O Christmas Tree

 

Luke 2:7  and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

In 2004, Pope John Paul called the Christmas tree a symbol of Christ. This very ancient custom, he said, exalts the value of life, as in winter what is evergreen becomes a sign of undying life, and it reminds Christians of the “tree of life” of Genesis 2:9, an image of Christ, the supreme gift of God to humanity.

The tree was intertwined throughout Jesus’ life. At his birth, he was laid in a manger built from a tree. At his death, he was crucified on a cross built from a tree. To learn more about the incredible life of Jesus, read the entire book of Luke. There are only 24 chapters in Luke. If you read one chapter a day, by Christmas, you will have studied the life of Christ and be prepared to celebrate Jesus’ birthday!

O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree
How lovely are thy branches
O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree
How lovely are thy branches
Your boughs so green in summertime
Stay bravely green in wintertime
O tannenbaum, o Christmas tree
How lovely are thy branches
Let us all remember
In our gift giving and our merriment
With our family and friends and loved ones
The real and true meaning of Christmas
The birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ

O tannenbaum, o tannenbaum
How lovely are, are thy branches
O tannenbaum,…

As we begin the advent season, remember to keep Christ, our tree of life, at the center of your Christmas. He is the reason for the season!