Why is a TREE TOPPER a symbol of Christmas?
Matthew 2:9-10 "After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy!"
Yesterday I wrote about why Christmas Trees are a symbol of Christmas, as they are to display that Christ was born to die for us and break the curse of shame and death. After displaying your beautiful Christmas tree with lights and decorations typically the last thing a person puts on top of the tree is the Tree Topper.
Tree Toppers are usually the largest ornament on the tree. Placed at the very top to be the focal point of all who see it. Traditionally one of three items that would be positioned as a Tree Topper are a Star, an Angel, or a Bow. But why?
At my home my wife likes placing a bow at the top of our tree. I tell my children the reason why is because though we have our gifts underneath the tree we need to remember the greatest gift of all was given from above and the only reason we have gifts is because God gave Jesus to us as a gift. Therefore we place a bow at the top of our tree, not only because it looks pretty with the décor, ok that's part of it, but overall its because we thank the Lord for Jesus has our gift.
I remember as a child my parents would always place an angel at the top of the Christmas tree, they still do to this day. Reflecting on the angel, I'm reminded of that first Christmas season. The angels played a huge role in the birth of Jesus. Bringing the birth message to Mary (Luke 1), Joseph (Matthew 1), and even the shepherds on that very day (Luke 2). But why an angel on top of a Christmas tree? Well I think the Little Drummer Boy sang it best in remembering what the angels did in Luke 2. "Do you hear what I hear? A song, a song high above the trees with a voice as big as the sea". On the very first Christmas an angel was already above the tree declaring the glory of our God for this special day.
Perhaps the most common Tree Topper, as is displayed on two trees at my place of employment and most public Christmas trees is a star. This is probably the most understanding of Tree Toppers. Sure the world probably just puts a star on top of the Christmas tree because it lights up and makes the tree look more festive in their view point. However, to the believer we should understand the purpose of the star. It was the star that served as the guiding light for the three wise men who came bearing the first Christmas gifts to our new born king. The wise men followed the brightest star in the sky and it led them to where Jesus was staying. The star is still brightly shining above the trees during Christmas to guide modern day wise men in remembering that this is the time of seeking Jesus for He is our king and we should honor Him.
So why a Tree Topper at Christmas? Because whatever you choose to place on top of your Christmas tree, it will serve as a reminder of the Gift, the Glory, and the Guidance of our Great God!
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