Have you ever had a young child ask you questions why we do Christmas customs? You know… the why questions that that five-year-old was asks. Why Christmas trees, why holly, why wreaths just to name a few.
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 him 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, trees that stay 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 which symbolizes eternal life.
Christmas Ball Ornaments… 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 were put in the windows of a home to welcome the Savior into 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 lead 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 Colors… 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…Tinsel and the Christmas Spider 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 spider 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… Angels – The angel symbolizes the announcement of the birth of Jesus Christ to the shepherds. Bells – We ring to announce that Jesus is born. Tree Topper – The Tree Topper Points upward 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. And that was his son to come and be a human and to live here with us and finally to died for our sins. The gift of salvation which the price was paid for by the death on the cross of Christ Jesus is offered to us for free. This Christmas season let’s remember why we celebrate the birth of our Lord. If you don’t have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ… Take a moment right now and start a relationship. Asked for forgiveness and invite Jesus into your heart. You will now experience the greatest gift the world has ever seen…forgiveness. You have been adopted into the greatest family that there’s ever been. That’s the family of God. Thank you for reading my blog. I pray and wish you the Merriest Christmas ever and a blessed New Year. May God bless and keep you.
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 observation. My hope is I stirred up some thoughts for you to think about. There is one place that 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 or the form below.
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
