CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS THE CHRISTMAS TREE

PART THREE of THREE

By the 1890’s Germany was exporting handmade ornaments of hand cast lead and hand blown glass decorations. With their growing popularity the ornaments became more elaborate and of course more expensive. Germany had virtually no competition until around 1925; When Japan began producing ornaments in mass quantity and exporting them to the United States. Also Czechoslovakia also began to enter the ornament making market.  By around 1935 more than 250 million Christmas tree ornaments were being imported to the United States.

In my family when my kids were little we made ornaments together and they made them in school, I have kept them of course. Also buying ornaments, now that they are grown and on their own, with their own little ones. I have given them the ornaments bought and collected through the years for them as well as buying new ones every year. They look forward to receiving them especially since they get to open them early to place them on the tree.

My Granddaughter and her daddy decorating the tree.  She was a month shy of being two years old. 

My family has always used Hallmark Ornaments as our Traditional Christmas tree ornament; especially in buying and handing down. I have glass balls, glass shaped ornaments of all different types for my tree.  Some were my mother’s from the way back, in the 1970’s.  Also other brand of ornaments I have collected throughout the years.  Ornaments are a big part of my family tradition, in the giving and receiving and decorating the tree with them.  As I decorate my tree I use the ornaments to remember back on as each one is a happy memory.

No matter the tree whether it is an artificial or real one! I will always see it as Evergreen, representing the Ever Lasting Life given to all from Jesus Christ. It was first lit with candles by Martin Luther a German. After he was star gazing; so the lights to me symbolize the star that guided the Three Wise Men to baby Jesus.

Some traditions associated with the Christmas Tree also include when the tree in put up and decorated. Way back when it was put up on December 23 or 24 and kept up through around the second week of January. In some cultures they even keep it up through February. When I was growing up I remember if we had a real tree it was brought in and put in the stand. We had to wait two to three days before we could decorate it. My family Tradition is to put the tree up Thanksgiving Day or the Day after. When I was younger it had to be taken down before the fifth of January. I don’t know why? I have heard some take their trees down before the New Year as not to bring bad luck, or financial ruin to the house. I have always left my tree up through the New Year, taking it down at my convenience or when I was tired of the mess. Sometimes it was New Year Day, others it was a week or two into the New Year.

‘Why we do the things we do’? Thanks to Germany and Queen Victoria the Christmas tree is a worldwide recognized symbol of Christmas. It is the focal point of the Holiday season. Representing the Everlasting Life given to by Jesus Christ, The Star of David, The Star guiding the Three Wise men, Angels who bring the Good News from God and watch over and protect us. In its branches with lights dancing I hope that it may hold past memories as well as new ones to be found.

by: JR Overturf

CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS THE CHRISTMAS TREE

PART TWO of THREE

There is widely held belief that Martin Luther while walking home from church and looking up at the stars; He went home and wired candles to his Christmas tree to simulate the twinkling of the stars. (Martin Luther was German and a Catholic Priest; rejecting the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church). Eventually this caught on and candles were glued to the branches with wax, pinned or wired to the branches of the tree. Candles were an expensive light source and not affordable to everyone for decorating a tree.   Around the 1880’s Electric lights were introduced.

Edward Johnson is credited with inventing the electric tree lights. He was the Associate and Vice President to Thomas Edison’s business no surprise there. He had made 80 lights on a string of wires the size of walnuts in the colors of red, white and blue. These first lights were for indoor use only. By around the 1900’s businesses were dawning the electric lights in their windows. It wasn’t until around the 1930’s that the electric lights begun replacing candles. A teenager named Albert Sadacca whose family owned a novelty lighting company. In 1917 he suggested offering brightly colored Christmas lights. By 1920 he and his brothers formed the company called National Outfit Manufacturers Association. It soon became NOMA Electric Co. The company corned the market on Christmas tree lights until around 1960.

President Calvin Coolidge lit the National Christmas tree with 3,000 electric lights on the Ellipse, located south of the White House.

Now we have twinkle lights some that can be set to music. Indoor/outdoor lights, shape lights, LED lights. I love Christmas lights and enjoy driving through the neighborhoods to see them along with the outside decorations. When I am with my children it makes so much more fun especially with my granddaughter. My Christmas tree can never have enough colored twinkle lights on it. The more the merrier. I always wanted to decorate the house on the outside when my kids were growing up. It only happened a few random times. I became a single parent and not being a ladder friendly person. I didn’t attempt to put lights on the house. So the kids and I would decorate the windows and hang the lights. They were thrilled when I let them decorate their bedroom windows with spray on snow, decals, and of course the lights.

I recall when I was growing up having the real tree that was flocked with snow. The real tree we had to meticulously put on the tinsel. I also remember the tin trees with the color wheel. It never seemed to work correctly or half the time. But it was cool when it did. I remember the big lights and never cared for them even for outdoor decorating. I loved the small colored twinkle lights. I insisted on having a real tree for many years when I was first married. There were a couple years we got a permit and cut down our own tree. That was so awesome. Finding out my daughter was allergic to a real tree we bought the fake one. I always felt something a bit amiss with an artificial tree. But have used them since. I think this year if I cannot have a real tree I will at least have a real wreath or some evergreen boughs placed in my home to decorate.

The lighting of the tree originated from Germany as did the tree itself. Though I have said I have German in my family I do not know much of the German culture. I love that this important and very prominent symbol of Christmas originated there. Thanks to Queen Victoria, she made it popular and acceptable.

by: JR Overturf

There are many meaning surrounding the Christmas tree. The one I hold dear is the Evergreen and Everlasting last given through Jesus Christ. I have always chosen to top my tree with an Angel. Angels are here to watch over us and protect us. Most importantly they are the bearers of God’s Good News.

CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS THE CHRISTMAS TREE

CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS

THE CHRISTMAS TREE

PART ONE of THREE

In wanting to decorate for Christmas, and having all my decorations in storage a mere three hours away, and not knowing if I would be able to go get them; I began to recall what I could remember about my Christmas Traditions. I have a new boyfriend and we were discussing the holidays. As all new couples do, it made recall and begin to think about the importance of a tree. So I re-researched the beginning of this tradition that is accepted and done all over the world. I came across some interesting information I don’t recall finding before. It has been decades since I looked into the Christmas traditions. I had things written out I felt important to remember to teach my children decades ago, as they are 30 and 25 years old now. My oldest is married and has given me two awesome grandchildren. Thinking about the grandchildren also sparked in me to drum up on the Christmas Traditions and the ‘why we do the thing we do’ this time of year.

I have come across some very interesting things. Going way back; Ancient people have hung evergreen boughs above their windows and doors during the winter seasons. Some countries held fast to the belief they warded off evil spirits, ghosts and even witches. The Pine, Spruce and Fir trees have always held the belief of everlasting life in many cultures and countries; as they are evergreen Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

The Winter Solstice celebrated in the Northern hemisphere, it was the shortest day and longest night of the year; around December 21 or 22. This was a celebration that their Sun god was getting well from its sickness. They brought in evergreen boughs to remind them that summer was at hand and things would again grow. Or another words new life.

The Egyptians also celebrated in the same way when Rah their sun god became sick at this time of year. They brought in green palm rushes to remind them of the triumph of life over death.

The Romans using evergreen boughs believed orchards and farms would be green and fruitful again.

Mysterious Druids believed the evergreen symbolized everlasting life. Bringing them inside as a celebration.

Even the fierce Vikings of Scandinavia thought evergreens were a special plant from their sun god, Balder.

I was amazed at how far back and closely related the beliefs are held to Christian beliefs that the Evergreen symbolizes Everlasting Life representing Jesus Christ even before and after his birth. Jesus is also referred to the sun, and the son both. The bringing in of the Evergreen boughs related to the beliefs in their deities of renewed life or everlasting life.

Germany has been credited with starting what we know today as the Christmas Tree Tradition celebrated today. I find this ironic a bit as I have German in my family tree. It began in the 16^th Century as they brought trees into their homes and decorated them with apples, calling them paradise trees In remembrance of the Garden of Eden. In time Nuts and Sugar Wafers, then Marzipan cookies and popcorn strings dyed in bright colors intertwined with nuts and berries were added to the decorating of the tree. I always wondered what the deal was with the Marzipan was at Christmas time. Now I know it hailed from Germany along with the stringing of popcorn to form Garland around the tree.

When 19^th century Germans immigrated to other parts of the world they took their Traditions with them. But in the new world their Christmas trees were viewed as a foreign custom, even being called a pagan custom.. The first record of a Christmas tree being on display was in 1830 by German settlers in Pennsylvania; They were viewed by Americans as pagan symbols being very un-acceptable.

It is not surprising that, like many other festive Christmas customs, the tree was adopted so late in America. To the New England Puritans, Christmas was sacred. The pilgrim’s second governor, William Bradford, wrote that he tried hard to stamp out “pagan mockery” of the observance, penalizing any frivolity. The influential Oliver Cromwell preached against “the heathen traditions” of Christmas carols, decorated trees, and any joyful expression that desecrated “that sacred event.” In 1659, the General Court of Massachusetts enacted a law making any observance of December 25 (other than a church service) a penal offense; people were fined for hanging decorations. That stern solemnity continued until the 19th century, when the influx of German and Irish immigrants undermined the Puritan legacy. (HistoryofChristmastree@History.com);

How far we have come since this…

Thanks to Queen Victoria being popular with her subjects and marrying Prince Albert who was German, the Christmas tree became popular in America and other countries. She encouraged her husband to put up a tree in 1848 like he had when he was a child. It was decorated with sweets, ornaments, candles and an Angel. Before this the usual tree topper was a star, symbolizing The Star of David. Queen Victoria’s bold display of the Christmas tree was featured in the London News. She made it popular to place and decorate a tree inside the home, which swept through England and America. Britt’s and Americans alike competed to see who could have the best decorated tree. I believe this started the great keeping up with the Jones’s.

by: JR Overturf

CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS

CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS

BY: JR OVERTURF

In pondering the things as well as the meaning of Christmas,  I was having a ‘Cindy Loo Whoo’ moment of “Where are you Christmas” feeling.  I began to wonder about traditions; Why we do the things we do year after year, generation to generation.  Where did these traditions come from, did they have a past of their own?  There are too many of these traditions that so many of us participate in.  A Christmas tree for example; Be it a live or artificial tree, it is one of the main symbols for Christmas.

In the hustle and bustle of this time of year, adding to our already busy and hectic lives.  I pray perhaps you will take a moment to not only read my snippets about Christmas traditions.  But also take the time to incorporate them into your traditions.  I hope that you pause and see through the rituals and routines that we all seem to fall prey to this time of year, taking to heart the “Reason for the Season” so to speak in a new refreshing way.

Traditions not only bind us together, they hold eternal beliefs we share in commonality.  They are the creation of warm, fond memories to share with loved and friends.  As we change and grow so do some of the traditions we were handed.  Some are lost or forgotten; which can be sad if they were positive and meant to draw us closer to one another.  New traditions are added to old ones as families add to their lives.  I truly believe traditions are tied to our own belief system.  They hold a high value of spiritual connection to the tradition itself and one another.  If you believe in nothing you have no traditions to fall back on.

I wonder how many people truly know why we do the things we do at this time of the year.  Why do we put up a tree, hang up stockings, buy gifts?  We have become so high tech, busy and involved in our own little worlds.  What have we passed down to our children?  If asked when they grew up why do you put a tree or hang a stocking?  Would their answer be … “I don’t know?  It’s   just something that was done in my house when I was growing up?”

When raising my children who are now 30 and 25 years old.  They can answer these questions I am sure.  Perhaps not with astute accuracy but they have a general knowledge of why we have a tree, a stocking, why candy canes are important to me their mother.   They have kept the traditions I raised them with, along with adding new ones to them due to a marriage and the addition of the grandbaby.  But I also know they teach her all of them, and put emphasis on the most important aspect which Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

What is Happening in the Church

PART ONE

Judy R Overturf

 

Entering the parking lot I can feel the presences of God greeting me.  As I park I sit for a moment and welcome HIM and praise HIM.  Gathering my bible and notebook I head inside.  Having the door opened for me, I am greeted with exuberance by an Usher.  Inside the foyer HIS presences is stronger and I am greeted with smiling faces genuinely happy to meet me and excited I have chosen to worship with them this Sunday.

I had recently moved back to my home town of Cheyenne Wyoming and was invited by a life long friend of my parents.  I felt at ease upon my first visit, normally I am not.  Generally it takes me time to feel comfortable in any group of strangers.  Not here, I felt like I belonged and was welcomed with warmth and love from those that greeted and met with me.

I took a seat in the middle back row, sensing a stronger presence of God in the sanctuary.  Always toward the end of the pew, to make an easy escape should I need it.  I was sitting with my mom and her friends family.  I still had a bit of my guard up, not knowing the service agenda.  The pastors wife greeted me and was happy to have me join them.

The countdown on the big screen ticking off seconds to the start of service, and everyone had entered the sanctuary and was preparing themselves for the service.  The praise and worship team take their places as does the small ensemble of the choir.  After the first song the entire congregation is engaged in corporate worship and the anointing of the Lord has become thick in the sanctuary.  At the front of pulpit I see several people standing floor level.  After the second song the Pastor states over the intro to the next song…”If any need prayer come up and be prayed for.”  Not thinking anymore of God could fit in the small but ample sanctuary HE proved me wrong.  It had been too many years since I had been in the presence of the LORD, but such a heavy anointing overwhelmed me.  I found myself on my knees between the pews in prayer and joyful tears, for the rest of the worship service.

By the end of the service I had found God;  the Pastors sermon was not only anointed of God but right on the money for what I needed to hear and know.  The order of the service was also spot on.  After praise and worship announcements, then the offering was taken with a special solo song performed.  The offering was brought to the front of the church where the ushers and pastor along with the congregation prayed over it. I never heard a word of condemnation from the pulpit in any form or fashion every time I have attended, from anyone speaking.  Trust me I am overly sensitive to this growing up with it my entire life.  I was knit into this church family quickly and with exuberance and love.  Miracle Valley Church Is a church GOD dwells in awaiting communion with HIS people.

Moving again, now I have to locate a new church…

 

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