Origins of the Christmas Tree - A Symbol of Hope in My Family and in Yours

On a drab December day with gray skies the twinkling lights of the Christmas tree shine forth with festive hope. In stark contrast with the barer branches of the winter-stripped tree skeletons outside my window, my Christmas tree is green and full-bodied. Although I know that the oaks and walnuts outside are only dormant, they appear dead and without life. 

Long before Christ’s birth brought the hope of eternal life to earth, evergreen trees held out the promise of life and hope through long, harsh winter seasons. As the days grew brief and life became increasingly difficult in a bitter climate, the winter solstice became a vitally important feast for the pagan peoples of this world. The winter solstice marked the point at which the days began to lengthen, if only imperceptibly and perhaps only to the shaman. To celebrate the promise of spring and with it life, celebrations were held. Among the decorations were always evergreen boughs with their vivid color that brought the memory of life into the winter hushed halls and houses. 

When the Son of Man was born in Bethlehem and the word of His birth spread Christianity around the globe, the early church chose to mark the feast of their Savior’s birth at or near the winter solstice. Such calendar dates made the transition from pagan worship to salvation in the one God easier for the people.