Fr. Jaimon Joseph
As December comes around, the Christmas tree becomes a ubiquitous sight: in our churches; schools; living rooms, markets, and town squares. Decorated with lights, stars, and candles, it stands as one of the most recognisable symbols of Christmas.Looking past these decorations, this tree carries a deep history and a message that resonates with us today.
Historical Roots
Long before theChristian era evergreen plants were symbols of resilience and continuation of life. In the dead of winter, when everything else looked grey and lifeless, these trees were offered some signs of the continuation of life.
In the early Middle Ages, as Christianity spread across Europe, especially in Germany, old local traditions were incorporated and took on new meanings and symbolisms. One of the traditions associated with the origins of the Christmas tree comes from the “Paradise Play,” a theatre performance held on Christmas Eve during the Middle Ages. In the play, a “Paradise Tree” decorated with apples symbolized the Garden of Eden. With the passage of time, the apples were replaced with ornaments, and other decorative elements and in the sixteenth century, the protestant reformer Martin Luther added candles to the decorative tapestry of the Christmas tree to represent the light of Christ. Thus, the symbolism associated with the tree itself was transformed: from representing humanity’s fall to celebrating the new life and hope at the heart of the Christmas story.
The Christian Meaning
The theological significance of the Christmas Tree is very profound as it symbolizes the following: The Evergreen:It signifies the continuation of life even in the dead of the winter cold and correspondingly in difficult situations of our life; The Lights: These represent the idea of hope breaking through the dark,Christ as “light” (Jn 8.12) in a world which is often foggy and dark offers us direction; The star or angel: These at the top point us to Bethlehem, to divine guidance, the Good News proclaimed to all humanity and our yearning for the divine.
A Message for our Times
Honestly acknowledging, Christmas can be a stressful time: decorations; Church services; despatching of greeting cards; exchanging cakes and wishes; shopping sprees; posting social media messages .. the list goes on. But this tree, in its simplest form, challenges us to push back against these seasonal chores:
Firstly, it is acall to hope: In a world that feels fractured by division and uncertainty,Christmas shines as a reminder that goodness prevails. Just as the evergreen stays green, we are invited to stay rooted and keep the faith, no matter the season.
Secondly, an invitation to be the light of Christ:We are invited not just to admire the glow of the light. The message of Christ’s birth is a call to action: to let His light shine through us in compassion, justice, forgiveness, and service to the needy and those who live in the peripheries as the late Pope Francis reminds.
Thirdly, offers a vertical outlook: The Christmas tree reminds us of balance:to be grounded in the world yet looking to the heavens. Let us not lose the light of Christ which comes from above, while enjoying the festivities.
Every Christmas is steady reminder that the season is about who we welcome into our lives. It is an invitation to live with a little more hope, a little morelight, a little more charity, a little more compassion and a lot more peace.