Dec/5/2003 (Fri）
On a clear Christmas eve
night, Martin Luther was walking
home through the forest.
Beyond the crisp, fragrant branches of the evergreens, he could see the
twinkle of a thousand stars.
The branches
appeared to Luther as though they were wearing stars on their
fingers. It must have been a beautiful sight,
and on this special
night it was an experience of God's
splendour that he wanted to share
with his family.
He cut a small fir tree and carried it back to his
home.
As his
children watched in wonder, Luther lighted candles
as stars and placed them on the
little tree's branches.
The family must have stood
together that night around
the little tree and sung hymns of
wonder to their Lord.
Though we do
not know if this was really the first
Christmas tree, down through the
ages Christians have
carried on this tradition.
For many, the evergreen tree,
in Latin the 'Lignum vitae' or
the 'Tree of life,'
represents many wonderful truths from
Scripture.
Its green
and lively branches are a vivid symbol
of resurrection during a cold and
barren season.
Joni Eareckson Tada
