The legend goes something like this:
Martin Luther, the great reformer of the Western Church, was traveling home one evening through a forest of evergreens as he stopped to view the way the twinkling stars shone through the boughs of the beautiful trees. Desiring to share this wonder with his family, he cut a tree and took it home. Setting the tree up inside and decorating it with lit candles, he explained his experience to his family and told them about the way the stars were shining bright in Bethlehem the night Christ was born. Thus, the first Christmas tree was "invented."
Beautiful story; no truth in it, though.
There are other legends including other Christian leaders of the past, one involving another German (actually was he was from England, but went to Germany as a missionary), Boniface in the 8th century. I even found a website that mixes up Martin Luther with Martin Luther King, Jr. It is hilarious how we can get so confused!
So, from where do we get the Christmas Tree? The modern practice stems from sixteenth century Germany, hence the Martin Luther reference. However, Luther had nothing to do with it. The Feast of Adam and Eve was celebrated on December 24th by placing fir trees, called "Paradise Trees," in the home. This tradition was melded with a Christmas pyramid tradition, of decorating a wooden pyramid with Christmas symbols to come up with something like what we call a Christmas Tree.
However, even behind this are various and sundry pagan origins dating all the way back to ancient Egypt. Because of its pagan beginnings, some Christians have taken offense to the use of the Christmas Tree. However, if you removed everything from Christian observance that was in some way related to paganism in its origin, you wouldn't have much left to celebrate.
Regardless of how we got it, it's here and there are some nice connections between the Christmas Tree and Christian thought: evergreen symbolizes life everlastin;, the triangular shape of the tree symbolizes the Trinity; lights symbolize Christ, who is the light of the world; and we can decorate with Christian symbols, such as the Chrismon's on the tree in Christ Church. So, enjoy your tree this Christmas and remember the Christ who is not only at the center of Christmas, but who is at the center of all things, including my life and your life!
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