The origin of the Christmas tree is certainly uncertain. Some historians say the tradition of the tree is rooted in Egyptian pagan rituals. Others say it is derived from European Christian society. Either way, one thing is for sure, Americans love their Christmas trees! In fact, between Thanksgiving and December 25, more than 35 million Christmas trees will be purchased and decorated!
We know the Christmas tree was part of Christian tradition back in the 700’s in Germany. The tree was then called the “Christ tree.” On the eve of Christmas, German towns would host dramatizations about Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. As part of the play, Eve would place an apple (signifying her sin), upon the Christ tree (signifying the cross of Christ)…
After the play, the townspeople would go home and place their own individual apple upon their own “Christ tree.” This was a meaningful event that helped each person remember that Christ was born to be their “Savior” – to redeem them from their sin (Matthew 2).
Last Sunday, I preached this message to the people at First Baptist Church in Silverhill, Alabama. After the service, two elderly ladies took an apple each and placed them on the town’s Christmas tree that sits in the main square. Others told me they were going home to place an apple on their “Christ tree.” One gentleman jokingly said that his sin is so great that he was going to buy a bushel of apples to place on his tree.
My wife and I have an apple hanging on our tree. It’s the ugliest yet most beautiful ornament on the tree! Maybe this Christmas, you might consider placing an apple on your “Christ tree” while giving God thanks for His perfect gift – Jesus Christ our Lord (John 3:16).
Merry Christmas!
