Since we are getting our Christmas tree today, I figure this is a fitting tradition to discuss for today's post.
The legend behind the Christmas tree starts with a man named Winfrid (later known as Saint Boniface) from the seventh century. He was an English missionary, who one day came upon some men sacrificing to an oak tree in worship. According to the story, he became so angry at their idolatry that he chopped the oak tree down with one blow. Later a fir tree grew up from the trunk of the felled oak tree. According to the tale, Winfrid proclaimed this tiny new tree represented Jesus and His victory over death on the cross.
Winfrid used the Christmas tree as an object lesson, teaching that the triangle shape of the tree represented the three Persons of the Holy Trinity - Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Other symoblism attributed to the Christmas tree includes:
1. A reminder of Jesus being born to die on the cross for our sins. "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness." (1 Peter 2:24)
2. The boughs of the tree extend out like the arms of Jesus stretched upon the cross when He offered His life to anyone who comes to Him in faith.
3. The Christmas tree points to heaven as Jesus die in words and actions. He drew our attention to our Father in heaven who loves us.
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