Last holiday season, Josh and I were out shopping and we saw a Christmas tree hanging upside down. We looked at each other with frowns said, "Why do people mess with Christmas trees? Why turn them upside down? It looks so silly!" Since then, however, I've come to find out that the first fir trees people brought into their homes were actually hung upside down from the ceiling beams!
Bringing trees indoors began centuries ago, when many cultures thought fir trees were the symbols of life and good fortune. One such superstitious group were the Vikings of Scandinavia. Throughout their long, cold, depressing winters they marveled at the evergreens and began to believe they were magical. Thinking the trees would give them magical strength to survive the harsh winter as well, they brought them into their homes as a lucky charm (or idol) and hung them upside down from the crossbeams.
Later, as the Vikings were converted to Christianity, the symbolism changed. The evergreens were hung as a representation of Christianity and the Tree of Life. The triangular shape of the tree signified the Holy Trinity and its endurance through the cold months reminded them to have faith during tough times. Eventually the custom swept throughout France and Germany, but it wasn't until the late 1500's that the fir trees were taken down from the ceiling to stand upright on the floor.
"Trees were not yet generally associated with Christmas, however, but were considered throwbacks to pagan rituals. It would take one of history's most famous Christian leaders to change that perception. …Martin Luther was walking home on a dark December evening when he was struck by the beauty of the starlight coming through the branches of the many fir trees in the woods around his home. The German Protestant Reformer was so captivated by the way the filtered light appeared that he felt moved to duplicate this effect on the tree he had placed in his home. He tied a candleholder onto one of the evergreen's branches, put a candle in the wooden holder, and lit it…He liked the effect and attached several more candles in the same way…Luther taught his friends and family that the tree represented the everlasting love of God. He pointed out that the evergreen's color did not fade, just as the Lord's love would not fade, no matter what circumstance or trial. The candlelight represented the hope that Christ brought to the world through his birth & resurrection. Thus, to those who knew Luther, the tree evolved into a symbol not just of Christmas but of Christian faith in general." - Ace Collins
Like so many traditions, Christmas trees have changed a lot over the years. Yet the true significance of Christmas remains the same, even after all these centuries.
One of my favorite holiday customs is my time alone with the tree. One night, when the house is dark and everyone else is in bed, I turn off all the lights except the tree and curl up with a blanket on the couch. In the solitude, I gaze at the colors that dance off the ornaments and marvel at the wonder of the season. I take that time to read and reflect on the Christmas story. Despite the fact that scholars don't really know what month of the year Christ was born, He was born! Jesus brought love and hope to a dark world! Jesus brought love and hope to me! I take that quiet moment to thank Jesus for all He did to save me from my sin, and all that he is doing right now, in and through me. Without Him, I am nothing! But along with Mary I can joyfully declare,
My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has been mindful of the humble state of His handmaiden... The Mighty One has done great things for me! Holy is His name! Luke 1:46-49
I encourage you to take the time this year to savor the significance of Christmas. Plan a sacred moment to celebrate God’s remarkable Gift to you. And I pray this season brings you and your family together to remember His everlasting love and hope!
by Rebecca Grinder
Thank you for this sweet post. May God show his love and glory to you this Christmas!
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