The First Christmas Tree
Each year, Christmas trees are decorated across the world as the celebrated day approaches. Christians and non-Christians alike have adopted this practice in their homes and hearts. Granted, for the believer, the significance of Christmas is known clearly in his heart as reasons for rejoicing abound. However, many may not know that the Christmas tree is a relatively modern practice among celebrators of this splendid holiday. Despite this fact, there was indeed a Christmas tree that shot up that first Christmas morn.
Why a Christmas tree
The Christmas tree finds its origin in Germany in the 1500s. It is thought that sometime later, these Germans brought the tradition to America. Some would say that Martin Luther, the famous church reformer, is responsible for starting the tradition of putting lights on Christmas trees. One day, as Luther was on his way home and working through a sermon, he gazed up at the sky. The night was dark yet clear. As he stood gazing at the stars, he noticed the beauty of them placed against the backdrop of the evergreens.
As a result of this event, Luther decided to place a tree in his home. He tightly fastened candles onto its branches. He then showed his family the brilliance of the scene he saw on his way home.
Whether or not this story is true is hard to know for sure. However, there is a story that can be known as certain, and on this particular blessed Christmas morning a tree shot up for all to see.
The first Christmas tree
Everything in God’s creation is something that points back to Jesus. Rocks point to Christ as a Rock. Water points to Jesus as the Spring of Living Water. Lions point to Jesus as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. Lambs point to Jesus as the Passover Lamb. The sun points to God as the Source of light. The moon points to Jesus as a Light in the darkness. Jesus can be seen in all of His creation.
This Christmas, let that tree in the corner of your room be a reminder of Christ, the First Christmas Tree. In Isaiah chapter 11 verse 1, Isaiah tells his readers of a shoot that will come forth out of the stump of Jesse. Jesus is that shoot, and, on Christmas morning, there was in fact a Christmas tree.
Seeing Christ in the Christmas tree
John 15 paints a great picture that can be helpful in thinking about Jesus this Christmas season. In John 15, Jesus is said to be a vine, and this vine also has roots. Jesus is truly the source of life for all Christians.
A tree or a vine is an intricate piece of work. The roots generally dig down deep into the soil and hold the plant in place. The vine or the trunk springs forth, and this central piece of the plant begins to produce out of itself branches that bear fruit.
These branches would not exist apart from the center, apart from the core, apart from the roots. The branches would not exist, nor could they. The center is essential. In the tree and the vine analogy, Christ is the center, He is the core, and He is the roots.
Let your Christmas tree be a great reminder of Christ as the source of life and you as a Christian as a branch. It is quite possible there is no other passage of Scripture so essential in the life of a Christian than John 15. In it, Jesus makes clear the importance of this analogy and stresses to the believer that absolutely nothing can be accomplished apart from being connected to the vine, apart from being connected to Jesus.
Each year, people from all over the world will not just have a Christmas tree in their homes but will also decorate their Christmas trees. Beautiful lights are strung from the bottom of the tree all the way to the top. Wonderful ornaments are then draped from the branches and shine in the light. These ornaments consist of lovely bulbs, gorgeous silver pieces, and dazzling golden decorations. Sometimes people also like to hang special ornaments from their trees with significant meaning. Either way, the tree is one that is decorated in a way that is special to its owner.
In John chapter 15, Christ is seen as more than just a vine. Christ is seen as more than just a source. Christ is seen as One Who is bringing about fruit in the life of believers. This fruit-bearing mission of Jesus brings about beauty in the life of a believer. This is also a mission that the believer embraces and partners in with Jesus.
As you sit on your sofa this Christmas and gaze at the decorations that hang from the branches of your Christmas tree, let it be a reminder to you. Be reminded of the fruit that you are called to bear for the glory of God. Let your Christmas tree remind you of the way that you are to shine for Jesus and be a light in the world. Let your Christmas tree be a reminder of Jesus Himself and His mission – that you would be more like Him.
Final thoughts
Seeing Christ in a Christmas tree is not often done. Ornaments that depict angels or scriptural things could help to bring clarity. But try to take it a step further this Christmas, and see Jesus in all that you do. Even as you sit on your sofa and look at your tree, try meditating on the work of Christ as the vine and you as the branches. See Jesus this Christmas as the first Christmas tree, the One who sprung forth out of the stump of Jesse on that first Christmas morn.
Final prayer
Father, I thank You for continuing to point me to my Savior. You are truly worthy of my praise, and Your fingerprints can be seen throughout Your creation. Help me to see You more this Christmas and make it about You. You truly are the reason for this Christmas season. Help me not to forget that. In Jesus’ name, Amen.