The document discusses the history and symbolism of the Christmas tree. It describes how the Christmas tree tradition originated and spread from ancient cultures to Germany and eventually England. The Christmas tree is now an important part of Christmas celebrations and serves as a reminder of Jesus's birth and sacrifice on the cross. It represents the tree Jesus died on at Calvary, and its lights and decorations symbolize aspects of Jesus's life and salvation. The Christmas tree gives joy to families and reminds Christians of the gifts of eternal life they receive through Jesus's death and resurrection.

1. THE CHRISTMAS TREE. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” John 3:16

2. The CHRISTMAS TREE as a long history from the ancient Egyptians, the Romans, then the Germans, till Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria, introduced the custom to us. Today, the CHRISTMAS TREE plays a very important part in the Christmas celebrations and gives great pleasure to all the family. More so with all its lights, and other items hanging on its branches, not forgetting the gifts under the CHRISTMAS TREE. The CHRISTMAS TREE is often the centre points of our homes at this time of year.

3. The CHRISTMAS TREE is now more of the most important reminders of the Christmas season. And Christmas itself reminds us most of all with the coming of the child Christ Jesus, born to be the Saviour of the world. The CHRISTMAS TREE reminds me and other Christians of another tree, the TREE OF CALVARY, where the same Jesus born on Christmas Day died. For Jesus was born under the sign of a Christmas tree, but died under another tree, a CROSS of shame. Jesus was the only child born to die.

4. IT WAS A SPECIAL TREE. The CHRISTMAS TREE is an entirely different tree from all other trees: It is the only Tree that is entirely connected with Christmas and Christ. It gives more joy to the children of the world than any other tree. On its branches are the different kinds of decorations and gifts, the only fruit that is gathered from its branches. When we think of the TREE at CALVARY, we remember that it was a special tree, because here only can men and women of the world find Salvation, Joy, and an abundance of good gifts which proves to us the wondrous love of God.

5. IT IS A NECESSARY TREE. The CHRISTMAS TREE has become too many people an essential part of the Christmas celebrations and without it there would be a great lack in their lives. There is a CHRISTMAS TREE now in every home of the nation, this Christmas season. So we regard the CHRISTMAS TREE as really important to our celebrations of Christmas. When you think of CALVARY’S TREE everyone must confess that it was the most essential if sinners were to be saved. For if Christ Jesus had not died on the TREE of CALVARY, there would have been no hope of salvation for anyone; but because He suffered there all who believe on Him may know that their sins are forgiven and that they can enjoy eternal life in Him.

6. IT IS A SUFFERING TREE. When the forester’s axe blade is taken to the CHRISTMAS TREE, its life ends. No longer will its green spire point to the sky, and its every green (the sign of endless life) leaves grow. Yet now it services a new purpose, for it lights up our homes. The CHRISTMAS TREE thus teaches us the important truth of substitution. Because it gives up its own life, it is able, therefore, to impart joy and blessing to others. Because Jesus took our place on the TREE of CALVARY, and died for us, we may rejoice in His great Salvation. For the Saviour came to die, to give us eternal life.

7. IT IS AN ATTRACTIVE TREE. It was Martin Luther, the great reformer, who it is said to be the first person to place candles upon the CHRISTMAS TREE. Since then the CHRISTMAS TREE has been illuminated with various lights which makes it the most attractive tree to look upon. Jesus Himself said, that “He was the light of the world”. You cannot help but to look upon the lights of the CHRISTMAS TREE, which reminds us of the character of Christ Jesus. A. The BLUE LIGHTS, remind us of heaven, from whence Jesus came in order that He might bring us there, to be with Him in eternal life. B. The WHITE LIGHTS, remind us of His perfect sinless life, and because of His sinless life, He was our perfect sacrifice for sin. C. The RED LIGHTS, remind us of the price He paid for our redemption, by the shedding of His precious blood. D. The GREEN LIGHTS, remind us of the sign of every lasting life. E. The OTHER LIGHTS, remind us of all the light and life God gives us.

8. IT IS AN ENRICHING TREE. Hidden in the CHRISTMAS TREE in its branches and round about its base are many treasures, gifts and packages, all waiting to be claimed on Christmas morning. No wonder the children (and adults) cannot sleep on Christmas morning. At the CROSS of CHRIST JESUS, we too, can gather rich treasures, gifts which prove to us God’s great love, and remind us of the price paid by the Saviour in order that we may receive these gifts, which cannot fade or change, for they are eternal.

9. CONCLUSION: This Christmas season as you look upon your CHRISTMAS TREE at home, remember the birth of Christ Jesus, born under the sign of the CHRISTMAS TREE. But that He died under the sign of a CROSS. THE TREE OF CALVARY. So that we may live.

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