The Origin of the Christmas Tree

　　The use of a Christmas tree began early in the 17th century, in Strasbourg(斯特拉斯堡(法国东北部城市)), France spreading from there throughout Germany and then into northern Europe. In 1841 Albert the German-born husband of Queen Victoria(维多利亚), first introduced the Christmas tree custom to Great Britain. He had the first decorated(装饰的) Christmas tree set up in Windsor Castle(城堡) in 1841. The first Christmas trees in the New World were introduced by Hessian soldiers in 1776. Later German immigrants brought the tradition into wider use in the US. The custom of decorating a community tree began in the early 1900's and is a popular custom in the US today.

The Symbolism of the Christmas Tree

　　The Christmas tree has become a symbol of the spirit of Christmas in many countries and many, if not all, our homes. What led Christians(基督徒) to adopt this custom? Well first of all, the fir(冷杉)tree is an evergreen(常绿植物)--it does not die or fade away(逐渐凋谢) or lose its needles in the winter. In this sense, it has soon come to represent, a sign of immortality(不朽,永生). It is very likely(很可能的) that the Christmas feast(盛宴) was established in the fourth century to replace the pagan(异教的) feast of the invincible(无敌的,不可征服的) god around the time of the winter solstice(冬至).

　　When the church fathers(神父)were looking for a day to honor Christ's birth, this day seemed appropriate(合适的,适当的) because Christians proclaimed(宣称) that Jesus was the one God who has shown to be invincible. And the evergreen fir tree was soon found to represent this attribute(特征) of the Christian God: Jesus Christ went through death and the prison of Hades(地域,冥府) (as symbolized by the harsh(荒芜的,严酷的) winter), but he has not been defeated by death or his enemies.

　　 In German mystery plays the Christmas tree (even before it was brought into the house) was used as the so-called "paradise" tree, symbolizing the tree of life in the garden of Eden(伊甸园). The evergreen fir tree is a sign of hope throughout the winter season--hope in the promise that the rest of nature too will awaken to new life in the coming spring. The message of this symbolism was simple: through Jesus Christ we too have hope for everlasting(永恒的) life. Indeed, Jesus Christ has become our tree of life--the paradise tree. As such the evergreen Christmas tree reminds us that even though our earthly season must come to an end, yet we will live through the grace of our Lord Jesus.

The Light Decorations in Christmas Tree

　　 Although light decorations also originate in(起源于) pagan rites connected with the worship of the sun god, they came to be used in a unique way in the decoration of the Christmas tree. Originally these lights were actually candles. During my childhood days in Germany my grandparents still lit dozens of candles in their Christmas tree. The candles too were meant to symbolize Christ, specifically his self-giving(无私的) love and gift of life to us. As many of us know, the candle provides light and warmth as it consumes its own substance, the wax. So, too, did Jesus give of his own substance--his life--so that we might find divine(神的,超人的) light. And when we have found divine light for ourselves, we too are enabled through the power of the Holy Spirit(圣灵) to give of ourselves to others. After all, Christmas is the feast(节日) of love, where we share gifts with each other as Christ shared the gift of life with us.