Our trees today are much more elaborate than Martin Luther s tree and are representative of even more symbolic treasures that remind us of the first Christmas-night in the plains of Bethlehem. Many aspects of our Christian faith are memorialized on our Christmas trees. The tree itself reminds us of the tree of Life, and of the everlasting life we look forward to which was secured for us through the birth, death, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Christians are to bear good fruit and are known by their fruit. Fruit also refers to children.
Candy canes are shepherd s crooks.
We remember the shepherds who were told by the heavenly army that filled the sky, about the birth of the Savior and told them to go to the place where the Babe would be found, lying in a manger, together with Mary and Joseph. These shepherds were not your ordinary shepherds. These particular shepherds were in charge of caring for the sheep which would be used in the Temple sacrifices. The tiny lights are a modern day safe replacement for Luther s candles. The lights remind us of the starry skies, of the coming of the Savior - bringing light into a world darkened by sin, and the promise of Heaven for God s elect.