Wanting to share the experience with the family, he cut one down, and took it home, placing candles in the boughs to simulate the stars. It was not until the turn of the nineteenth century that trees were dressed as we know them today. Garlands of cranberry or popcorn were common in the nineteenth century, along with flags, bows and other simple decorations. In the Victorian era, in the mid-nineteenth century, blown glass ornaments became popular here and in Germany. The traditional tree-top ornament is the star of Bethlehem, the Christmas Star.
Many trees placed in churches have Chrismons on their boughs, symbols of the Christian faith.
They remind us in symbols of the one whose birthday we honor. There are, of course, other lights that we place during this season -especially the window lights, a tradition that began among Christians during times of persecution. We light ours as a welcome to God's family, and to all who need to hear to Good News of God's love, the One who is the Light. A Christmas Prayer Heavenly Father, you gave your Son to be a Light to the World, to bring us joy and life. You made Your Son take on human flesh, so that we might know your love.