Archaeological evidence points to pre-medieval pagan Germans adorning their homes with evergreen boughs during the winter solstice.
Later around the 16th century, German
Christians began the tradition of having trees in
their homes at Christmas time.
I don’t think there’s any denying, it sounds like
a great way to brighten things up through the dead frozen winter.
While there is
debate about continuity and connection (if any) between these traditions, the
latter practice had Christian symbolism ascribed to it.
As it turned out,
Christmas trees have pretty much become about as ubiquitous, if not more, than
McDonald’s. Many celebrate their use, while others deride them as
commercialistic, kitschy and so on. Or even as non-Christian.
Whatever you think
of Christmas trees, whatever is hanging or not hanging on them, just be thankful
for this: you’re not hanging on one…. yet.
Symbolically speaking. But still, for
real.
In the scriptures, trees are used as symbols of both death and of life.
Consider for a moment, so to speak, the tree of death:
"And the LORD God
commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but
of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day
that you eat of it you shall surely die.” (Gen. 2:16-17)"
"And if a man has
committed a crime punishable by death and he is put to death, and you hang him
on a tree, his body shall not remain all night on the tree, but you shall bury
him the same day, for a hanged man is cursed by God. (Deut. 21:22-23)"
Try for a moment not to be
taken aback, or characterize death sentences in and of themselves as being
something evil or inhumane.
Consider (metaphorically) that any homeowner with an
infestation has an inherent sense of what belongs and what doesn’t belong in the
home. And a sense of celebratory longing for the infestation to be brought to an
end.
Fill in the blanks when talking about any gardener along these lines.
More
seriously than such metaphors, consider that most people breathe a sigh of sober
satisfaction after justice is served. Think Nuremburg trials. Think Osama Bin
Laden.
And much more seriously, consider that the maker of it all is the
ultimate judge. And according to his judgment, it isn’t Jesus who deserved to be
executed on a tree.
It is we who deserve to be executed on a tree. For our sins.
But Jesus willingly hung on the tree in our place. For our sins.
Chances are,
you won’t be literally executed and hung on a tree. But consider this:
"I will
punish the world for its evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; (Isa. 13:11)"
"Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second
death, the lake of fire. And if anyone's name was not found written in the book
of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. (Rev. 20: 14-15)"
By now, the
rugged tree where Jesus took this punishment in our place should be shining
brighter than anything in our living rooms:
"Christ redeemed us from the curse of
the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is
hanged on a tree” (Gal. 3:13)"
"But he was pierced for our transgressions; he
was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us
peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we
have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity
of us all. (Isa. 53:5-6)"
"He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. (1 Pet. 2:24)"
"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God
is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom. 6:23)"
I would be a fool not to
accept THAT gift.
It’s one reason why anyone who has received this gift, having
the spirit of God dwelling within, joins angels in celebrating when there is a
new spiritual birth, when another soul turns to Christ to accept this wonderful
gift.
And even through sorrow and the diminishment of these mortal bodies carry on, along with all manner of trials and temptations, being plugged into the tree of life still gets better, and bears
fruit:
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is
no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its
passions and desires. (Gal. 5:22-24)"
"Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and
the one who gets understanding… She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of
her; those who hold her fast are called blessed. (Prov. 3:13, 18)"
"The fruit of
the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise. (Prov.
11:30)"
"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of
life. (Prov. 13:12)"
"A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it
breaks the spirit. (Prov. 15:4)"
I also want people to see, and cherish, Jesus
Christ. “He must increase, but I must decrease. (John 3:30)"
As such, it has
become increasingly my prayer this year: Let my fruit and let my tongue be a
tree of life to those whom I encounter.
There is a tree in our living room that
stands in bright contrast to the dark and snowy night outside, one that reflects
the care and joy of my loved ones who decorated it.
Meanwhile, there is a far
less attractive tree that is infinitely more precious to me. One on which
someone who loved me even more was executed in my place so that I wouldn’t have
to be.
Indeed: Making spirits bright. Peace on Earth, and goodwill to men.
Merry Christmas.