The Legend of Christmas Tree Lights

For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are light in the Lord: walk as children of light (Ephesians 5:8).

I find it interesting to look into where some of our Christmas traditions come from, and many have religious significance. Take our Christmas lights for example. You can see them everywhere, from well-lit houses, to mall and store decorations, to towns all over America, to our Christmas trees, and beyond.

Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Matthew 5:15-16).

Lighting up for Christmas goes back to the 1500s. Of course, they used candles for their lighting then. Legend has it that the well-known theologian, Martin Luther, was the first person to put lights on a Christmas tree. Supposedly he was walking home one night and saw the bright stars sparkling through the tree branches. When he got home, he wanted to recreate the awe and beauty of what he'd seen and have a reminder of our majestic Creator, so he put up a tree in the parlor and lit it with candles. Other people liked and copied it, and a tradition was born.

Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee (Isaiah 60:1).

Of course, Jesus came as a light to the world, a way from the darkness of sin. He is definitely the reason for the season. So, when you see Christmas lights this year, especially those on a Christmas tree, remember the beauty of what they represent -- the coming of our Savior and a way to spend eternity with Him.

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