O Christmas Tree!
Evergreen trees have been held sacred by many cultures throughout history because they remind us that life always renews itself. German Christians were the first people to bring fir trees into their homes as part of their Christmas celebration. Christmas trees were seen as pagan symbols by Americans until late in the nineteenth century. After they were made popular in England by Queen Victoria they were gradually accepted by Christians in the United States. The Christmas tree in my home is sacred because every ornament evokes a special memory or symbolism. Some ornaments were made by our children when they were young, while others were gifts from parents and friends, now gone, or loved ones who live far away. Among the ornaments are many angels, peace doves and origami cranes, to symbolize my greatest hope, that peace will one day reign throughout the world. This is the hope that Jesus brought to humanity when he was born on C...