A Christmas tree is a real life symbol that most place in the home after Thanksgiving and decorate it with lights, ornaments, garlands and tinsel. An angel or a star is often placed at the top of the tree as well, but do you really know what the tree and its items symbolize?
The tradition of decorating a tree during Christmas started back in the 16th century in Germany. One meaning that was established by Martin Luther as a Protestant was the tree was a part of the Catholic Nativity scene. He established the Christmas tree as a symbol of the Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden. In some cities, the decorating and display of Christmas trees is organized as charity events.
Along with charities and the Nativity scene, some people use Christmas trees as a symbol of the cross at Easter. Both Ezekiel 47:12 and the Book of Revelation 22:2 use trees as a symbol of new fruitful life, compared to the Tree of life denied Adam in Genesis 3:22-23. Paul makes the link between Adam and Christ clear in Romans chapter 5.
I believe that in the same way the Christmas tree can be seen as mirroring the tree of life, a symbol of the crucifix which brings redemption. So when setting up your tree this year, real or fake, take a second to think, why is it that you have a Christmas tree set up in your house this year?
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