Yesterday, we spent the day scouring the area we are staying in to find a Christmas tree.  As I was pondering this hunt, I started wondering why we even put up a tree, and whether it is Biblical?

Europeans, prior to Jesus’ coming to the earth, celebrated light and birth during the darkest days of winter (the Winter Solstice), a reminder that those days were behind them.   

In many countries around the world, many different gods were worshipped and feared during this season.  From Odin (German pagan god), Saturn (Roman Agricultural god for the Romans), Mithra (the Roman god of the unconquerable sun, an infant god, born of a rock).   Christians instituted the tradition of celebrating Christmas in December to counter the pagan gods and false beliefs.   Decorating trees dates back to the Germans (Middle Ages).   However, the first Christmas trees were not put up in America until the mid 1800s.   Christians today decorate an evergreen tree, which symbolizes eternal life, with lights that symbolize what Jesus brought to Earth.

“I am the light of the world.Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  John 8:12

If you want a change in your life and desire to get out of the dark, Jesus is the answer.   

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  John 3:16

This Christmas, receive the best gift you can ever have, a new life, an eternal life in Jesus Christ.  

Pray:  Father God, I know I am a sinner, walking in the dark.  I know I can’t save myself.  Thank you for sending your son, Jesus, to die on the cross for me so I can be forgiven and gain eternal life.  I believe in Jesus that He was born of a virgin, died on the cross for me, and was resurrected.   I commit to following you today and every day.  Help me to do this.  I pray all this in Jesus name.  Amen