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Christmas Tree Symbolism L I G H T S Symbol of Christ, who is the "light of the world," and of his divine and human characteristics and virtues. S P H E R E S The fruits of the tree of life, that is, the fruits of Christ, and the gifts that God gives each one of us. S TA R The star on top represents the star which guided the Wise Men to Bethlehem and the faith that must guide every Christian. G R E E N The green color of the Christmas tree is an ancient sign of eternity. D ECO R ATI O N S The bright decorations represent God's glory and the joy of Christ's birth. T H E N ATI V IT Y S CE N E Another popular and meaningful Christmas tradition is the display of the nativity scene. Its origin is attributed to St. Francis of Assisi in 1223, who made a Bethlehem scene in Greccio, Italy, with live animals. He was able to do it with help from other friars and people from the neighborhood. "I want to enact the memory of the Infant who was born at Bethlehem, and how he was deprived of all the comforts babies enjoy; how he was bedded in the manger on hay… For once I want to see all this with my own eyes," the saint said. When he saw the completed Nativity Scene, illuminated with torches at night and in the company of his fellow friars and a crowd of people form the town, he was "overcome with devotion and wondrous joy." Besides its great meaning, the Nativity scene can become a place of family unity. It can be an opportunity for children to be creative as they help prepare the landscape. Also, as part of the Christmas preparation and celebration, some families gather in front of the Nativity Scene to say a prayer or pray the rosary at night. 30 DECEMBER 2020 | DENVER CATHOLIC