The Tree that Wasn’t a Tree

Do you remember your first Christmas tree? You know, the one where Santa would leave that special something you whispered about when you sat on his knee. I wish I could say I do. There is no doubt that we had Christmas trees throughout my childhood, and they likely stood in front of the living room window, looking out onto Ossington Avenue in Toronto. But sadly, I have no recollection of what they looked like. I do have a picture of me with my ‘walking doll’ that Santa left for me when I was eight years old, but the tree is absent in the picture. However, I do remember our family Christmas trees when I was a teenager, and I have several ornaments on our own tree that belonged to my parents.

Should having a tree in our homes be part of how we celebrate Christmas? Personal reasons, choices, and memories are often reflected in how we respond to that question.  I spoke with a neighbour recently who mentioned that they no longer set up a tree because of limited space. But she was quick to add, “Although we don’t have a tree, we love the glowing string of lights in our living room and bedroom windows.” No doubt that’s their way of contributing to the festive atmosphere. Another couple we know have also chosen not to have a tree but for different reasons. “This time of the year is difficult for us” was offered as an explanation. Sad memories make it hard for them to be in the festive spirit. And I get that. The Christmas season can be difficult for those carrying a sadness that weighs heavily on them, more at this time of the year than any other.  But on a different note (no pun intended!), our immediate neighbour provides a carol sing with piano accompaniment for all who want to come and listen each Sunday throughout December. A tiny tree with sparkling lights adds to the atmosphere as Christmas music fills the hallways for an hour.

For some, Christmas trees are an integral part of the Christmas season, and I can’t help wondering what the reason is behind that. Have you ever thought about why we cut down, set up and decorate evergreen (or artificial) trees during the Christmas season? Why the lights? Why the ornaments? Why the gifts? A recent search on the internet revealed the origin—or thought to be the origin—of the Christmas tree, gift-giving and even Santa himself. From the evergreen tree being considered an ancient symbol of life in the Roman world, to the German and Dutch immigrants bringing their traditions of trees and presents to the New World in the early 1800s, to Queen Victoria and her husband Prince Albert’s influence on their English-speaking world in the mid 1800s, it would seem that how we celebrate Christmas has long been established for us.

In Grace for the Moment, Max Lucado shares a reminder that he experiences every Christmas that helps him focus on the true meaning—the true reason for the season: “If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent an educator. If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist. If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist. But since our greatest need was forgiveness, God sent us a Saviour.” He writes further, “It all happened in a most remarkable moment…a moment like no other. God became a man. Divinity arrived. Heaven opened herself and placed her most precious one in a human womb….The one who was larger than the universe became a microscopic embryo.”

“When you strip away the tinsel and the glitter, God’s real truth shines through.” Russ Taff  sings Bethlehem, Galilee, Gethsemane, a song blending Christmas and Easter, both unavoidably connected; you cannot have one without the other. Christmas is about Jesus’ birth and Easter is about God’s gift of forgiveness and salvation, evident by the tree that wasn’t a tree… the tree that became a cross.

Perhaps this Christmas season—whether we have a tree set up in our homes, or not—we could remember to focus less on what we give and receive and more on Who was given and what we can receive from Him.

Wishing you God’s richest blessings on you and yours during this wonderful Christ-focussed season. Merry Christmas!

“For unto you is born this day in the City of David
a Saviour who is Christ the Lord.”
Luke 2:11