In Search of the Christmas Tree

O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree
How lovely are thy branches
O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree
How lovely are thy branches

There are legends upon legends about the origins of Christmas trees in the Christian tradition. One attributes the first tree to Martin Luther but there is plenty of evidence that they were in use for hundreds of years before Marty got in trouble with the pope. We know that Roman solstice celebrations were coopted by the early Christians to celebrate Jesus' birth and that may be where the trees originated as well.

Hey, does it really matter? Word on the GTA streets is that it's tough for procrastinators to find a real tree this year with many lots already sold out. A number of reasons are cited including a swing back to trees that actually grew out-of-doors rather than plastic. The argument is that actual trees are healthier for the environment even though the plastic versions may be more convenient and actually look quite life-like now. Some of you may remember the aluminum versions that were popular in the late 50's until the mid-60's. What a strange trend that was. I wonder if there is anyone left who still deploys one of those abominations at Christmas?



We still choose a real tree as an annual test of the strength of our marriage (kidding) and a bunch of other reasons, including the scent. The Creator God is the source of our senses, including smell, and what is more fragrant that a fresh-cut fir?

Most years we arrange for Christmas wreaths created in Nova Scotia to be sent to a couple of households. There is always a delighted response from recipients, in no small part because of the fragrance as the box is opened.

Thank God for the gift of the sense of smell and for all that Christmas trees evoke for us as we celebrate the birth of Christ. And, yes, we got our tree a week ago from the same folks we've purchased from for six years now.