Children can’t wait to see the next Christmas tree appearing in their home and
as decorations in stores and office buildings. They often wonder where the
custom of the Christmas tree originated and why it becomes such a sensation
not only to children, but to adults as well. We have so many different religious
affiliations in the world and not all seem to elevate the Christmas tree as one of
the most significant decorative geniuses during the Christmas holiday season.
People have always had a mystical belief that evergreen trees were something
very special, particular in winter, when all the other trees become barren,
brown and lifeless. Yet they survived the cold and unpleasantness, and in the
spring become a tree anew. But the evergreen had not changed its composure
and remained year-round an evergreen tree. Symbolically people asserted the
evergreen to be a symbol of life. It does represent spring in its lightness while
winter portrays the dark season of the horseman of the Apocalypse.
History records show that in ancient Rome people displayed evergreen trees in
their homes and temples during their special December feasts to their many
profound and cold Gods. During that period no battles were fought and schools
were closed while people everywhere celebrated in a carnival-like atmosphere
and exchanged presents.
It was a magnificent night when Martin Luther was returning home gazing into
the sky he noticed the sparkle and brightness in the darkness. He was
fascinated and he could not wait to tell his family about the twinkling in the sky
magnified through the fir tree’s branches that made it an extraordinary sight. A
thought ran through his mind and he visualized that if he brought some fir tree
branches into his house, decorate them with some colorful objects and light a
candle it will create similar effect to what he has viewed in the beautiful and
elaborate twinkling in the sky. The Christmas holidays were coming in a few
days. He went into the forest and cut down a fir tree and brought it into the
house. The fresh smell of the fir tree freshened the air in the house. The family
began to decorate it with many splendid colors to give it a festive light. Candles
were fastened to a few branches of the tree and on Christmas Eve the candles
were lit and thus the Christmas tree began its tradition from Germany. Martin
Luther was a monk, reformer and also the founder of the Protestant faith.
However, legend has it that the Fir tree was revered and venerated and shown
honor in the 12th century by people in Central Europe. The tree was hung
upside down from the ceiling during Christmas time, as a symbol of
Christianity. The honour was originally devoted to the oak tree and changed its
affiliation to the fir tree as being favored by God. This was a substantial change
of custom. Nevertheless the triangular shape of the Fir tree was to depict the
Holy Trinity of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
In Riga Latvia, in the year 1510, the first Christmas tree was decorated, but
Martin Luther is said to have decorated a small Christmas tree with candles, to
show children how the stars tingled through the dark night.
| Christmas Tree Pageant |
| Ancient Symbol |
| Martin Luther, a monk, is accredited with the Tradition of the Christmas Tree |
| It all began in Bethlehem |
| Christmas 2008 |
| Bethlehem, a Town in Israel The significance of this historic Town, Dates Back to David the King of Israel, His place of Birth was Bethlehem, Joseph was from this lineage, so, When senses were taken those days, All had to travel to their lineage town. History had the pleasure to foretell, Announcing Jesus’ birth to take place, How convenient for God to stand still, Coming to earth glorifying his son, People rebel crucifying Gods son, Jesus pleads mercy to spare their lives. The war between good and evil began, Jesus will win hid crowd standing supreme, Legions of angels in readiness stand fast, Waiting to deploy upon Jesus’ command, Armageddon is to destroy evil with good, We are told that life will begin anew. |
| This will extend my profound Christmas wishes to our families, friends, and acquaintances. Peace on earth and good will to men. God has granted forgiveness to all who will ask for it and we second God’s gracious gift to his creation. May the holidays be God’s gift to your beliefs. A prosperous New Year blessed in Christ name. |
