Granted, the use of evergreens during the winter has pagan roots. In the 16th Century, a German monk brought an evergreen into the home and tied the tradition with the celebration of Christmas. Later, Martin Luther was credited with putting lighted candles on the tree for decoration. But, if you look at the Christmas tree, you can find the gospel message. Let me share that with you.
First, the evergreen is pointing upward. You have seen people point their finger in the air to indicate their belief in God. So the tree shouts to us that it recognizes it’s creator. Do we recognize the one who made us?
Second, the lights on the tree are telling us of Jesus, the light of the world. Christmas is about the coming of this light into a world dark with sin – sin that separates us from God. Jesus was born that He might bridge that gap for us by dying for our sin. The star on the top of the tree reminds us of the star that guided the magi to the place where Jesus was. There, they worshiped him.
Third, live trees need to be watered unless they die. We need to be connected to Jesus and be nourished by the Holy Spirit. When we stay with him, we have a vital witness for Him, and our lives are filled with hope, meaning, and function.
Fourth, and last, the evergreen stays green through the harshest winter weather. Jesus promised us that life will produce some difficult times, but that He will be in us and He has overcome the world. We will not only survive, but thrive spiritually because of Him. One day, when we leave this world, He promises to crown us with many crowns. I can only imagine what that means. But just as the tree is brightly decorated on earth, so we will be be decorated with all the inheritance God has for us.
May your Christmas be the best ever. God bless you.