Most Christians have adopted the custom of putting up a Christmas tree. Have you thought how your Christmas tree can be a faith expression?
In the 7th century a monk from Devonshire went to Germany to teach the Word of God. Legend says he used the triangular shape of the fir tree to describe the Trinity: God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. By the 12th century the tree was used at Christmas in Central Europe, as a symbol of Christianity.
The first documented decorated tree was in Latvia, in 1510. In the 16th century, Martin Luther is said to have decorated a Christmas tree with candles, to show his children how the stars twinkled through the dark night.
The Christmas tree is a place for creativity; it fuels nostalgia and speaks to what is important to us. Decorations highlight our country, families, creativity and achievements. Yet Christmas gives witness to faith. How do our Christmas trees glorify God and bear witness to our faith today?
This message is excerpted from the 2009 Women of the ELCA resource “The Colors of Christmas,” written by Bonnie B. Belasic.
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