The Christmas Wreath

Intro

Today we look at the Christmas wreath. The wreath has become a common decoration at Christmas. They come in various sizes and are hung on doors or walls. They take many different forms today, but the more traditional wreath is made to look like it was made from the bough of an evergreen tree. But does it have any particular meaning? We have found that many of the symbols we surround ourselves with at this time of year have had a tie to the Christmas message, even if over time that meaning has been lost. Is this true of the Christmas wreath as well.

The answer to that is yes, and this morning we look to review that meaning together and recapture its significance as a decoration at Christmas.

Evergreen

It isn’t a coincidence that the most common wreath is made to look like from an evergreen tree, for the wreath got its start from the Christmas tree.

The custom of bringing evergreens home during the winter began in the 16th century among northern and eastern Europeans — with Germans commonly credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition. During this period, pruning the tree was a part of the preparation process. “Limbs were often cut off in an attempt to make the tree more uniform in shape or to fit into a room,” Collins writes in his book. Instead of throwing the pieces of greenery away, the Europeans wove the excess into wreaths.

The reason why trimming the tree was important was that the tree, among other things, was a symbol of the trinity. Catholic legend says that Saint Boniface, a monk from England, used the three points of an evergreen tree to explain the concept of God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost back in the seventh century.

“These people were living in a time when everything in their lives was used until it was gone,”

But as we have learned in the past, the tree is evergreen because it also represents the tree of life, which as always stood as a symbol of the life of perfect fulfillment which God alone can supply, and the life which Jesus has won for us, eternal and full of blessing. The wreath also carries with it this meaning also.

Although this imagery was linked in particular to the tree, it also found a place in the imagery of the wreath as well. Which brings us to the next point.

Circle

The wreath was originally much smaller than is the custom today as it was shaped in such a way to make it easy to hang on a tree as ornamentation. It symbolized eternity, as the shape has no end.

Of course, this is not simply speaking of living forever, which we would for good reason doubt was a blessing, but refers to the unending life of fulfillment under the provision of our maker and Saviour.

The meaning of the circle though has a very long history within the church and serves as a very appropriate symbol for us at Christmas which celebrates Jesus’ birth and ministry for us.

The circle in the early church came to represent Jesus Himself. It served as a picture of the word ichthus where each letter was placed over the other. It made a wheel. So they had a symbol that incorporated all that Christ is (Jesus, Christ, Son of God, Saviour). And also represented the life that He won for us through his death and resurrection. The fish was tied to Christ from the parable involving his people being

Crown

In ancient times wreaths were used to honor victory in games. Paul uses that imagery to teach on the importance of faithfulness.

Conclusion

The wreath is in truth a very appropriate symbol for us to display at Christmas, for it tells of the Christmas story, of the day that Jesus was born, and what He was born to do.

**Despite its widespread popularity today, the wreath started with humble beginnings. “We live in a throwaway culture,” says Collins. “The wreath was born out of not throwing things away.”