Why Do We Put Lights On A Christmas Tree?
During Christmas, lights are strung up everywhere. They make their way on rooftops, Christmas trees, and Christmas sweaters. They bring a magical glow to the short days of winter.
Why do we begin to put lights on a Christmas tree?
It is believed that Martin Luther, the 16th-century Protestant reformer, first added lights to a tree. Luther was walking home one winter night and he noticed the stars shining through the evergreen trees. The beauty of the stars twinkling through the limbs causes him to stop in his tracks. The scene reminded him that Jesus left His home among the stars to dwell on earth with humanity. Luther went home and recreated the beauty of the scene by wiring candles to an evergreen tree that he brought inside of his house.
[Read: Why Do We Have Christmas Trees?]
Jesus is the “light of the world” (John 8:12) who came down to heaven to redeem humanity. Christmas lights are put up as a reminder that Jesus came down from his heavenly dwelling to dwell on earth. The world was in need of a rescuer and the mission required our Savior to empty himself of life. Jesus did not remain in heaven to dodge responsibility. One a quiet night in Bethlehem Jesus was born to young parents who were unable to find lodging. Nestled in a feeding trough, Jesus took his first breath in a Bethlehem. Once Jesus arrived He experienced the pains of living in a broken world. Jesus was homeless, felt pain, was rejected by his hometown, and beaten before being nailed to the cross.
- Christmas lights remind us that Jesus stepped out of heaven and walked to the cross so that we could walk with Jesus.
- Christmas lights remind us that the darkness of sin cannot stand in the presence of Jesus.
- Christmas lights remind us that we are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14) and our lights should shine so others know Jesus and put their faith in Him.
Live It:
- Take a minute and thank Jesus for His humility, servant heart, and sacrifice.
Chase Snyder
Writer, Pastor
