Throughout the world, the Christmas tree is an iconic symbol that stands for joy, beauty and celebration. Its role is usually to connect the festive season with family and religious traditions, and for many, it is an essential part of the holiday season. But what does the Christmas tree symbolise in the Bible?
Though there is some debate over it, most scholars and theologians agree that the use of the Christmas tree is not specifically mentioned in the Bible. However, the Bible does hold some clues to the symbolism of the Christmas tree. A closer look at the Bible tells us that the Christmas tree is symbolic of peace, hope and forgiveness.
The Symbolism of Lights
One of the earliest symbols attributed to the Christmas tree is light, with the lights representing the star that led the three wise men to the manger in Bethlehem. Lights on the Christmas tree are also a sign of hope, with Christians believing that Jesus is the light of the world.
In the Bible, the book of Isaiah talks about “the people walking in darkness” having “seen a great light” . Likewise, the Christmas tree and its twinkling lights provide a symbol of hope in a dark world.
The Symbolism of the Tree’s Shape
The shape of a Christmas tree is also significant in the Bible. The tree takes on the shape of a triangle, which reminds us of the Holy Trinity – God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Many Christians believe that the tree also points to heaven, as its branches stretch up towards the sky. This is a reminder of the hope we have in celebrating the birth of Jesus, who we believe rose from the dead and is now with God in heaven.
The Symbolism of Ornaments
The decorations on the Christmas tree are also symbolic. According to many Bible scholars, the ornaments represent the gifts that the wise men gave to baby Jesus. The shimmering gold, frankincense and myrrh were given to Jesus in honour of his birth and to symbolise his kingship.
These gifts are a reminder of how much we are loved by God, and can inspire us to give of our own resources to those who are in need.
The Symbolism of Evergreens
The evergreen tree is also an important symbol in the Bible. In the book of Isaiah, it talks about how God will lead a people out of captivity and bring them “ into a place of green pastures and the shadow of a great tree.”
This is a reminder that God is faithful and can provide us with shelter from the storms of life. The evergreen tree is a reminder that God’s love for us never fades, no matter what season it is.
The Symbolism of Sharing
Sharing food is an important part of celebrating Christmas, and this is also a symbolic act in the Bible. The act of sharing meals is a reminder of the Last Supper, when Jesus ate with his disciples before his death.
This act of shared eating is a reminder of the importance of communion, and of how we can come together to share and celebrate even in difficult times.
The Symbolism of Giving
In the Bible, giving is another important symbol. The act of giving gifts is a reminder of how God gave us the ultimate gift – his son, Jesus Christ – who died so that we might be liberated from our sin.
When we give gifts to others, it is a reminder that we are not just giving material things, but also giving love and showing our appreciation for one another.
The Symbolism of Joy
The Bible is filled with references to joy and celebration, and this is echoed in the Christmas celebration. The joyous atmosphere at Christmas is a reminder that we are to bring joy to others, and that joy is a quality we should strive for in our lives.
For Christians, the joy associated with Christmas is symbolic of the joy that comes from knowing about God’s salvation through his son, Jesus Christ.
The Symbolism of Sharing in Worship
Sharing in worship during the Christmas season is symbolic of our relationship with God. By worshipping together, we are reminded that we are part of God’s family and that we need to be in fellowship with Him.
Sharing in worship also ties us to other believers throughout the world, and reminds us of the importance of belonging to the global body of Christ.
The Symbolism of Community
The Christmas tree is symbolic of community and fellowship. It is a reminder of the importance of community and of spending time together. The tree serves as a reminder of how important it is to be a part of a healthy community, and how our relationships with each other are just as important as our relationship with God.
By spending time together as a community, we are reminded that we are all in this together, and that it is through our relationships with each other that we can grow closer to God.
