The deeper meaning of 11 Christmas traditions
As many gather to worship and rejoice in the birth of Jesus Christ, the savior, it is worth knowing how some (now common) ancient traditions and symbols arose as you reflect on the joy of his birth and the light he brings to mankind.
• Evergreen trees were the symbol of eternal life. Martin Luther introduced them to the Reformation church as a picture of our endless life in Christ, by bringing in a tree to his family on Christmas Eve lit with candles (Isaiah 60:13).
• Candles are lit as a glowing symbol of Jesus Christ being the light of the world ( John 8).
• Holly is a symbol of the thorns in Jesus’ crown (Matthew 27:29).
• Red is a color of Christmas, and speaks of Christ’s blood.
• Gifts are a reminder of the gifts of the Magi to baby Jesus in the manger. Each of them addresses a part of his incarnation: majesty in life, bitterest agony in death, and he as God’s perfect gift to the world (Matthew 2).
• The yule log: Going back to, and before, medieval times, people would carry into the house a log large enough to burn for 12 days. The fire was started with a fragment from the previous year’s log (this refers to the eternal existence of Christ before his birth). It is a symbol of warmth, unity and joy.
• Bells are associated with ringing out joyful news. Christ is the good news, the best news of all — the savior is born unto the world.
• Dove: This symbolizes peace and the Holy Spirit.
• Angels: The Angel Gabriel brought the news of Jesus’ birth. Angels are also a significant part of the nativity scene.
• Mistletoe was an ancient symbol from Roman times. Under mistletoe, old enmities and broken friendships were restored, so Christ was the one who took away the enmity and gave us peace with God (Romans 5:1; Romans 8:1).
• Candy cane: Some interpret its shape as a “J” for Jesus or as a shepherd’s crook. The red and white stripes supposedly symbolize Christ’s blood and purity.