Christmas is only a few weeks away. We are busy shopping, making Christmas treats, and decorating our homes, But have you ever thought why? Maybe you have had a young child ask you “The Why Questions.” You know… the why questions that a five-year-old asks. Why Christmas trees, why holly, why wreaths just to name a few.
So why do we do all these Christmas customs? Today I’d like to take a look at a few of these and maybe we can answer some of the why questions. Some come from Customs and others are Legend, so take them for what they’re worth.
Christmas Trees… Why do we use an evergreen tree instead of an oak or an apple tree for Christmas? Even before the birth of Christ, the trees that stayed green all year carried a special meeting for the people. A green thriving tree in the dead of winter was a reminder to the people of Hope and New Life because of Jesus Christ. The evergreen tree symbolizes eternal life.
Christmas Ball Ornament… Traditional Christmas tree ornaments are round symbolizing that God has no beginning or ending and also symbolizing the earth.
Lights & Candles… Reminds us that Jesus Christ is the light of the world. They can also remind us to be lights to others and to help others come to Christ. Before the electric light was invented candles were put on the tree to light it up. Also, candles are put in the windows to welcome the Savior to come in to a home.
Star… The star is one of the most recognizable symbols of the holiday. It represents the star that appeared in the sky that led the wise men to Jesus Christ when He was born. Just as the Wise Men followed the light of the star to find Him… We can find him too.
Candy Canes – This treat represents the shape of a shepherd’s crook. Jesus, often referred to as the Good Shepherd, was born on Christmas. The red stripe represents blood, Christ’s sacrifice, and the white stands for his purity.
Christmas Holly – Because its red berries and prickly green leaves It’s been used as a traditional decoration around the world. The sharp edges of the holly leaf reminds us of the crown of thorns placed on the Savior’s head. The red holly berry reminds us of His blood shed for all of us.
Christmas Wreaths – The wreath is a circular, never-ending symbol of eternal love and rebirth. Holly also stands for immortality and cedar for strength. Today, the wreath symbolizes generosity, giving, and the gathering of family.
Christmas Color Red and Green – The Christmas colors of Red and Green represent – Red for the blood Jesus shed for us and Green to represent the eternal life that He offers us.
Tinsel and the Christmas Spider
Tinsel – If you have ever noticed a spider decoration on someone’s tree, you might have thought that they had an odd taste. This tradition is due to the Eastern European tale of the Christmas spider, which led to the reason for tinsel at Christmas.
A modern-day version of the story is that a woman immaculately cleaned her house for Christmas. The house spiders were swept to the farthest reaches. The spiders learned there was a beautiful Christmas tree in the room and wanted a closer look. They saw it, loved it so much, and danced all over it. The spiders left their webs behind. Depending on the version, then, baby Jesus, Father Christmas, or Santa Claus saw the beautiful webs and miraculously transformed them into silver and gold tinsel so the woman who worked so hard to clean her house would not be dismayed. In honor of that tale, people hang tinsel on their Christmas trees. It has also become a custom to include a spider among the decorations.
A few more quickies… Angels – the angels that announced Jesus’ birth Bells – to announce that Jesus is born Tree Topper –points to Heaven where Jesus is alive today
There are many more Christmas Symbols. But the most important one is that symbol of the cross. We celebrate Christmas as the birth of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. God has given us the greatest gift of all. That was his son to come to earth and be a human. To live here with us and finally to die for our sins. Jesus paid the price with his life, to give us the free gift of salvation. We do not have to paid for our sins, we need only to accept His free gift.
Here’s my question to you… Have you accepted the Free gift from God? How is your relationship with God? Maybe you don’t have a relationship or have fallen away from God? Please don’t wait until it’s too late. There’s no better time than right this minute, to get or renew a relationship with God.
Again Please… if you don’t know Christ or have fallen away, please pray… Tell God you believe His Son Jesus paid for your sins and rose again. Tell God you are sorry and want to start Living for Him. He will forgive your sins and mistakes and give you Everlasting Life with Him… and place His Spirit deep within your heart. In 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
I pray that God will truly Help and Bless you. If you would like for me to pray with you, please email me at Bob.L@magnificentPromises.com.
May God Bless and Keep!
I thank you for reading my blog. I do not claim to be any expert or affiliated with any religious organization. All I can say is that I’m affiliated with my Lord Jesus Christ. This is one man’s opinion and observations. My hope is I stirred up some thoughts for you to think about. There is one place where we can find all the answers to life. That road map is Commonly known as the Bible. If you want the answers to life all you have to do is read. If you would like me to pray with you or want to send a comment, please email me at Bob.L@magnificentpromises.com
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
Christmas Trees… Why do we use an evergreen tree instead of an oak or an apple tree for Christmas? Even before the birth of Christ, the trees that stayed green all year carried a special meeting for the people. A green thriving tree in the dead of winter was a reminder to the people of Hope and New Life because of Jesus Christ. The evergreen tree symbolizes eternal life.
Lights & Candles… Reminds us that Jesus Christ is the light of the world. They can also remind us to be lights to others and to help others come to Christ. Before the electric light was invented candles were put on the tree to light it up. Also, candles are put in the windows to welcome the Savior to come in to a home.
Candy Canes – This treat represents the shape of a shepherd’s crook. Jesus, often referred to as the Good Shepherd, was born on Christmas. The red stripe represents blood, Christ’s sacrifice, and the white stands for his purity.
Christmas Wreaths – The wreath is a circular, never-ending symbol of eternal love and rebirth. Holly also stands for immortality and cedar for strength. Today, the wreath symbolizes generosity, giving, and the gathering of family.