? If so, why? Have you ever thought about it?

The custom itself has both pagan and Christian roots. Some pagans worshipped tree spirits and brought trees indoors during the winter solstice on December 25.

In the Middle Ages (1300s) Christians celebrated Adam & Eve day on December 24. A Play was used to tell the story in church and a pine tree with apples tied to it served as a prop for the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Soon it became a popular tradition in Christian homes.

Regardless of how the custom began, a recent Rasmussen Reports survey showed that 68% of adults plan to have a Christmas tree in their home this year. Eighty percent of those with children in the home plan to have a tree.

“Now hold on just a minute! Why question such and old and beautiful tradition?”

That’s a good question. And the answer is that we should know why we practice traditions. Otherwise they are meaningless. But if properly understood, traditions contribute to the holiday.

Most people have heard that Christmas is the official celebration of Christ’s birth. But how can a tree help us celebrate his birth? The only written record of his birth in the Bible makes no mention of a tree at all.

Many years ago I attended a Christmas service and the church’s pastor used the Christmas tree as an object lesson during the children’s sermon. I found it so memorable that I have used it in a similar fashion ever since. So let’s start with the tree. How can a tree remind us of Jesus?

When Jesus died, he died on a cross. And crosses were made from wood taken from a tree.

But it’s not an oak tree, maple tree or apple tree. It’s an evergreen tree. Why evergreen?

After Jesus died, the Bible says he arose from the dead! It tells us that he’s still alive in Heaven and talks to God about us and for us! So a tree that doesn’t die, a tree that’s EVERgreen, is a good way to remember Jesus. Plus it looks like an arrow pointing to Heaven, his home!

Then there are the lights. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.” A light shows you the way when it’s dark. And Jesus came to show us the way to God and salvation. It’s by trusting in his death on the cross for our sins and his resurrection from the dead to give us new life.

The ornaments on the tree reflect the light. And that reminds us to reflect the light of Jesus to others so they, too can see the way to God through faith in his son, Jesus Christ.

After the tree is decorated, everyone looks forward to putting presents under the tree. The presents remind us of the very first Christmas present, Jesus, who was a gift to us from God. Presents also reminds us of the gift Jesus gives us--eternal life.

Since Christmas is a celebration of Jesus’ birth, it’s really a birthday party! And like a birthday party, we ought to bring a gift to the guest of honor, Jesus. What should we bring?

The Bible says that the greatest commandment is to “Love the Lord your God with all you heart.” Have you ever heard that? And since Jesus is our God, he wants us to love him with our whole heart. That means we love him more than anyone or anything else.

When you love someone with your whole heart, one thing people say is, “I gave him my heart” or “I gave her my heart.” This Christmas, will you give Jesus your heart? Will you love him more than anyone or anything else?

If you would like to give your heart to Jesus, you can do it today. You do it by talking to Jesus and telling him you want him to be your Lord and your Savior. He can hear you right now.

Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!