Be Moved with Pity: Reflection for 6th Sunday of Ordinary Time
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Present in thousands of homes and establishments during the holiday season, the Christmas tree goes beyond its decorative appearance. The ever-popular decoration is rich in history and has a profound Christian meaning.
Origins
The first Christmas Tree can be traced back to St. Boniface. An evergreen sprang from the center of an oak, and he saw this as a sign of his Christian faith. The evergreen leaves are a “sign of endless life”.
St. John Paul the Great reflected on this holy reminder.
“In winter, the evergreen becomes a sign of undying life,” he said. “In general, the tree is decorated, and Christmas gifts are placed under it. The symbol is also eloquent from a typically Christian point of view: It reminds us of the ‘tree of life,’ a representation of Christ, God’s supreme gift to humanity.
He continues, “The message of the Christmas tree, therefore, is that life is ‘evergreen’ if one gives: not so much material things, but of oneself: in friendship and sincere affection, and fraternal help and forgiveness, in shared time and reciprocal listening.”
By the 15th Century, the trees, often called “Paradise Trees,” were displayed in the homes of the faithful on Christmas Eve, the feast day of Adam and Eve. This was a common practice in the Holy Roman Empire (present-day Germany and France).
For centuries, the tree has become the centerpiece of every Catholic home, Now, here are four symbols that many may not realize that is present on the tree.
It also symbolizes the cross that Jesus would hang on for the salvation of souls and the conquest of sin and death.
The Lights
Christ is the light of the world. He shines through the darkness. Christ reminds us in the Gospel of Matthew, “You are the light of the world. Be a good steward of your light. Let your light shine before others so that they, too, may see the glory of God.” Christ even says that he is the light and that he will deliver us from darkness.
The Star
While many households put a ribbon on top, the star is a common tree-topper. The star recalls how Christ brings light into our lives. It also was the star that the three wise men would follow to Bethlehem.
Gifts
Placed underneath the tree, gifts represent the offerings from the magi when they paid Jesus homage with gold, frankincense, and myrrh. It also serves as a reminder of God’s love for humanity that Jesus was sent to free us.
Ornaments
What originally started with the use of apples has now grown into ornaments mostly round in shape. They also have round balls that retain the symbolism of offerings and blessings. We often also put something that is symbolic to family, like important milestones such as weddings, graduations, and even the first Christmas of each person in the household.
Yes, Catholics have long adopted a sacred tradition in the form of a tree. Take time to pause and acknowledge the reason for Christmas.
Catholic Millennial. I hail from Philadelphia, PA. 4th-degree member of the Knights of Columbus. I enjoy writing, traveling, ballroom dancing, meeting new people, having deep conversations over a cold beer or wine (sometimes champagne), and petting adorable dogs that come right past me.
I hope to convey more messages from our culture with a twist of faith.
Some of my writings will range from pro-life (yes, men can have a say in the abortion issue, Karen), pop culture, history, and just some spontaneous reflections without warning
