Last year, 2020, no Christmas tree adorned our lovely Church due to COVID and services being suspended. It is with great delight we were able to have our Christmas Tree reinstated for the Christmas Season in 2021. Thanks go to our gang of Elves who faithfully decorate the church, including the tree, each year.
On this the 1st Sunday after Christmas we thought we’d share some pictures of this years tree and some anecdotal information about some items we might see on a Christmas Tree.
Martin Luther also started the tradition for decorating trees after he put candles on the tree he took, to make it look like stars were shining through. In 1895, Ralph Morris developed electric lights as easier (and safer!) alternative.
The Christmas Bauble
Christmas baubles first originated in Germany after ‘trees of paradise’ were decorated with red apples for the miracle plays which took place outside the church on Christmas Eve. These soon became the baubles we know and use today.
The Tree Topper
Originally, the infant Jesus adorned the top of Christmas trees. However, this trend later evolved to a star or an angel, which are both significant Christian symbols in the Nativity of Jesus.
The Star of Bethlehem
The Star of Bethlehem, also referred to as the ‘Christmas Star,’ guided the wise men, or Magi, to the birthplace of Jesus in the Christian story of Jesus of Nazareth’s birth.
The Star of Bethlehem, a five-pointed star, is unique in that it is only referenced in the Gospel of Matthew’s nativity story. The star signifies the birth of Christ (or Messiah).
Astrology also factored heavily into the Bible. Stars, moons, comets and galaxies were considered heavenly bodies interpreted as signs from God.
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