O Christmas Tree

 “And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.”  Genesis 2:9

There are several stories about the origin of the Christmas tree. People in Scandinavia once worshipped trees but, when they became Christians, they made evergreen trees part of their Christian festivals.

Another legend tells how Saint Boniface, an English missionary, was traveling through Germany about 1200 years ago and came upon a group of heathens preparing to sacrifice Prince Asuif to the god Thor at an oak tree. He stopped them and cut down the oak, whereupon a fir tree appeared. Saint Boniface told the people that the fir was the “Tree of Life,” representing Christ.

As a Christian, you can be reminded of another “tree” that has eternal significance for all of mankind…the cross of Christ! “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree…” (I Peter 2:24a)

There is no doubt that some Christmas customs and symbols have little relevance to biblical Christianity and God must be grieved, but you can celebrate loudly the true meaning…instruct your children…and preserve the religious Christmas carols!

PRAY: “Loving Father, as Your servant, help me to promote Your message of love this Christmas season. Thank You for Your gift of love that bore my sins on the tree. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”