Opening Hymn O Christmas Tree by Tom T. Hall;
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging;
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging;
Not only green when summer’s here,
But also when ’tis cold and drear.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Much pleasure thou can’st give me;
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Much pleasure thou can’st give me;
How often has the Christmas tree
Afforded me the greatest glee!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Much pleasure thou can’st give me.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly!
From base to summit, gay and bright,
There’s only splendor for the sight.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee!
Thou bidst us true and faithful be,
And trust in God unchangingly.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee! !”
In Christianity, the Christmas tree has multiple symbolic meanings, including:
- The tree of life: The tree represents the life-giving tree of the cross of Christ. And you shall take on the first day the fruit of splendid trees, branches of palm trees and boughs of leafy trees and willows of the brook, and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God seven days. Many Christians believe this scripture means the tree is a festive and celebratory symbol based on the worship of God.
People think of the tree’s branches and bushes as a sign of immortality because they look like Christ’s crown of thorns on the cross. Also, people believe that each ornament on the Christmas tree has a special meaning. The moral of the story is that if we help anyone in need, it seems that the help is done to Jesus himself and that will gain us the blessings of God. Mistletoe holds a revered place among the four plants traditionally embraced by Christians to celebrate the Christmas season, with its enduring evergreen leaves symbolizing the essence of “life that does not die.”
Mistletoes have been associated with power, fertility, protection, and healing for centuries. The Druids (ancient Celts) considered the mistletoe to be their most sacred plant and called it by a term signifying ‘the all-healing. The expression “horn of salvation,” applied to Christ, means a salvation of strength, or a strong Saviour ( Luke 1:69 ). To have the horn “exalted” denotes prosperity and triumph ( Psalms 89:17 Psalms 89:24 ).The legend of the Krampus dates back centuries, originating as a German Christmas tradition during the 12th century. The Star of David became a symbol of Jewish identity in the 19th century, and it was adopted as the central symbol on the flag at the First Zionist Congress in 1897.
In Kabbalah, the Star of David can symbolize the connection between God, Israel, and the Torah. It can also symbolize the relationship between God and people or the seven virtues (kindness, severity, harmony, perseverance, splendor, foundation, and royalty)
Because Christmas is about the birth of God’s Son – Jesus. It is about how he came to give us love, hope and joy. That message doesn’t change from year to year.The “Calculation hypothesis”, suggests that 25 December was chosen because it was nine months after a date chosen as Jesus’s conception (the Annunciation): 25 March, the Roman date of the spring equinox. The angel told them the Son of God had been born, and they hurried to find their newborn Savior (see Luke 2:8–16). Later, wise men from the east were guided by a new star in the heavens to Jesus. They “fell down, and worshipped him” and gave Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (see Matthew 2:1–12).Sure, enjoy the season but remember to rejoice as well! After all, the true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of God’s ultimate gift: the birth of Jesus, the Christ child.
Closing Hymn: All because of a baby boy by Joe Diffie:
Up and down the street tonight
There’s a Santa Claus at every light
Trees for sale on the corner lot
Waiting for a home
Everywhere across the land
Gifts are wrapped with loving hands
Around the world as children sleep
A star begins to glow
And somewhere, someone quietly explains
To a loved one what all this means
Two thousands years ago
The sky was bright with the Heavenly host
Peace on Earth good will towards men
Has been hangin’ in ever since
From that night and forevermore
Every man whether rich or poor
Will share the love, the hope, and joy
All because of a baby boy
When Christmas Day is finally here
And friends and family gather near
Memories shared from seasons past
And a little child will ask
The someone, somewhere will quietly explain
To a loved one what all this means
Two thousands years ago
The sky was bright with the Heavenly host
Peace on Earth good will towards men
Has been hangin’ in ever since
From that night and forevermore
Every man whether rich or poor
Will share the love, the hope, and joy
All because of a baby boy.
Closing Prayer;
Almighty God, grant that the new birth of your Son in the flesh redeems us from the old slavery under the yoke of sin, so we may receive him with joy as our Redeemer, and that when when he comes to judge we may see Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, forever and ever.
Lord Jesus take complete control of my life and help me to walk in Your footsteps daily by the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank you Lord for saving me and I know you will answer my prayers. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
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