There are things all around us each day in which, over time,
meaning has developed. This is certainly true in traditions of advent. As we
journey through advent together, we would like to reflect upon a few different
traditions and symbols for advent.
Today we’ll reflect on the Christmas tree and holly. Many of
us participate in decorating a tree for Christmas. This is one of my most
significant Christmas memories from my childhood. We each received a new ornament
every year, and I can remember always trying to find a place on the front of
the tree to proudly hang my new ornament. Lauren and I are now a couple of
Grinches because we only set out a small tree and do not decorate it. This
tradition of decorated a tree possibly goes back as far as 16th
Century Germany. There are accounts of Luther decorating an indoor tree.
But why a tree? And why holly?
The evergreen trees we place in our homes during Christmas
actually have a deeper meaning. The dark green color in the midst of the
wintery cold remind of us of life. While the many surrounding trees lose their
leaves and appear to be dead or, at least, dormant through the bitter winter
months, the evergreens present us with the hope for new life through their vibrant
color, lush forests, and fragrant ferns.
Likewise, holly also symbolizes this hope for new life.
Holly, though, holds further meaning. The prickly leaves of the holly bush
remind us of the crown of thorns, and its red berries recall the blood of Christ
as he gave his life on the cross.
And so, this year as you cut down a new tree or drag out
that old Christmas tree from the attic, and as you see the holly planted along
houses and businesses, may you be drawn into remembrance. In them, may you see
and remember the hope for new life in Christ, our Lord.
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