Did you know the story of the Christmas tree?
In the 8th Century the Germans had a giant oak tree that they considered sacred as a space for their pagan god Odin. they tied a young boy to the tree and we going to sacrifice him. St Boniface freed him and the people waited of their god Odin to strike Boniface dead. It didn't happen. So they realized their god was useless. Boniface pointed out a fir tree and blessed it and saying it was the night of life not death. He proclaimed the fir tree to be a symbol of peace and the Christ child.
The Christmas tree tradition most likely came to the United States with Hessian troops during the American Revolution, or with German immigrants to Pennsylvania and Ohio.
The Christmas tree is a symbol of a living Christmas spirit and brings into our lives a pleasant aroma of the forest.
As we place our Christmas tree in our homes may we also become a symbol of light and peace to those we meet.
Think of how you can make your own tree a symbol of Christ's presence in a world that so much needs peace and light in the darkness.
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