The beauty of a freshly cut Christmas tree has been a tradition for many years. During the Victorian Era, candles were woven into the branches to be lit on Christmas Eve. Families would dance around the decorated arbor, singing festive songs. There were times we’d cut our own – an experience only intended for the young. The three children would be bundled to the point of being unable to move. Their dad would carry the youngest in a papoose on his back. We’d trudge deep into the tree farm in search of the most beautiful, perfect tree. By the time my artist husband determined which tree met his criteria, his beard was filled with icicles. The rest of us were anxious to get home to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate topped with ice cream. Today, our tree is a Charlie Brown branch with one ornament. Just the right size for two aging octogenarians.

The Christmas tree may be window dressing to some, but if you look at it from a spiritual perspective, there’s more to it. It all started in a garden with two trees. A tree was used to craft a manger which would hold the Savior of the world. His life would end, hanging from the cross beams made from a tree. He rose again so that we would gain eternal life in paradise. The green of the evergreen symbolizes that new life. The red trimmings signify the blood that was shed for us. The lights are reflections symbolic of Jesus’s followers and the star on top represents the Light of the World – Jesus. 

May the Light of the World fill your hearts with peace, love and the promise of eternal life. 

“THE TREE OF LIFE“ by KATHY BOECHER©

In the Garden of Eden You planted two trees, with fruit so divine and sweet.

One was given for eating, the other not so, but temptation would soon defeat.

Man had fallen from grandeur to deepest despair, He needed redemption within.

So you gave him the purest –  the sinless – the pure – to take on the burden of sin.

When we travel to heaven, we’ll see that sweet fruit, that grows on the Tree of Life.

It will heal and restore us and give us new life – from troubles and pain and strife.

He will take us and lead us to pastures of green and still waters will He provide.

We’ll at last be united and joined with Him there – as His perfectly treasured bride.