Christmas Eve
The pies fresh from the oven smell deliciously spicy. The presents are wrapped and neatly stacked under the pungent Pine tree, adorned with silver balls, red bows and a homemade angel. There are homemade ornaments (all from this year) and a paper chain. The stockings are stuffed and awaiting the surprise of the children in the morning. The overhead lights are all off and the tree lights twinkle invitingly. My favorite Christmas carols are softly playing. Each year I love to soak up the sights and sounds and smells of Christmas Eve – and yet this year is different.
The Christmas tree is always the constant. It looks different each year as to it's decorations, but WHY a tree? And WHY the same mesmerizing delight in looking at it? It came to me just now and the symbolism is incredible!
- All the little lights of glory encircling the Christmas tree – symbolizing the star that led the wise men to Christ.
- The angel on top – symbolizing the announcement of the Savior's birth to so many people.
- The lights each appear to be encircled by a crown – symbolizing the crown of thorns He wore for us, and the crown of glory that awaits the faithful in Heaven.
- The Christmas tree itself – He was born at Christmas to die on a tree.
- The gifts below the tree, neither earned, nor deserved – He died to give us a free gift of Eternal Life and forgiveness of sins. A gift I do not deserve and cannot earn.
- The paper chain – the chains of sin were broken when He resurrected victorious over sin and death.
- The ornaments – the beautiful blessings that come when I allow Him to do what He wants with my dead stick (the dead tree).
- The Candy Canes – a symbol of the sweetness it is to walk with the Shepherd of my soul.
The Day After Christmas
December 25 was yesterday and is now history to us, but let us not forget or take lightly the Christmas tree symbolism. May the Savior and Shepherd of your soul keep your hearts and minds throughout the coming year. May you know personally the joy of resurrection and newness of life and the sweetness that it is to walk with Him.
This post is part of our Family Traditions series.
Stevie Ciske says
I love this. This is such a sacred season. We try to really focus on the birth of Christ. And just as we do with each birthday we celebrate, we celebrate the life Jesus had… and then ultimately sacrificed for our salvation. I love all it’s meaning, it’s beauty, and it’s truth. Thanks for sharing!
Katie Hornor says
You are very welcome! Thanks for taking the time to share!