Strange
thing – you cut down a tree – bring it inside the house – hang stuff on it –
put lights on it.
Jesus
life connected to trees – carpenter – manger – boat – cross
Evergreen
– stays green all winter – sign of life in death
Martin
Luther – walking through woods – starlight through trees – put candles on tree
– not popular with fire department – Thomas Edison took care of that.
Angel
or star on top
Angel
– Glory to God in the highest
Star
– Star of Bethlehem
JPII
first to bring tree to Vatican – with beautiful Nativity in St. Peter’s Square.
Made
three wishes:
1) Many look at the bottom of
the tree where the presents are – what did I get for Christmas? His 1st
wish – look up – toward heaven – toward God.
Baptist said: he must increase, I must decrease – I am not worthy to
untie his sandals.
2) Trees give off light – the
light was shining upon the shepherds – we too need that light to show us the
path when it is dark, when we are afraid or worried. 2nd wish – see
that the baby, born in Bethlehem, is the Light of the World. Baptist said: Look, the Lamb of God!
3) Tree is made of many lights,
not just one light. 3rd wish that we would not be selfish but would
become lights for others – just as JB was a light. Words written on Newtown bus : Be nice to
each other. It’s really all that matters word s by Principal who gave her life.
May
your blessings be upon all who gather around our trees, all who keep the
Christmas festival by its lights.
We
wait for the coming of Christ, the days of everlasting justice and peace. You
are our God, living and reigning, forever and ever, Amen.
