A Tree in the House

Well, it is that time of year when we begin to decorate for the Christmas season. A tree in the house, decorations inside and out, kids all a buzz with the thought of presents and sugar from cane candy  running through their veins. Have you ever thought why we do what we do? Well, let’s take a look.

Germany is credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition, as we now know it, in the 16th century when devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes. (History.com)

Traditional holiday decor is all about the red and green. As it turns out, these colors are steeped in religious context. The color green is associated with the continuation of life through the winter, as well as, in the belief of the eternal life of Jesus. Meanwhile, red was traditionally used to symbolize the blood of Jesus. (christmasdecorottawa.com)

Here is one of several legends explaining the birth of candy canes. In Indiana, a candy maker wanted to make a candy that could be a reminder of Jesus Christ. Thus was born the Christmas candy cane. He started off with a stick of pure white hard candy. The white color symbolized the virgin birth and the sinless nature of Jesus. The hard candy symbolized the solid rock which was the foundation of the church and firmness of the promises of God. The candy maker made the candy in the form of a J, which represented the name of Jesus and the staff of the Good Shepherds. He then stained it with three stripes which showed the scourging Jesus received and symbolized the blood shed by Christ on the cross. When you break the cane, it reminds us that Jesus’ body was broken for us. (spanglercandy.com)

So now you have it, up ’til now, the whole story . . . kinda sorta . . . at least, I think so. The important thing being to have a wonderful Christmas and remember the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ!

On December 21st, We Will Be Treated to a Rare Sight Termed, “The Great Conjunction of 2020”

On December 21^st, we will be treated to a rare sight termed, “The Great Conjunction of 2020,” when Jupiter and Saturn, according to astronomy.com, appear to almost merge. Astronomers are calling this a Christmas Star which hasn’t been seen in roughly 800 years.

Forbes.com tells us a triple conjunction, (three great conjunctions in one year) transpired in 7 BC. I find this amazing, as Jesus’ birthday actually took place in June or July coinciding with the three instances allowing for the Christmas Star to appear. What better way for God to implement the appearance of the Christmas Star than to used a natural occurrence, such as the Great Conjunction.

This December 21^st, 45 minutes after sunset look into the southwestern sky and perhaps you’ll see the Christmas Star.

Merry Christmas and may God bless!