Let’s roll the timestone back to the Primeval days.
In ancient Egypt, people used to decorate their houses with wreaths during winter to celebrate and wish wealth on their sun god RA.
They believed at the time of winter solstice – the day of the year with the least sunlight, Ra was sick and at his weakest. So as a symbol of celebrating him, to rejuvenate his strength they put green leaves of conifers.
Fast forward, Pagans relied on the evergreen fir branches to decorate their houses trusting them to brighten their spirits during the dark times of winter solstice.
Early Romans also used evergreens as ornaments in their temples and houses at the time of their grand festival Saturnalia and to welcome the new year and new beginnings.
Many Folks Many lores.
Yet altogether, the tree represented life during the deadly weather or to keep the darkness and evil spirits at bay.
One leads to another, tracing back to the 16th century as famously known the Germans are the ones to introduce the tradition of putting a fir tree on display during Christmas time. The symmetrical shape of the tree is meant to personify the trinity.
However, the tradition went viral during the reign of Queen Victoria.
She practiced the custom of decorating a Christmas tree in her house and a photo of her family in front of the adorned wooden structure was published in London media.
People got inspired and started following in her footsteps.
Years later, Today people all over the world are decorating their houses, malls, Shops, and restaurants with Christmas trees in December to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
To be frank, the Christmas tree tradition has nothing to do with the prophecy in Isaiah 9: 6. And I never stopped myself to ask, then why do we do that?
Why ? – Why do we put up a Christmas tree? Why do we decorate them with sparkling lights? What does it symbolize in the bible?
This tradition could’ve originated from different parts of the world, and been carried over from different cultures, but their intention was only one and it’s crystal clear.
That’s to “Keep the darkness away & Celebrate the life and new beginnings.”
In the Old Testament, Moses put a bronze serpent on a tree. It has been written, that whoever looked up at it got healed of their turmoil. (Numbers 21: 8 ~ 9). The Israelites were offered a second chance.
Time skip to hundreds of years later, something parallel happened on the cross at Golgotha. The Savior of humanity hung on a tree where He swallowed death and silenced the boast of Sin and Grave.
Whoever looks at him will be saved from their inequities, shortcomings, and haunting pasts. (Through Faith). They will be rewarded with a brand new life along with an ever-lasting relationship with the creator Himself.
Simply put → When Jesus came to earth he brought heaven down with him because he didn’t want it without us. To offer us a second chance, a new beginning to start over.
He defeated the devil and gained victory over the darkness. He brought light into our empty lives. Now that we are bought with his blood we are no longer slaves to sin but we are children of light.
Humanity needed a symbol of hope to put not only in their homes but also in their hearts during the darkest times as a promise of light. Hence God sent us the darling of Heaven.
Someone asked my sister, “Why do you guys place a Christmas tree ?” and she replied like this “Because I’ll receive presents and get to celebrate a holiday”.
Maybe that is what God wanted for us, to celebrate our lives knowing the maker of the universe is head over heels for us. As an added perk there is hope, even for the meekest soul.
But the plot twist is, He didn’t put our Christmas present under the tree. He put him on it😉
If you ask me that’s what we should think of while setting up a Christmas tree.
Happy Decorating!🎄
Originally Published in our old blog website U Me & Him.
What is your favorite thing about Christmas? Is it the cozy hot coco or the colorful gift bags? Do tell.
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