Christmas Personified
As we enter the winter season in the northern hemisphere, the deciduous trees have shed their leaves signifying a dormant time in its life . . . only to return the following spring to bear its leaves and fruit. Unlike the cycling tree life, we also have trees that are evergreen signifying ever-living or a never-dying element of creation.
The Christmas season has used the tree as its symbol for centuries dating back to the 15th century in Europe. Legend suggests that the first mention of the Christmas tree might be 723 and St. Boniface. St. Boniface was evangelizing in Germany. According to the legend, he came upon pagans dancing around an oak tree about to sacrifice a baby in the name of Thor. St. Boniface took an axe and downed the tree in the name of Jesus. The tree fell with one swipe of the axe! And behind the fallen oak was a tiny fir tree. He said, “Let this (tree) be a symbol of the true God, its leaves are evergreen and will never die.”
True or not, the story has relevance pointing to the true God, and his never-ending existence. He was from the beginning! The symbol of the tree in scripture dates back to creation and the Garden of Eden. In the garden, God planted the Tree of Life. That tree ended God’s perfect creation when Adam and Eve partook of its fruit despite God’s specific instructions to them. Yes, Adam and Eve were separated from God by their sin. God did not totally ignore them when they were removed from the Garden. He promised an “ever-living” option that was none other than God’s Son himself. (Gen. 3:15, The “First Gospel”).
The Old Testament (“O.T.”) continues to use this tree symbol as the authors point to God himself. The Book of the Psalms is a collection of 150 chapters divided into five themes. Each of these sections is not separated by topic rather by the five books of Moses. The first collection refers to the Book of Genesis where we see God’s creation, the fall into sin and the promise of salvation. Most of Book I (chapters 1-41) was written by David. He does not waste any time in chapter 1 where he compares the life of a faithful person to one who is faithless. Listen to verse three, “He (faithful person) is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season. Whatever he does prospers.” I was particularly taken by a statement I found in the Life Application Bible. “Just as a tree soaks up water and bears fruit . . . we also are to soak up God’s Word, producing actions and attitudes that honor God.” Our tree could be compared to our faith. Faith is born by the Spirit and never dies but is nurtured by the Word! Our faith grows just as a tree springs up and continues to the point where fruit is generated.
King Solomon in his book of Proverbs reminds us of the benefits of wisdom. The first few chapters remind us of the value of wisdom and its source. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.” Later, he restates the same theme (chapter 9); but this time indicates that same fear is the beginning of wisdom. “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,” says Solomon. The tree of life is Wisdom. In another of Solomon’s writings he says, “Wisdom preserves the life of its possessor.” (Eccl 7:12) Yes, Wisdom is none other than our LORD himself.
Isaiah in his famous chapter 11, prophesies that a branch of Jesse (David’s line) will appear from his roots and a Branch (Messiah) will bear fruit. And the Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him.
The Jewish people were to be the Light to the world bringing light to the unbelievers. They had the living word from ages past pointing to the living Word i.e. Jesus himself, the Branch from Jesse’s root. The Festival of Booths was one of the major festivals. “On the first day the fruit of splendid trees, the fronds of palm trees, and the boughs of branches trees . . . and you must rejoice before Jehovah your God seven days.” The palm branches were used as a mark of rejoicing. Of course, we are reminded of Palm Sunday when Jesus entered Jerusalem for the last time. He rode in as a King; but left as a criminal. His entry was marked with palm branches; and he left hanging on another type of tree – a tree of disgrace and shame but was necessary to redeem all who would believe in His message of salvation.
Listen to the words of that hymn, Behold a Branch is Growing. (v1, 4)
Behold a branch is growing
As of loveliest form and grace,
As prophets sung, foreknowing.
It springs from Jesse’s race
And bears on little flower
In midst of coldest winter, At deepest midnight hour.
This flower, whose fragrance tender
With sweetness fills the air,
Dispels with glorious splendor
The darkness everywhere.
True man, yet very God.
From sin and death, He saves us
And lightens every load.”
Jesus continues to use this faith yielding language in His parable of the Sower. Seed was planted on four types of soil. Path sown seed lacks understanding; Rocky soil has no root; Thorny soil chokes out any growth; but good soil produces a crop yielding multiples times what is sown. And so, faith planted by the Spirit of the LORD is watered by the Word; and bears much fruit according to God’s good purpose.
Yes, this Tree of Life is Christmas Personified. Jesus the Messiah was born into this world as true man yet true God. He was and is the promise of salvation from original sin that started by eating of the Tree of Life. And now, He brings life to all who believe! Advent (the Coming) not only reminds us of the Christ child born into this world but also of His glorious second coming when He will take us to be with Him eternally in that perfect created way (Genesis).
It is no wonder that Christmas uses an evergreen tree to help us celebrate this Branch of Jesse’s root. The song O Christmas Tree reminds us of the branches and how lovely they are when connected to the living tree.
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree
How lovely are thy branches . . .
Let us all remember
In our gift giving and merriment
With all 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 thy branches . . .
The pillars all please faithfully
Our trust in God unchangedly.
The Christmas tree is a modern symbol of life. Its shape tapers to a pinnacle pointing to our God above that is topped with an Angel or Star that announces the arrival of the Savior. As late as the mid-20th century, we have a modified type of Christmas tree called a “Christmon” tree. The word is a portmanteau combining the word Christmas and monogram. This Christmon tree is decorated explicitly with Christian symbols in white and gold.
As we continue in this season of Christmas, may we all remember that Tree of Life, that is Wisdom himself who came to deliver the long-promised message of salvation. That Tree of Life, while for a time, took His life on Calvary, was victorious over death and the grave, and rose to Life that we too may have Life and have it abundantly. And let my (your) faith be watered by Your Word to bear fruit according to your promise. Amen
Peace
Connected in Him, I stand
GHR
