Symbol of Christmas—Evergreen Tree
by Annie Yorty
Putting ornaments on my Christmas tree brings me great joy. Many of my ornaments reflect places we’ve traveled or special events we’ve experienced together. The nostalgic trip down memory lane warms my heart. You may feel the same. But let’s pause for a moment and consider the deeper significance of the evergreen tree as a symbol of Christmas.
A Symbol of Christmas—My First Impression
One of my earliest memories comes from the Christmas season. Our tree stood in the corner of the living room wrapped only in strings of big green bulbs. In the gathering shadows of the late afternoon, the muted emerald glow bathed a toddler—me, pudgy hands gripping the pegs on either side of the ears of a bouncy horse suspended on a metal frame. Sounds of activity from the rest of the household faded as the squeak squeak of the springs and gentle back and forth motion lulled me. I stared into the depths of that tree for hours, it seemed.
I think that image remained with me all these years because a deep and abiding sense of security enveloped me as I rocked in the darkness that evening.
These days, I dare not try to ride a bouncy horse to recreate that feeling. But when I think about the evergreen that mesmerized a child, I draw the same conclusion.
I am secure in Father’s care.
The carol “O Christmas Tree” extols the virtues of the evergreen, a symbol of Christmas. First written in the sixteenth century as a folk tune, the lyrics have undergone several revisions since then. Ernst Anschütz wrote the current version in 1824. The main idea repeats throughout.
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, thy leaves are so unchanging.
God’s Unchanging Nature
Evergreens, as the name implies, remain green throughout the year. Unlike deciduous trees whose leaves change colors and fall, evergreens stay the same color month after month. Some say that’s why it was chosen as a symbol of Christmas.
Like the green of our Christmas trees, God never changes.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8 NLT)
His character does not change.
His promises do not change.
What He said in the beginning of time remains true today and forever.
God’s Unchanging Love
Throughout the Advent season, we meditate upon the love of God that compelled Him to send His only beloved Son to earth to live as a human. His love reminds me of another verse about security we find in God’s unchanging nature.
“I am the Lord, and I do not change. That is why you descendants of Jacob are not already destroyed.” (Malachi 3:6 NLT)
While God spoke through Malachi directly to the Jews, His message also pertains to us. We all deserve to be destroyed. Our sin condemns us to death, but God, because of His unchanging love for the people He created—you and me, could not bear to allow our death. Instead, He condemned His perfect Son, Jesus, in our place when He assumed the guilt of our sins.
We praise God that His unchanging power resurrected Jesus from the grave three days after He died. He rescues those who humble themselves and admit their need for a Savior.
God’s unchanging love and power also pierce the darkest days with hope. Click To TweetOur Symbol of Christmas Offers Hope
Another verse of “O Christmas Tree” reminds us that God’s unchanging love and power also pierce the darkest days with hope.
When winter days are dark and drear, you bring us hope for all the year.
This Christmas, when you gaze upon the verdant needles of evergreen trees, rejoice in knowing you are secure with God, who never changes His mind, always keeps His promises, and never steps outside of His proven character.
Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. (James 1:17 NLT)
If you feel at all unsure about your standing with God, please click Steps to Peace with God to learn about how to receive eternal security.
If you enjoyed considering how this symbol of Christmas from nature reflects the character of God, be sure to check out my recent articles 7 Visible Reminders to be Grateful for God and 7 Reminders from Creation about How God Sees Us.
Join the conversation:
What unchanging characteristic of God do you hold on to when you need hope?
I welcome your comments!
A Beautiful Christmas Bonus
This month I contributed a poem to Refresh Magazine. You will indeed be refreshed and encouraged when you read this online magazine. While you’re there, subscribe so you’ll never miss a quarterly issue.
Coypright ©2022 Annie Yorty
16 Comments
Nancy E. Head
What a beautiful remembrance with applications for today. Thank you, Annie. God bless and merry Christmas.
Annie Yorty
Merry Christmas to you too, Nancy!
Vicki Cottingham
Thank you, Annie for teaching me something new. I’d never considered before how the Christmas tree can reveal to us truths about God, such as his unchanging nature.
Annie Yorty
Vicki, thanks for visiting and sharing your thoughts. I pray we keep finding reminders of God’s character everywhere we look. Merry Christmas!
Debbie Wilson
I could smell the evergreens as I read your post, Annie. 🙂 I don’t think I’d heard of them associated with God’s unchanging character and love before. Now I’ll think of that when I look at them.
Annie Yorty
Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts, Debbie. Christmas blessings to you!
Sylvia Schroeder
I’ve often connected the idea of evergreen with God’s character. It was so good to see your connections articulated. Thank you and Merry Christmas!
Annie Yorty
We can see God everywhere if our eyes and hearts are open. Thanks for visiting, Sylvia. Blessings to you!
Barbara Latta
Thanks for sharing this visual reminder of God’s eternal presence and love. The wvergreen tree is a perfect display of His never changing character. I love decorating mine too as I have collected ornaments from places we have visited abd I can relive those times.
Annie Yorty
It makes me happy to remember the times of my life when I decorate. So many things have changed over the years, but the tree the ornaments hang from reminds me that God never changes. Thanks for visiting, Barbara!
Yvonne Morgan
I love trees of all kinds but especially for trees. You made so many great points that I had never considered. I will now look at my Christmas tree with fresh eyes. Thank you for this gift Annie
Annie Yorty
Yvonne, I appreciate your visit and comments. Christmas blessings to you!
Jen Knight
I have a very similar memory of sitting on my springy horse. Those are precious memories. Thank you for sharing about the evergreens. It has been a long time since I have heard this and am thankful for the reminder.
Annie Yorty
Love this, Jen! Do you think they make adult ones? LOL I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas.
J.D. Wininger
What a sweet post Ms. Annie. As Ms. Diane and I have “matured” (well, she’s matured, I’ve just gotten older), we don’t decorate a huge tree, adorned with all the lights and bulbs, and shiny things. Instead we sit up three small tabletop trees, each holding a special place in our hearts. One our “traditional” tree, with lights, a few ornaments, lace angels, etc. One is “The Farm Tree” adorned with farm animals, tractors and all the reminders of God’s blessing that we so faithfully care for. The other is our “Mom Tree”. It contains laser-etched ornaments of our loved one whom we pray await our arrival in heaven one day. We call it the “Mom Tree”, because both our mothers and mothers-in-love have passed into glory, and they both were such lovers of CHRISTmas and all that God brought for for man on that day. So enjoyed your post my friend. Merry CHRISTmas!
Annie Yorty
I like the idea of three smaller trees, J.D. That means you can spread out to several rooms without moving the furniture. Your themes appeal to me because each one has personal significance. You may be able to tell that I’m a bit of a sentimental sap, and I love those trips down memory lane. Thanks for sharing your thoughts here. I always enjoy “chatting” with you. Merry Christmas to you and Ms. Diane!